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The 11th step of Alcoholics Anonymous is “We sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out.” So, how do you implement meditation?
Prayer can be an important part of the program for many people. However, meditation can sometimes be a concept and practice that others are more comfortable with and would like to implement more firmly into their personal journey through AA.
How Do You Meditate?
Meditation doesn’t require any fancy tools or extensive protocols. Instead, you only need four basic elements to begin your personal practice. They include:
- A quiet location free of distractions
- A comfortable posture
- An attentive focus
- An open heart and mind
The goal of meditation is to learn how to focus your mind and attention on the task at hand, drowning out all other thoughts and worries. You can meditate alone, watch videos that guide you through a meditative practice, or attend meditation classes similar to exercise classes.
How Can Meditation Help Someone in AA?
When one mediates as a part of AA practice, they’re usually attempting to communicate with their higher power to find a way to release the control that alcohol has on their lives.
This act of clearing the mind and focusing on this all-important topic can help change an individual’s perspective. Meditation helps them see where they should go next in their recovery, and may even allow them to control issues like cravings and triggers.
In addition, this practice can also minimize issues associated with anxiety, depression, stress, insomnia, and physical and emotional symptoms of alcoholism.
Implementing this practice into your daily life can help treat problems that could lead to relapse or are otherwise associated with your alcohol abuse. It can also help you work through the 12 steps in a way that best supports your recovery.
How Do I Make Meditation a Part of My AA Practice?
You should meditate as often as necessary for it to become a true part of your journey through AA.
If you’re having trouble getting started, try these tips below:
- Set aside a time each day to meditate. Incorporating it into your routine makes it easier to stick with it.
- Clear your mind as you listen to your higher power and become stronger in your recovery. If your thoughts wander (which they will!), allow the thought to enter your mind and then pass by, like a leaf floating down a river.
- Ask your friends and family to respect your meditation time, as it is important that you can practice in a quiet space.
- Reward yourself when you have successfully practiced your meditation for a week straight.
- Write down what you think about or what you see during your mediation time in a journal.
If you would like to learn more about AA and how mediation can fit into the program, just call
800-948-8417
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