Refugee Recovery
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Michigan
Posts: 1,945
Refugee Recovery
No I'm not looking for a Spiritual Awakening but i'm glad i finally stop one. Full Kundalini Awakening how Extreme Hinduism facing all fears head on almost died but it was worth it .Not the middle way but Buddha Path. Yes i believe in reincarnation and know this is my last i would actually prefer Taoism Recovery but never met one before . I've only been to four Refugee Recovery meetings.
Reach Out and Touch Faith
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: On a Sailboat
Posts: 3,871
A woman in one of my SMART Meetings was telling me how much she got from her Refugee meetings. I have added it to the meetings I recommend to others so glad to read feedback. We have one in town currently.
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Michigan
Posts: 1,945
I live in Wayne County half a mile from Detroit there's many i can attend see boleo didn't think i'd take what he said literally i wanted and end of suffering and have it not the Middle Way but Extreme Hinduism don't tell someone in psychosis to face all there fears drinking again chronic alcoholic yes I'm cured of paranoid madness schizophrenia now just psychosis nos same as a Shaman taking DMT at least 50 times more powerful then the acid i did at thirteen me I would recommend Refugee Recovery to anyone and I'm cured off all and they were addictions all were Chronic at some point or another alcoholism porn poker opiates i thought many more i was cursed now I make fum of my i knew there was a cure for paranoid schizophrenia psychologist psychiatrist there uneducated eidetic memory psychosis nos full Kundalini Awakening knowing all my past life's I admit I can't stand the religion i was raised in but it taught me morals I admit I'm of no religion but know there's reincarnation
waking down
Join Date: Dec 2013
Posts: 4,641
No meetings in my neck of the woods, but Buddhism became my method of recovery. I tried AA, dabbled in AVRT, SMART, Rational... All helped in their own way, but what I needed was a regular practice that brought me in closer tune with myself and the world. The Buddhist path does just that.
Behold the power of NO
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: WA
Posts: 7,764
Originally Posted by zerothehero 
No meetings in my neck of the woods, but Buddhism became my method of recovery. I tried AA, dabbled in AVRT, SMART, Rational... All helped in their own way, but what I needed was a regular practice that brought me in closer tune with myself and the world. The Buddhist path does just that.
Like you, sitting daily has also brought me in closer tune with myself and the world (well at least it really calmed my ass down
).I do consider myself recovered now and while I know that nothing is permanent, life is suffering, things change yaddy yaddy yadda I do not attend recovery groups and my meditation practice is what works for me at this stage.
Noah Levine is giving a lecture in my City tomorrow and I cleared my schedule and will be attending.
Behold the power of NO
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: WA
Posts: 7,764
I just came back. It was really interesting.
The lecture was very well attended (I d say probably around 50/60 people) and I really liked him. He is a plain spoken non assuming tattooed guy who would fit right in with a lot of my friends. Definitely not the Sifu or guru type.
We started with a fairly long mindfulness meditation then he took a couple of questions.
He talked a lot about compassion for oneself, one's mind, one's body and for others. He also steered the meditation toward compassion and feelings of kindness during the last half. This was a bit different for me since I generally go into a neutral empty state when I sit.
The way he led us in the meditation was also very different from my sifu at the temple (she is a Chinese Buddhist nun).
He also touched on the subject of pain vs suffering and how pain was unavoidable but we could pull the brakes on suffering by not feeding into it.
Last but not least, he talked about the importance of the sangha/community in Buddhist practice. I am not too sure how I feel about that since my own practice is mostly quite private (I go to the temple once every couple of months at most and I really don't talk to nobody, I just sit, listen and meditate).
He did not really speak about recovery. The lecture was attended by a mixed crowd of refuge recovery folks, members of the Vajra and members of the Rebels and Saints meditation society.
It really gave me food for thoughts when it comes to my meditation practice.
I d definitely suggest you attend if he comes in your area. He is an interesting yet laid back teacher who doesn't take himself too seriously. He's the kind of guy I d invite over for a barbecue. I did not feel that superior/inferior rift that one often gets when attending a lecture on spiritual matters and the people present were definitely no swooning sycophants just Dharma Punx LOL.
The lecture was very well attended (I d say probably around 50/60 people) and I really liked him. He is a plain spoken non assuming tattooed guy who would fit right in with a lot of my friends. Definitely not the Sifu or guru type.
We started with a fairly long mindfulness meditation then he took a couple of questions.
He talked a lot about compassion for oneself, one's mind, one's body and for others. He also steered the meditation toward compassion and feelings of kindness during the last half. This was a bit different for me since I generally go into a neutral empty state when I sit.
The way he led us in the meditation was also very different from my sifu at the temple (she is a Chinese Buddhist nun).
He also touched on the subject of pain vs suffering and how pain was unavoidable but we could pull the brakes on suffering by not feeding into it.
Last but not least, he talked about the importance of the sangha/community in Buddhist practice. I am not too sure how I feel about that since my own practice is mostly quite private (I go to the temple once every couple of months at most and I really don't talk to nobody, I just sit, listen and meditate).
He did not really speak about recovery. The lecture was attended by a mixed crowd of refuge recovery folks, members of the Vajra and members of the Rebels and Saints meditation society.
It really gave me food for thoughts when it comes to my meditation practice.
I d definitely suggest you attend if he comes in your area. He is an interesting yet laid back teacher who doesn't take himself too seriously. He's the kind of guy I d invite over for a barbecue. I did not feel that superior/inferior rift that one often gets when attending a lecture on spiritual matters and the people present were definitely no swooning sycophants just Dharma Punx LOL.
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Join Date: Aug 2010
Posts: 3,109
Reading you reply is making me think of going back to my local Refuge Recovery meeting. Not because I need it to stay sober but for some human connection and the mediation. I got good vibes there. I definitely need to start putting some effort into making a new social circle and that seems like a positive place to start. If I hear he's coming to Toronto I'll go see him for sure. Glad you enjoyed it!
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Join Date: Nov 2007
Posts: 26,425
I'm so glad I found this thread! Although I attend AA for social reasons, The most important aspect of my Buddhism, followed by my wonderful councelor.
I don't have a Refuge Recovery meeting around here, and don't particularly want a sanga based on sobriety. I prefer a more general sanga with a focus on our humanity rather than the divisions within it.
The one time I got 7 years was based on Buddhist practice (and that was a very long time ago).
Could we perhaps start a check in thread or something on going for those of us using this recovery method? I would find that very valuable.
I currently attend a Thai monestary temple a couple of times a month as I am currently mostly involved in readings and tapes of Ajan Sumado and the Thai forest tradition. I started as Soto Zen in 89 and so far have found that meeting a person who "get's it" fully ... sect doesn't matter ... not even religion or any other thing... to get it is to get it
Anyhow ... I'd like to hear from all of you.
Thank you so much!
I don't have a Refuge Recovery meeting around here, and don't particularly want a sanga based on sobriety. I prefer a more general sanga with a focus on our humanity rather than the divisions within it.
The one time I got 7 years was based on Buddhist practice (and that was a very long time ago).
Could we perhaps start a check in thread or something on going for those of us using this recovery method? I would find that very valuable.
I currently attend a Thai monestary temple a couple of times a month as I am currently mostly involved in readings and tapes of Ajan Sumado and the Thai forest tradition. I started as Soto Zen in 89 and so far have found that meeting a person who "get's it" fully ... sect doesn't matter ... not even religion or any other thing... to get it is to get it
Anyhow ... I'd like to hear from all of you.
Thank you so much!
Behold the power of NO
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: WA
Posts: 7,764
Glad to hear from both of you
@Ananda: why don't we just use this thread to check in since it's already here?
Also I am not sure how familiar you are with Refuge but here is a link
ABOUT
@Zenchaser: I don't know if you are on FB but if I see on his page that he is going to Toronto, I'll definitely give you the heads up (provided that I remember, my memory is not what it used to be).
Wishing this little cyber sangha a great peaceful day
@Ananda: why don't we just use this thread to check in since it's already here?
Also I am not sure how familiar you are with Refuge but here is a link
ABOUT
@Zenchaser: I don't know if you are on FB but if I see on his page that he is going to Toronto, I'll definitely give you the heads up (provided that I remember, my memory is not what it used to be).
Wishing this little cyber sangha a great peaceful day
Member
Join Date: Nov 2007
Posts: 26,425
that sounds great Carlotta!
There was a Soto Zen group in our area that met 3 or 4 times a week for sitting and chanting and readings. After the teacher (who wouldn't admit he was a teacher) died, the group disbanded in a few years. It is hard to keep up early morning practice without a person of real spiritual roots to sorta encourage you (unknowingly) as you go ... through the rough and dry periods.
I have to say that the internet has been a real encouragement for those of us who are far from a sanga. At the temple I attend everyone speaks Thai but me, so I don't get to hear a lot. that doesn't really matter as I have felt a connection and they always speak a few words of English to me to help me feel the welcome.
I've missed temple all month due to a day when I was ill and a day when I was knee deep in gardening. The temple is an hour drive away and with gas prices and timing I can only go every other week.
A cyber sanga will be a nice refuge.
gasho (if I spelt that right
There was a Soto Zen group in our area that met 3 or 4 times a week for sitting and chanting and readings. After the teacher (who wouldn't admit he was a teacher) died, the group disbanded in a few years. It is hard to keep up early morning practice without a person of real spiritual roots to sorta encourage you (unknowingly) as you go ... through the rough and dry periods.
I have to say that the internet has been a real encouragement for those of us who are far from a sanga. At the temple I attend everyone speaks Thai but me, so I don't get to hear a lot. that doesn't really matter as I have felt a connection and they always speak a few words of English to me to help me feel the welcome.
I've missed temple all month due to a day when I was ill and a day when I was knee deep in gardening. The temple is an hour drive away and with gas prices and timing I can only go every other week.
A cyber sanga will be a nice refuge.
gasho (if I spelt that right
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Join Date: Nov 2007
Posts: 26,425
Hi Cousin,
There is a refuge meeting an hour and a half away from me on Tuesdays, but I already have to go 2 hours back and forth every weekend for temple and psychologist, so I just can't afford the Gas or the time as I am not good at night driving.
The important thing for me has been to continue to listen to Ajan Sumedo or another monk every morning and do meditation. Overslept this morning so just going to get about 1/2 hour in this morning, will try for more later.
Rattled and terribly human in samsara right now ....
There is a refuge meeting an hour and a half away from me on Tuesdays, but I already have to go 2 hours back and forth every weekend for temple and psychologist, so I just can't afford the Gas or the time as I am not good at night driving.
The important thing for me has been to continue to listen to Ajan Sumedo or another monk every morning and do meditation. Overslept this morning so just going to get about 1/2 hour in this morning, will try for more later.
Rattled and terribly human in samsara right now ....
Reach Out and Touch Faith
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: On a Sailboat
Posts: 3,871
I am really bad at being able to mediate on my own. I need spomeone at least to verbally guide me. Sometimes I find a good video on YouTube to lead my meditation. I get so much out of a good session, but my mind just flakes out. I wonder if it's my ADHD. It might be related to the fact I am not suggestable.
Years ago I had a psychiatrist I trusted with my life. He was part Freudan, part Jungian and mixed in some CBT. (This was back in the 80s when I was a teen.) I asked him if he would hypnotize me. He had me follow his finger and a couple other neurological type tests and said I'm one of the few that could not be hypnotized. To this day I wonder if my brain would just fight him or what it was that he saw.
Years ago I had a psychiatrist I trusted with my life. He was part Freudan, part Jungian and mixed in some CBT. (This was back in the 80s when I was a teen.) I asked him if he would hypnotize me. He had me follow his finger and a couple other neurological type tests and said I'm one of the few that could not be hypnotized. To this day I wonder if my brain would just fight him or what it was that he saw.
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Join Date: Nov 2007
Posts: 26,425
Shockozulu,
What I do is listen to an Ajan Sumedo talk on YouTube, and then set outside in a chair, drink some coffee with a cigarette letting the talk (or sometimes its a written piece) sink in. After a bit of staring at trees and watching clouds I seem to naturally get to meditation.
It's not very traditional, but it sure seems to be deepening my practice. I assume that in time I will be better at traditional sitting on my own. Like you I find it hard without others in a formal setting ... although I do some of that.
The crazy mind thing ... when that happens I just watch it run
What I do is listen to an Ajan Sumedo talk on YouTube, and then set outside in a chair, drink some coffee with a cigarette letting the talk (or sometimes its a written piece) sink in. After a bit of staring at trees and watching clouds I seem to naturally get to meditation.
It's not very traditional, but it sure seems to be deepening my practice. I assume that in time I will be better at traditional sitting on my own. Like you I find it hard without others in a formal setting ... although I do some of that.
The crazy mind thing ... when that happens I just watch it run
Behold the power of NO
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: WA
Posts: 7,764
One thing I found very useful last year when I went through a very trying time at work and struggled meditating because my mind kept wandering and would not center itself back was to chant the name of the Lotus Sutra Nam-Myoho Renge Kyo as do the followers of Nichiren Buddhism.
I am not sure if I buy that chanting it helps erase bad karma but it sure gave me a point of focus and really helped still my mind.
I also love Tina Turner's version and when I could not even center myself enough to chant on my own, I would just sit close my eyes and focus intently on her voice. Worked wonder.
I can get into a meditative state and sit for an hour or more easily now but I still enjoy listening and chanting along with her once in a while.
I am not sure if I buy that chanting it helps erase bad karma but it sure gave me a point of focus and really helped still my mind.
I also love Tina Turner's version and when I could not even center myself enough to chant on my own, I would just sit close my eyes and focus intently on her voice. Worked wonder.
I can get into a meditative state and sit for an hour or more easily now but I still enjoy listening and chanting along with her once in a while.
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Join Date: Nov 2007
Posts: 26,425
Wanted to share something from my morning Sumedo track. It isn't an exact quote as I am doing it from memory. In fact I could have it completely wrong But it touched me where I am today.
There is nothing so bad that has happened to us,
There is nothing so bad that we have done,
Nothing has left us so permanently wounded to the extent that we cannot heal, cannot wakeup
The only thing standing between us and the awakened state is a refusal to awaken.
Found it on youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NtsSWGYumbo Start listening at 34 minutes to get the section (only a few minutes long for this piece).
But it touched me where I am today.There is nothing so bad that has happened to us,
There is nothing so bad that we have done,
Nothing has left us so permanently wounded to the extent that we cannot heal, cannot wakeup
The only thing standing between us and the awakened state is a refusal to awaken.
Found it on youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NtsSWGYumbo Start listening at 34 minutes to get the section (only a few minutes long for this piece).
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Join Date: Nov 2007
Posts: 26,425
I can't listen to your post yet as my son has been watching news every time I come back to this thread
(yep ... that is a bit violent!)
I was thinking this morning that 6 months seems to be a time when I tend to struggle and fail with my alchoholism. I think I have a better ability to accept but not follow the diferent things that would frustrate me before and then become excuses to drink.
But I also remember one time when I was really struggling at 6 months with a Buddhist question that I couldn't understand ... At that time I felt I "needed" an answer So ... I sent an email to "ask a monk". After a few weeks without response and struggling with this question I used it as an excuse to drink to try and quiet my questioning mind (dumb).
Long story short ... I really see a benefit to having a teacher. Since my teacher died I haven't found one. For now it seems that this is the way it is. Things will change and perhaps a teacher will become visible to me. For now I just read, meditate, look to others to support me and keep in mind that this path isn't really taught ... the teacher points. I have to realize the teachings for myself. So a teacher is important, but I think not absolutely necessary. (one who spoke English would be nice )
Hope you all are well.
(yep ... that is a bit violent!)I was thinking this morning that 6 months seems to be a time when I tend to struggle and fail with my alchoholism. I think I have a better ability to accept but not follow the diferent things that would frustrate me before and then become excuses to drink.
But I also remember one time when I was really struggling at 6 months with a Buddhist question that I couldn't understand ... At that time I felt I "needed" an answer
So ... I sent an email to "ask a monk". After a few weeks without response and struggling with this question I used it as an excuse to drink to try and quiet my questioning mind (dumb).Long story short ... I really see a benefit to having a teacher. Since my teacher died I haven't found one. For now it seems that this is the way it is. Things will change and perhaps a teacher will become visible to me. For now I just read, meditate, look to others to support me and keep in mind that this path isn't really taught ... the teacher points. I have to realize the teachings for myself. So a teacher is important, but I think not absolutely necessary. (one who spoke English would be nice
)Hope you all are well.
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Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Minneapolis, MN
Posts: 46
I go many times a week to a Vipassana meditation hall near my house. It is based upon mindful meditation. We do have mindful meditation sessions for people in 12 step recovery, but I can't say as that I have attended more than once. I prefer instead a non-divisional, inclusive approach to life in general, and don't really practice the 12 step philosophy, so I attend the other meditation sessions. But i love it! have been going for 2 years now!
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