Guided Meditations.

These guided meditations form part of the "Understanding Mindfulness" online course, incorporating the concepts and techniques of the Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction programme created by Jon Kabat Zinn.

There are 4 categories of meditation, Sitting meditations; Breathing space meditations; Visualisation meditations and Self awareness and craving support; 16 guided meditations and mindfulness techniques.

There is little harm that can be done when practicing mindfulness, but if you have asthma or similar breathing difficulties, please be aware that breath work is part of meditation. Only do what is comfortable for you, and ensure you have any medication to hand during breath work.

We will also be entering deeply relaxed states during the meditations, so if you are likely to find this triggering for any reason or medical condition (e.g. epilepsy) please ensure you stay safe during the practice.

Studies have widely shown that implementing a mindfulness practice has assisted in substance abuse treatment the world over. Mindfulness practice is proven to greatly assist with relapse prevention which is key in sustaining long term recovery. Mindfulness is such a useable approach that it can be used alongside many other programmes, including the AA twelve steps.

Alcohol is often used as a means of avoiding painful emotions, social anxiety, physical pain and intrusive thoughts. Over time what at first was a crutch becomes an addiction.

Engaging with mindfulness means you are training yourself to accept what you're experiencing rather than trying to escape it. Accepting our experiences, we learn that they are temporary and we can tolerate them just like a trigger or craving.

If we want a successful alcohol free life, learning to relax is a crucial skill. Sadly, most of us are not aware when stress begins to creep in. When we can relax we can:

Practicing mindfulness as a daily routine you will discover two major benefits:

You will be giving yourself a few minutes break from the daily grind.

You become more aware of what's going on in both body and mind, you will become aware of any tension creeping up on you.

This becomes an important tool for managing stress, anxiety and cravings.