Meditation for Mental Health, Addiction, and Recovery

Mindfulness represents the many ways we practice focusing our attention on the present moment. It teaches clients how to stay aware of their environment as well as their thoughts, feelings and sensation. The goal is to look at ourselves and our environment with a non-judgemental eye; we see ourselves as neutral observers. Mindfulness helps clients understand their feelings in a way that does not force them to open up, discuss, or react. Rather, clients will become aware of their emotional states and acknowledge how these are changing over time. 

At Simcoe, mindfulness is a type of therapy that takes place over several weeks, so clients have plenty of time to learn about themselves at their own pace. Mindfulness takes place in group sessions that incorporate different mental and physical practises like yoga, body exercises, and meditation. 

Some benefits of learning and practising mindfulness include: 

• Being less stressed. We often don’t realize when stress is creeping in, so mindfulness allows clients to recognise when this occurs and how to address it.
• Having coping mechanisms for specific negative emotions or physical pain. Mindfulness techniques in cognitive behavioral therapy have been shown to alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression, helping to prevent these from returning. 
• Rewiring our brain chemistry to change the psychological ways we regulate emotions and rewards for certain behaviors. 
• Emotional awareness. Mindfulness focuses on identifying and managing our emotions, which are key to long-term well-being and having enriching relationships with others. 
• Emotional resilience and indepencce in the long-term. As the minds of clients begin to wander and shift throughout the recovery process, mindfulness helps them become familiar with their ever-changing selves. Change becomes a place of opportunity, not one of fear. 
• Accessibility. You can stimulate your brain and relax the mind by practising mindfulness alone, anywhere, or with the guide of a therapist.

Practicing mindfulness through the art of meditation has a clear purpose.  It promotes well-being and creates an opportunity for emotional relief as one becomes aware of their emotions and the control they have over them. As clients learn more about themselves, they will inherently learn more about gratitude and compassion. There are concrete benefits to overall well-being that go very far when it comes to healing an addiction and other mental health issues.