| There are many different
types of meditation which all work to slow down the chatter
of the mind and promote relaxation and mental clarity. |
The
Internet Yogi (theinternetyogi.com)
This web site was developed by David Shannahoff-Khalsa, a
research scientist at the University of California, San Diego
who specializes in treating psychiatric disorders with Kundalini
Yoga. He has developed a protocol using Kundalini Yoga meditation
to treat obsessive compulsive disorders and addiction. These
techniques can also help improve mental concentration and
mental stability, reduce anxiety and depression, and promote
a deep sense of inner peace. The protocol uses unique intense
active meditative breathing, chanting, and movement techniques
(all while sitting in a chair), and is available for purchase
on videotape on his web site.
In addition, Dr. Shannahoff-Khalsa has written
an article
describing a specific Kundalini Yoga meditation technique
for treating addictive disorders that is available full text
online.
Shannahoff-Khalsa DS. "An introduction
to Kundalini yoga meditation techniques that are specific
for the treatment of psychiatric disorders." The Journal
of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. Volume 10, Number
1, 2004, pp. 91-101.
This has the potential to be very helpful
in reducing the obsessive thinking and cravings that often
lead to relapse.
Meditations for Life (imeem.com/tag/addiction/undefined)
Addiction Recovery Meditations: Each meditation is available
on CD or Cassette.
Plum
Village (www.plumvillage.org)
Vietnamese Zen Master Venerable Thich Nhat Hanh is a Buddhist
monk, poet, scholar, and human rights activist. Nominated
for the Nobel Peace Prize by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr in
the 1960's, he has been living in exile in France since 1969
because of his positions on peace during the Vietnamese War.
Thich Nhat Hanh teaches the art of mindful living (to be deeply
aware in the present moment of what is going on within and
around us). While the abuse of drugs or alcohol can be a way
of running from life by trying to forget one's difficulties
and challenges, mindfulness is the opposite. It improves
one's ability to cope with life by teaching how to be present
with whatever is going on without getting overwhelmed or disturbed
by it.
The web site lists monastic retreats in various locations
around the world, many in the U.S. (click on Sangha Directory
in the left navigation bar), articles and books by Thich Nhat
Hanh, mindfulness principles, and a directory of communities
that regularly practice mindfulness together, organized by
state in the U.S. and by country internationally. Users
can sign up to receive his Dharma talks by email by clicking
on "Dharma Talk Transcripts" on the left navigation
bar and then scrolling down the page and filling in their
email address.
Transcendental
Meditation (TM) (tm.org)
The site describes the TM program, its health benefits, and
the extensive research that has been done on TM. An online
locator is provided in order to find the closest Maharishi
Vedic University, College, School or Center where the TM technique
is taught or you can call toll free at 1-888-532-7686.
Wildmind
Buddhist Meditation (wildmind.org)
Wildmind offers a variety of practical approaches to learning
Buddhist meditation online, including written material, guided
meditations in RealAudio format, and online meditation courses
led by an experienced instructor. A good amount of guidance
is provided overall, making the site appropriate for beginners
as well as more advanced meditation practitioners.
World Wide Online Meditation Center (meditationcenter.com)
Simple written instruction for eight different types of meditation
including healing, centering, relaxation, and mindfulness
meditation are provided online.
RESEARCH: Taub E,
Steiner SS, Weingarten E, Walton KG. Effectiveness of
broad spectrum approaches to relapse prevention in severe
alcoholism: a long-term, randomized, controlled trial of Transcendental
Meditation, EMG biofeedback and electronic neurotherapy.
Alcoholism Treatment Quarterly. 11(1-2): 187-220, 1994. Large
improvements in relapse prevention were seen with the addition
of Transcendental Meditation (TM) or EMG biofeedback to the
routine treatment program in an alcohol residential treatment
facility. Complete abstinence 18 months after leaving the
center was reported by 65% of the TM group and 55% of the
biofeedback group compared to 25% of the standard care group
and 28% for the neurotherapy group.
The long-term positive effects of TM, in
particular, seem to be correlated with a reduced relapse rate.
TM may not only reduce tension and anxiety, but also enhance
a sense of control in anxiety-provoking situations that strengthens
the long-term resistance to stress.
It should also be noted that there are many
ways to achieve a meditative state of mind. For those who
have trouble sitting quietly for periods of time, various
movement practices and martial arts, such as tai chi,
qigong, and karate, can also focus and calm the mind and enhance
feelings of self-confidence and self-worth.
SPIRITUALITY
Nurturing the spiritual aspect of life, which can include
such things as music, poetry, literature, nature, or prayer,
takes a person to a place above ego and day to day concerns
and promotes a sense of peace and timelessness.
Addiction Alchemy (addictionalchemy.com)
Addiction Alchemy is a holistic, self-help journey for addiction recovery, based on the Medicine Wheel model. It provides a unique spiritual perspective, offering interactive recovery tools and online guidance.
Spirituality
and Health (spiritualityhealth.com)
This web site was developed by the Publishing Group of Trinity
Church of New York City with an advisory group of theologians,
philosophers, researchers, teachers and writers. The site
includes articles on spiritual issues and practice, original
essays on spiritual matters, a database of over 15,000 reviews
of current books, audiotapes, films and videotapes with online
purchase available, a discussion forum, interactive self-tests
on spirituality and health, and more.
Spirituality Information to Help You (iamawakening.com)
This site offers Information about meditation and other spiritually oriented resources in a variety of formats (podcasts, video, MP3 and more) to help people find comfort, hope, clarity, strength and happiness.
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