Addiction and Yoga
What do you consider to be an addiction?
An addiction is anything you cannot stop on command. It can be to substances, smoking, alcohol, co-dependent relationships, food issues and eating disorders, even lying, boasting, and advancement can be an addiction.
Why are people becoming more addicted to things such as alcohol, drugs, technology or pills in these times?
Stress. Stress is killing us and the inability to deal with the pressure of the times. We look externally to compensate for what strength and vitality is lacking within. The “Age of Computers” is bombarding our psyche and we look for a quick fix to deal withthe overwhelm of stress.
Why is it so hard for us to resolve difficulties, especially if they are addictions?
It is hard because our mentality is a pill popping mentality. We look for overnight fixes, sensations and we do not have the stamina to sustain our strength, grit and determination.
How does the practice of yoga and meditation help to overcome an addiction?
Kundalini Yoga strengthens the nervous system which becomes disabled with drugs, stress and even junk food. A weakened nervous system handicaps us and creates a vulnerability to temptation. Yoga strengthens the nerves, balances the glandular system (the guardian of health) and enables the entire endocrine system to function optimally. This establishes the ability to act effectively rather than react emotionally during stressful and challenging situations. The practice of meditation recalibrates the psychological addictive patterning, enables greater focus and develops inner strength, clarity and emotional stability.
What are the differences in the yogic appropriate to breaking harmful habits?
The differences in SuperHealth yogic approach:
- We do not find satisfaction in simply getting a person off drugs. This is a state of normalcy – where the work first begins.
- Our goal is to exalt the self and raise the level of conscious awareness. The neuron patterning of the brain must be changed. A person cannot change and sustain the change until he’s had an experience of a higher state of consciouness.
- Kundalini Yoga, meditation, chanting and mantra specifically enhance this process to provide an opportunity to recalibrate the imprinting of addictive patterning on the brain. Another key focus of the system is on nutrition. Cleansing toxic overload of the body and rebuilding the depleted system helps to reenergize, balance and enable greater vitality from within.
- SuperHealth accepts the past without dwelling in it and avoids proclaiming the past as an affirmation. We strive to drop a “victim” role of sympathy apathy and perceive the futire as a “victor”. An attitude of learning from our past develops greater wisdom which creates good parenting skills.
- Root vs Symptom: The use of substances is not the problem. It is merely the symptom to a root cause of why we use substances in the first place. Often it is pain experienced on an emotional level. Fear, anger, insecurity, loneliness, depression – may be the root cause or “real root” of the problem. The substance or behavior is merely the manifestation or symptom. It’s important to look at the cause and replace it with healthy and promoting habits.
Traditional treatment considers a person as “ill.” What do you think about that?
No, not at all. Who is not? It’s not about him over there who has a problem and we ok. Who is not without difficulties? The question is how we deal with it. Everyone has the right to change and be happy. We strive to give hope and support those who are bogged down by the undertow of life. Once we remind him that God dwells within, he will be absolutely fine – perfect!
Could you share with us some exercises to fight against the anxiety, for example?
Inhale 5 seconds, hold 5 seconds, and slowly exhale breath out 5 seconds. Begin for 3 minutes, then increase to 5, 11 and eventually 31 minutes. It will maximize oxygen capacity to the brain, increase lung capacity and allow the mind to be still while the body relaxes and is at peace.
Superhealth Tips
SuperHealth Tip #1
When you feel anxious or itchy/nervous, place the fingertips together and roll the fingers around while keeping the fingertips touching. Continue for 3-11 minutes. (See correct hand position in Meditation #4)
SuperHealth Tip #2
To break a habit practice one of the following breathing techniques:
- Inhale 5 full seconds. Hold the breath 15 seconds. Exhale a full 5 seconds.
- Take a full 20 seconds to inhale, hold the breath for 20 seconds, take a full 20 seconds to exhale completed. This is the one minute breath.