It was time for me to stop talking about adding meditation to my life and start doing it.  With that in mind I knew exactly where I needed to go to begin this journey. Knowing and doing are two different things. I’m sure everyone can relate to that in many areas of your lives. The hard part is getting from the “knowing” to the “doing”. One problem I needed to overcome was my fear of being with others in a group. Yet I was ready.

I needed to get to Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health located in the Berkshire Mountains of western Massachusetts. So my next move was to go to the Kripalu website to see what programs where being offered to help me begin this journey. While searching the programs it just jumped off the screen at me “Is your story making you sick”. Now that’s something I could definitely relate to. The three day program was beginning the next day. So I signed up that minute so I couldn’t back out. It was the best thing I ever did for myself.

The program was given by Dr. Mark Pirtle. He uses integral thinking in recovery to reduce stress and cultivate happiness. By understanding the nature of your mind and how to influence it through meditation. You gain awareness of how the mind’s narrative affects your emotions, health and habits. I gained insight on how to use awareness therapeutically to relieve my stress and my dependence to turn to alcohol.

I gained so much more from the program than I even realized while driving home. My fear of being in a group dissolved away, my fear of my ability to meditate disappeared and most importantly my commitment to honesty and transparency in my recovery program. I went from the “knowing” what to do to the “doing”.

If you would like more information on Mark’s programs I’ve added the link below. He is a man that really cares and his commitment to helping others is HUGE. The photo was taken at Kripalu during a snow storm.

www.skillfullyaware.com