Most of us, young and old, are addicted to something. Addictions can take many forms: alcohol, drugs, pornography, sex, games, work, phone, eating, shopping, etc. etc. Even patterns in our thinking can be addictive.

In this sharing Sister Dang Nghiem invites us to look deeper at our addictions, and to understand the roots of it. Why are we addicted? Only when we understand the deeper emotions - and sometimes trauma - underlying our addictions, we can start to heal and to transform.

Most people don't want to face their addiction, as they would have to face the underlying emotions. These emotions are often so painful, or so dark, that people do everything to cover them up and to run away from them ... they look for solace in alcohol, drugs, pornography, sex, games, work, phone, eating, shopping, etc. to numb themselves. But by doing so, they create more suffering, for themselves and for others.

With deep understanding Sister Dang Nghiem explains the working of our emotions, and shows us a path of healing: the way out is in. The key and power of healing lies inside each one of us. When we learn to be really present for our deep emotions, to embrace and transform them, we can liberate ourselves from repetitive patterns of suffering. In the same way we can learn how to be really present for family members, friends and collegues, who struggle with addictions.

As Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh always said: 'To love is to be there. How can we love if we are not there?' We breathe mindfully with our emotions, we walk mindfully with our emotions, we embrace them, and this way we heal. We can do this for ourselves and for our loved ones. Healing our addictions, is healing our world.

If you want to discover more, Sister Dang Nghiem wrote three very personal, powerful and practical books about strong emotions, trauma and the path of healing:

1. Healing, A Woman's story from doctor to nun: https://www.parallax.org/product/healing-a-womans-journey-from-doctor-to-nun/

2. Mindfulness as Medicine: https://www.parallax.org/product/mindfulness-as-medicine-a-story-of-healing-body-and-spirit/

3. Flowers in the Dark: https://www.parallax.org/product/flowers-in-the-dark/

An important title written by Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh about this topic is Taming the Tiger Within: https://www.parallax.org/product/taming-the-tiger-within/

I wish all of you lots of strength and determination, and yes, also lots of joy, on the path of healing. We know you can do it!

With love and gratitude,

Wouter Verhoeven

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