Recovery Dharma is an inclusive and peer-led ​movement that believes in the potential of each ​individual to overcome addiction and find liberation ​from suffering. Our community is centered around the ​Buddhist principles of self-inquiry, meditation, ​wisdom, compassion, and community as a means of ​healing and recovery. We support one another as ​“fellow travelers” on this path, regardless of whether ​the addiction is substance-related or behavioral, such ​as co-dependency, gambling, eating disorders, ​relationships, technology, or other compulsive ​patterns that cause distress. Join us in our journey ​towards healing and freedom.

“As people engaged in the world, rather than ​withdrawn from it, we can use Wise ​Understanding to live without clinging, ​attachment, or craving. By paying attention to ​our actions and the results of those actions, we ​can begin to change where our choices are ​leading. If we intend to act in ways that have ​positive results, and if we’re aware of the true ​intention and the nature of our actions, then ​we’ll see better results—better meaning less ​suffering and less harm.”

Recovery Dharma Book, Page 7

The Four Foundations of ​Mindfulness

Focus on body, emotions, mind, and phenomena ​to deepen mindfulness and connect with thoughts ​and feelings.

The Four Foundations of Mindfulness in Recovery ​Dharma offer a framework for developing ​awareness, equanimity, and insight in addiction ​recovery by focusing on the body, feelings, mind, ​and phenomena. This approach helps ​individuals connect with themselves, build ​resilience, and sustain sobriety with compassion ​and clarity.

The first step is to be present with the body, ​focusing on sensations, movements, and ​breathing to manage stress, cravings, maintain ​body awareness, identify tension, and prioritize ​self-care over substance use.

Practicing mindfulness involves focusing on ​thoughts and experiences to understand the mind, ​achieve inner peace, break bad habits, and ​cultivate resilience and compassion.

Observing emotions mindfully without attachment ​is essential for handling emotions with clarity and ​compassion, aiding in recovery by managing ​triggers and maintaining sobriety.

Practicing mindfulness entails observing thoughts ​and experiences to understand the mind, cultivate ​inner peace, break bad habits, and enhance ​resilience. This can lead to spreading compassion ​and mindfulness to others.

The Four Heart Practices of Buddhism,

also known as the Brahmaviharas or the Four Immeasurables

The Four Heart Practices create a comprehensive framework for emotional and spiritual healing, guiding ​individuals toward sustainable recovery and personal growth.

Loving-Kindness, or Metta, involves nurturing ​unconditional love for oneself and others, ​even challenging individuals, to overcome ​negative emotions and self-criticism.

"May I be happy, healthy, safe, and at ​ease".

Compassion in Recovery Dharma involves ​acknowledging others' suffering, especially ​those battling addiction, and responding ​with kindness. common phrase used is:

"May you be free from suffering, may ​you find peace and happiness."

Appreciative Joy, known as Mudita, involves ​finding happiness in others' success rather ​than envy. It emphasizes taking delight in ​others' well-being and achievements, with a ​common phrase being:

"May your happiness and good fortune ​continue to grow".

Equanimity (Upekkha) involves maintaining ​mental calm and stability, cultivating a ​balanced outlook free from attachment or ​aversion. common phrase used is:

"May I learn to accept the things I ​cannot change, may I find peace amidst ​uncertainties."

Additional Recovery ​Dharma Meditations

These meditations aim to bring inner peace ​through unique techniques and soothing ​audio, including guided visualizations and ​mindful breathing exercises, suitable for all. ​Crafted by experienced practitioners, the ​sessions help deepen your practice and ​guide you towards inner tranquility.

This is the Recovery Dharma standard 12-​minute basic meditation practice with ​breath awareness that can be used for as ​a focusing exercise or as a gateway to ​other mindful activities or for a quick ​sense of calm.

The forgiveness technique by ​Recovery Dharma, applying Buddhist ​principles, emphasizes the ​importance of letting go and forgiving ​to progress and heal.

This guided practice in the Buddhist ​tradition focuses on sitting with ​challenging emotions and practicing ​self-compassion, developed by ​Recovery Dharma for addiction recovery.

Frequently Asked

Questions

What does Recovery Dharma ​believe in?

We believe that the traditional Buddhist ​teachings (“Dharma”) offer a powerful ​approach to healing from addiction and ​living a life of true freedom. By following ​a balanced path of understanding, ​ethical behavior, and mindfulness, all ​beings have the potential to find ​happiness and free themselves from the ​suffering of repetitive craving.

Do I have to be a Buddhist ​to participate?

Although based on ancient Buddhist ​teachings, the program is inclusive of all ​individuals, regardless of their religious ​beliefs. Recovery Dharma emphasizes ​the importance of wisdom, ethics, and ​mindfulness, and does not mandate the ​acceptance of any religious principles. It ​is primarily regarded as a philosophy ​and a moral discipline.

What about Medication ​Assisted Treatment Programs? ​(MAT)

Recovery Dharma advocates for ​complete abstinence from recreational ​mind-altering substances, but ​acknowledges that individuals may need ​to set boundaries for other addictions ​such as food or technology. Abstinence ​may also be necessary for some ​individuals when it comes to sexual ​behavior or seeking out love and ​relationships as they work to establish ​meaning-full boundaries.