The Noble Truths of Addiction and Recovery, Part 4 of 5

The Noble Truths of Addiction and Recovery, Part 3 of 5

The Noble Truths of Addiction and Recovery, Part 2 of 5

The Noble Truths of Addiction and Recovery (Part 1 of 5)

We spend much of our life on our way somewhere else, driven by the sense that something is missing or wrong. This talk explores the suffering that arises from our addiction to busyness and "doing," and the healing, loving and wisdom that arise when we take refuge in presence.

We often relate to arisings and beginnings as intrinsically and wholly good (think kids and puppies, spring flowers...), but surely there's more to the story, for everything in nature tends to create its opposite. This will be a day of reflections and practices on the themes of interest and enthusiasm, and their painful shadow, the obsessive quality of becoming. Most usefully we will explore the ways that the heart can be freed from such obsessive addictions so the cycles of nature can be integrated harmoniously.

A certain quality of heroism is called for in this practice. Not just as an act of bravado, but where one comes into their full potential for awakening; and not in a way of becoming anything – it’s overcoming any wish to become anything. Through overcoming this powerful drive, we shake the addiction of becoming.

This talk explores how entering the Third Noble Truth opens the mind beyond its habitual addiction to interpret life from a sense of being a personality, needing to 'sort things out'. Opening the mind implies an ability to tolerate the reality of uncertainty. This talk also explores compassion and loving kindness as fearlessness and includes a simple guided meditation on well-being.

When desire unfolds into craving and addiction, it becomes the source of great suffering. This talk examines the nature of desire, and the attitudes and practices that allow us to relate to this energy with freedom. When regarded wisely, desire is the stream that returns us to the ocean of loving.

From the Buddhist perspective, craving is the cause of suffering. To the extent that we feel discomfort or suffering, we are identified with wanting life to be different is some way. This talk guides us in honesty facing our own areas of attachment, and explores the Buddhist teachings on freedom from addiction.