by Deb Schnitta
There
are many ways to explore healing and understanding of any particular
illness. Including the energetic and the underlying imbalance is often
very useful. With addiction it is key. All addiction can be traced back
to issues of connection.
Energy, as a usable unit of
consciousness, is able to assist in the transformation of illness. When
addiction is present, it speaks directly to the underlying imbalance
that causes the illness itself. Regardless of the substance or focus of
the addiction (work etc), the principles are the same from an energetic
perspective.
All addictions arise from an imbalance in the
energy system as related to the emotional system. There are mental or
thinking systems as well as physical or visceral responses as well,
however the ailment originates in the emotional system.
The
energetics of addiction may be thought of in one of two ways; those
that enhance the experience such as some hallucinogens, and those that
diminish the experience such as alcohol or sugar. Each of these
pathways speaks to the imbalance in the emotional system, or the desire
to sublimate or push away unpleasant experiences. It should be noted
that what is unpleasant for one may be desirable to another, and also
what seems insurmountable to one individual might seem as if it were
barely an inconvenience to another. Therefore, the perceptions of the
person exploring addiction are key and understanding their perspective
of their experience is useful in supporting healing.
Connection,
as energy just as love exists as energy, is a necessary component to
support deep and lasting healing in addiction. Whether the individual
desires (consciously or unconsciously) to not feel what is transpiring
or seeks the heightened state of awareness, it is the quest for
connection with something larger that fuels the ongoing exploration of
the addiction.
If for instance I feel overwhelmed and eat ice
cream I have infused my system with sugar and other carbohydrates. In
turn, the body’s resources shift at a physical level to attend to the
new influx of useable energy (sugar). There are fewer units available
to “feel” what is moving through the system. In addition, for many, a
temporary uplifting experience occurs from the presence of the sugar,
reinforcing the initial desire to not feel whatever was moving.
Often
individuals, regardless of the substance of choice, are pushing away
things that feel overwhelming or that they feel not as equipped to
handle. Connecting with one’s true self, in a deep and meaningful way
bridges the two. Connection supports the individual in being more fully
present to the experience with more of their own inner resources and
power and thus able to handle what is actually transpiring. It may seem
ironic that being more present is in fact the useful tool; however, it
is being present in a supportive fashion, supported by your larger
self.
Similarly learning to use connection as an energy to
bring your larger energy to a situation (and even something you desire
to create) is useful to diminish the powerless feelings as well as
increase both the confidence and hope in creating something new and
exciting. Extending connection in this way allows for forward movement,
something that is often lacking when addiction is active.
To
work energetically with addiction, we suggest the energy programs
Receiving the Energy of Connection as well as Extending Connection to
an Area of Your Life. Used alternately, they support the individual in
enhancing their capacity to receive and open as well as then move
forward in the world and create. The energy enters the cells themselves
to support the unfolding and healing that is necessary.
For
those that recognize underlying issues or history and would like
assistance in transforming those patterns, we suggest the energy
program Exploring Transformation as a supplement to connection.
Most
addictions speak to a deep desire or longing that is unfulfilled. To be
supported in learning new ways to fulfill those desires has indeed been
a key for many in their success with addiction.
Addiction as
an opportunity is an aspect of consciousness that has for a brief
moment forgotten its larger purpose. It is a wanderer who has headed
down a path and lost sight of its destination. Resolving the underlying
imbalance in addiction from an energetic perspective allows the
individual to not only return to balance but to live a life free, full
and expressive in their creative power.
For more information about this article, email vanati@vanati.com.
