Studies have shown that people who meditate regularly have different neural structures in the brain, so says Fadel Zeidan, PhD, a research fellow in the department of neurobiology and anatomy at Wake Forest School of Medicine. “We have different pathways that can facilitate different behaviours.” Overuse the regions associated with depression, and the pathways for happiness which aren’t being used become weaker. Some say we can use our minds to change our brains to become happier – it’s officially called ‘neuroplasticity’. So how can we start to rewire our brains?
Hand on Heart Gatha
Practicing with a gatha (a verse) can help us return to ourselves and to what is going on in the present moment. This Gatha can be used and read out each morning and at other times throughout the day as a way of focussing our minds on the specific behaviours (often addictive) we wish to abstain from and to compassionately remind ourselves of the great gifts we have in our lives of abstinence, well-being and recovery. As you recite the first verse, breathe in; and as you recite the second line, breathe out. Please click on the video to listen the Gatha (and wait for the magic to unfold for you!)
With my hand on heart gatha
The power of mindfulness to reshape your brain
Rewire your brain
These gifts of recovery allows us to breathe and absorb that, so we develop a sense of gratitude. We also know through neuroscience and MRI brain imaging that we are actually rewiring the hardwiring in our brains to be happier people.
“The love my family is deeply precious to me”
Breathe in the good stuff
Try our mindful practice
“Recovery is a great gift to me that requires an ongoing commitment to taking wise and compassionate steps away from addiction and into freedom. With my hand on my heart I commit to abstain from drugs including alcohol, from compulsive overeating, from abusive and unrewarding relationships and from sex outside of a committed relationship.
I’m reminded that the most precious things to me in life are my two beautiful daughters, my wonderful mom and dad and my family. My dignity and integrity my health and well-being, my recovery from addiction and mental health issues, kindness, music, compassion for my own suffering and the suffering of others, beautiful animals, mother earth, delicious food, creativity, nourishment, freedom and peace of mind.
Breathing in deeply I accept these things with the deepest love and appreciation. I know that i am blessed with loving kindness in more ways than I often remember. May I be lifted from the obsession to return to my addictive past and live instead with compassion and wisdom and in service to others on this road we share together.
May all beings be happy. May all beings be free. May all beings known peace. I wish you well.
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