Addictions

Whether it’s cigarettes, chocolate or playing computer games we all have our ‘fixes’. Mostly we are able to manage them but sometimes we find ourselves in a space where we have stepped over a line and are unable to step back. We are no longer in control of our behavior.

It’s important to recognize that underlying each and every addiction there exists a positive intention. It may be incredibly well hidden but be sure that it’s there.

Most of us know, or at least think we know, what the positive aspects of our addiction are eg ‘smoking is how I reward myself’, ‘alcohol helps me to relax’ etc. So the question becomes how to reach the same positive goal via less destructive means.

In working with addictions I ask two questions :

1. Do you genuinely want to change this behaviour ?

2. Do you think you are able to ?

If the answer is ‘No’ to question 1 then there is some work to do in terms of gaining leverage as to why it’s in your best interests to cease or modify the behaviour. I have an effective method of helping you get to ‘Yes, I genuinely want to cease this behaviour’.

If the answer is ‘Yes’ to Q1 and ‘No’ to Q2 then you’re probably ready to Breathe with the intention of clearing away whatever is holding your addiction in place, having already established a healthier strategy for reaching the same positive goal once the addiction has ceased.

There is no magic bullet where addictions are concerned however I’ve seen enough empirical evidence to convince me of the efficacy of the method. Ultimately of course we are all responsible for ‘picking up the ball and running with it’. The responsibility lies with us. Breathwork is only a tool, albeit an incredibly powerful one.