Guide to Zen Meditation Practices
A groundbreaking study conducted in 2021 has shed light on Recovery Dharma as a potential resource for treating substance use disorders and process addictions. Led by Dr. Onawa LaBelle, the research has highlighted the benefits of this approach, particularly its unique integration of Zen meditation.
Recovery Dharma is guided by the book "Recovery Dharma: How to Use Buddhist Practices and Principles to Heal the Suffering of Addictions". The approach, which seems welcoming to diverse communities, including those in the LGBTQIA2S communities, people of different faiths, and individuals with various recovery focuses, has been gaining traction.
One of the key features of Recovery Dharma is the regular use of guided meditations. In fact, participants in the study rated these meditations as a helpful and broadly used feature, second only to the meetings themselves.
Zazen, or Zen, is a form of sitting meditation that evolved from the teachings of Buddha in the 4th century BC. It has been brought to the West in the 19th century by people from the Himalayas. In the West, Zen meditation and mindfulness meditation are often understood almost interchangeably. However, Zazen is not a technique or tool to achieve something, like calmer thoughts or a meditative state, but a complete focus of both body and mind on only the act of sitting and nothing else.
The main goal of Zen meditation is to ready the mind for effortless thinking and observing. Long-term practice of Zen meditation has been shown to improve concentration and emotional regulation. A study demonstrated this by showing that skilled meditators processed words faster and responded less emotionally to negatively charged words compared to a control group.
Moreover, long-term practice of Zen meditation supports healthy aging. This was evidenced by higher telomerase levels in skilled meditators compared to the control group, indicating a slower aging process.
The practice of Zen meditation also offers other potential benefits, such as stress and anxiety reduction, increased self-awareness, and reduction of cravings.
Recovery Dharma meetings typically open with a 20-minute guided meditation, a unique feature compared to other mutual help organizations (MHOs) like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). Interested individuals can find more than 200 Recovery Dharma meetings online, and an introduction to Zen meditation can be found online as well.
It's worth noting that while the 11th step of Alcohol Anonymous reads, "we sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood him," Recovery Dharma provides guidance on how to meditate, making it a more accessible option for those seeking help.
There are five main types of Zen: Rinzai, Sōtō, Ōbaku, Fuke, and Sanbo Kyodan, representing different lineages and approaches within Zen Buddhism. For those interested in exploring Zen centers, they can check online to find a Zen center in their state.
In conclusion, the study on Recovery Dharma has shown promising results in the treatment of substance use disorders and process addictions. The integration of Zen meditation, with its potential benefits in concentration, emotional regulation, and healthy aging, makes Recovery Dharma a unique and exciting approach.
