I just learned of a new non-12-step program that friends tell me is fabulous

[SheltieLover]

https://recoverydharma.org/

Based on meditation and the principles of Buddhism.

The 12-Step programs do not work for everyone, so here is an alternative for those of you who might fall into that group.

[usonian]

1. Most therapists strive to adjust people to society.

But in many ways, society is deluded and tells us stories about ourselves that are manipulative, like "You've got to be rich or you're a nobody" or the common: "You're born a failure and can never find happiness" and so on.

These really are manipulative, and we largely accept them.

The Buddha addressed not just the symptoms of our problems, but the root of our problems, such as the fleeting nature of things, while we try to cling to them, and the stories we are taught, in which we are "stamped" as weak and doomed, when in fact the story he tells is one of inner light and infinite potential. (In the Lotus Sutra)

But on a simpler plane, if the world practiced just 4 of the 8 steps on the path, it would be a much richer and happy place.

From the free book there:

1. Wise Understanding
2. Wise Intention
3. Wise Speech
4. Wise Action

Wow. Imagine. 🪷

Wishing everyone success and happiness, because we are not so isolated as society says (for profit). We're all in this world together and can join hands to pull each other up, or not.

[SheltieLover]

2. Very true. Many people take exception to giving up power in 12-step progams

I love the dynamics of empowerment in this recovery progrsm & in Buddhism in General.

Very healthy stuff!

Tyvm for sharing!

[Clouds Passing]

3. There's one in my town! Thank you SL. I may check out a meeting.

[SheltieLover]

4. Check it out, Clouds, & let us know what you think.

A friend attended one & said first 15 min is a mindfulness meditation, followed by a discussion of Buddhist principles &, presumably, how to apply them in everyday life.

[Clouds Passing]

8. I will.

I was going to AlAnon. I didn’t feel like I fit in.

[SheltieLover]

11. A lot of people don't feel like they fit in 12-step programs.

They work for a lot of people & others not so much.

Whatever works for you!

I think you will like it.

[multigraincracker]

5. Here is a helpful meditation to relieve anxiety I use.

I got clean in 1990, went to 3 meetings and never went back. I didn't have a higher power. Found out I was self medicating, and found a better way. I still have some anxiety and depression and have found this very helpful. Get comfortable, turn down the lights and relax to this Buddhist meditation.

[SheltieLover]

6. Ty, MGC

[Clouds Passing]

7. I loooove Meditative Mind. I do the chakra meditations, chants and solfeggios. Thanks for posting mgc!

[multigraincracker]

9. I was walking around in the Hollywood hills in 1967 and I heard this coming from a house.

Someone came out and asked if I'd like to come in and that's how I learned it.

[Clouds Passing]

10. A former roommate was a buddhist. She did the chant. I should have started then!

[multigraincracker]

12. For some reason I always remembered the words. Much later I started saying them.

[Clouds Passing]

13. They flow so beautifully

Your story is sooo cool 😎 Serendipity 😌

https://lotusbuddhas.com/the-meaning-of-nam-myoho-renge-kyo.html

[multigraincracker]

14. Life is strange.

I’m more of a student of the Tao te Ching, but has a lot of interest Buddhism.
One time the Dali Lama was in town giving an interesting talk. During the question period a person commented that it was all so complicated and his Holiness said, it is very simple-Be Nice.

[Clouds Passing]

16. Me too with the Tao te Ching. Also tai chi as a form of moving meditation.

I become trancelike when I am in flow with the movements of myself and the group. We can all feel it when we’re in sync with each other. It’s very cool 😎

[multigraincracker]

17. 30 years ago I took a class in tai chi.

Did it for about a year or so. Have time now, may take it up again.

[Clouds Passing]

18. Highly recommended

Senior centers often have classes low cost.

[SheltieLover]

22. Seniorplanet.org has free classes online daily, incl tai chi

[multigraincracker]

15. Thank you for the link.

[SheltieLover]

20. Yw!

[bif]

19. I think it's been around for a while.

I attend SMART recovery meetings, because I'm an agnostic and the whole God thing about AA really bugs me. Been doing them for 6 1/2 years. Whatever works, I always say.

[SheltieLover]

21. Yup.

Different approaches work for different people