Page 7 - The Wave Holistic and Metaphysical Journal March/April 2016

Refuge Recovery:
Finding F reedom F rom Our Suffering
We live in a time that recognizes the need for solutions. When over 7 billion humans inhabit our planet, the pile-up of wreckage is hard to ignore. The present fever pitch seems like a scream for help, on many levels. Faster-paced lifestyle, erratic economy, mounting global issues seem over-whelming to most. Some of us find short-term relief in alcohol, drugs, shopping/consuming, Internet, TV, etc., to take the edge off.
Distractions. We all keep one or two. When do these coping mechanisms or distractions cross the line to addiction, though? Is the price of these distractions causing suffering for ourselves, for our families, for
our communities? Can we let go of the behavior or substance on our own or do we need help? Good questions.
In 1979, I was face to face with these questions. My suffering was too much to deny anymore. When I made the decision to seek help, I entered into residential treatment centers. I did so five times. At least I kept
on trying. I found the 12-step programs, therapy, yoga, meditation and many other healthier behaviors and ways to investigate a balanced lifestyle. Much good has come from my seeking. Today, I continue my quest.
Last year, I heard about Refuge Recovery, a Buddhist path to recovering from addiction. The traditional system of the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path are utilized to heal underlying conditions that lead to our addictions. The path is outlined in the
by Shelli Morrison
book, Refuge Recovery (2014) by Noah Levine.
The simple, self-investigative path is a process that begins with the Four Noble Truths
• We take stock of our suffering
•
• •
We investigate the cause and conditions leading to addiction
We understand that recovery is possible
We engage in the Eightfold Path (as follows)
1. Understanding - We come to know that everything is ruled by cause and effect.
2. Intention - We train our mind to meet pain with compassion & pleasure with non-attached
appreciation
.
3. Communication/Community - We take
refuge in community as a place to practice wise communication & support others on their path.
4. Action - We purify our actions, letting go of behaviors that cause harm
When we renounce harmful behaviors and begin taking refuge in safe, fulfilling ways, we address the cycle of addiction, we awaken, and we find truth and community.
A REFUGE RECOVERY meeting is held every Wednesday 6:30~7:30 pm at Church of the Oaks in Cotati. All are welcome. www.refugerecovery.org
A Beautiful Light
Intuitive Counselor
Pathways to awakening
Rev. Marcella Zinner, MMA, ChT.Th.M
Career Guidance Business Emotional Clearing Relationship
Certified Medical Intuitive
Readings by Phone or Skype 727-785-8780 mzinner@tampabay.rr.com www.marcellaz.com
SPIRITUAL EMPOWERMENT
FOR BODY, MIND, & SOUL
Kathleen Temperani Healer, Guide, and Ritual Master in the Modern Mystery School
through the Lineage of King Saloman
925-997-7518
kathleen@a-beautiful-light.com
May/June 2016
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