131. Why Is Meditation So Important For People In Recovery?

On this week’s episode of In The Circle, we’re joined by Jen, who inquires: Why is meditation so important for people in recovery, and am I doing the practice correctly?

I used to believe I could never meditate; my mind was too busy, my body too restless. For more than 30 years, I explained to people why it was impossible for me. Everything shifted when I learned about kriya practices: sets of breathwork, movement, and mudras designed to move energy. Different kriyas serve different purposes; some calm the mind, others activate or energize, but all of them create the conditions for meditation.

My biggest breakthrough was realizing that meditation isn’t about stopping thoughts. Meditation is about witnessing, watching, and acknowledging that you are not those thoughts. That separation is powerful; it restores choice. Instead of being dragged around by the mind, I can return to presence: breath, body, awareness. 

So, how do you know if you are meditating properly? Every time you sit and witness, you are. Progress isn’t measured by fewer thoughts but by more love, clarity, and freedom in your life.

Tommy discusses

• Meditation isn’t about stopping thoughts
• Stillness is possible through challenge
• Meditation transforms life
• We’re not defined by thoughts and emotions

Further Links & Resources

• Catch a Meeting. We offer 40+ Live Online Recovery meetings every week. Come and find your community here. Meetings are always free.
• Free beginner’s yoga class - Spinal Tune-Up: https://r20.com/tuneup/
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• Join our Recovery 2.0 Community: access your authentic power, connect with others on a similar path, and thrive in life beyond addiction
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• Visit our website
• Come and experience an in-person event or retreat: r20.com/events

Addiction is part of everyone’s journey, but recovery is not. The Recovery 2.0 Membership is a place where you can explore the topics that interest you, find community, and connect with Tommy Rosen on a personal level. It’s here that we’ll dig into spirituality and union of the mind, body, and spirit, and transform from the inside out. You will learn and grow alongside a community of supportive, conscious, compassionate, and vibrant individuals, like you!

• Join us at r20.com/welcome to explore how to move beyond addiction and thrive in your life.

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