Group therapy, group meditation, group outings- during residential treatment for addiction, much time is spent in the fellowship and presence of others at a group level. Deep emotional processing, fun activities, life skill building, all happens among cohorts and peers on the journey of recovery. Groups in treatment can have more benefit as a group than they would as an individual practice or therapy, like meditation. As part of a focus on creating a spiritual lifestyle full of practical life skills, meditation is taught in treatment. Helping clients find a calm center in the midst of challenging emotions, meditation is an immensely impactful tool which has been empirically proven to reduce stress, alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety, as well as help the brain heal on a biological level.
You Have Others To Communicate With
Mistakenly, meditation is taken to be an isolated practice of silence. Discussing meditation amongst other meditators is helpful in bringing yourself out of meditation and out of the mental space of meditation. Coming back to the body and the physical present moment is helpful, as is the reflection of discussing with others. Without feedback and interaction it can be difficult to gauge progress and let go of ideals of perfection.
You Share The Experience Of Learning
Meditation can be an uncomfortable challenge to overcome in the beginning. Being with one’s own thoughts can present a world of unknown information sometimes positively revelatory and sometimes negatively revelatory. Sharing the experience of learning in meditation helps remove the ego from each individual’s experience. Everyone is encountering themselves through meditation, having to confront and reconcile the inner workings of their mind. With solidarity and support, the experience of learning through mediation is shared.
You Can Be Inspired
Experience, strength, and hope. When you share the different parts of your journey and how they have changed you, others are inspired. Meditation on a group level can inspire other people to stick to their practice and continue exploring. Likewise, you will be inspired by others. Inspiration is different from being challenged or competitive. Meditation advocates against working in competition with others but instead drawing inspiration for growth. When meditating in a group, knowing that everyone is working on their practice and possibly even struggling at any given moment is a relief from feeling like meditation has to be done perfectly.
Traditional Therapies Still Work
Many addiction recovery centers incorporate non-traditional therapies like art therapy, music therapy, and writing therapy in there recovery program. Depending on the individual, every recovery program is different. At Cypress Lakes Lodge, we understand the importance of creative therapies, but we also know that traditional group therapy is still very beneficial for the recovery process. This is because individuals, when thrown together can find plenty in common with each other. Everyone is going through the struggle of addiction, and surrounding yourself with people who are can create a strong support group outside of family and friends who may not have the same struggles in life.
Rejuvenation of mind, body, and spirit. Confidence in recovery. Balance in life. These are the promises of Cypress Lakes Lodge. Our residential programs provide excellence in addiction treatment for lifelong recovery. For information on our beautiful home and 200 acre estate in Eastern Texas, call us today at 877-938-1577.