Meeting resources

Renunciation: We commit to the intention of abstinence from addictive substances. For process addictions, we also identify and commit to wise boundaries around our harmful behaviors.

Meditation: We commit to the intention of developing a daily meditation practice.

Meetings: In early recovery, we attend a recovery meeting as often as we can. We become an active part of the community, offering our own experiences and service wherever possible.

The Path: We commit to deepening our understanding of the Four Noble Truths and to practicing the Eightfold Path in our daily lives.

Inquiry and Investigation: We explore the Four Noble Truths as they relate to our addictive behavior through writing and sharing in-depth, detailed Inquiries.

Sangha, Wise Friends, Mentors: We cultivate healthy relationships within a recovery community, to both support our own recovery and support the recovery of others.

Growth: We undertake a lifelong journey of growth and awakening.

As people who have struggled with addiction, we are already intimately familiar with the truth of suffering. Even if we have never heard of the Buddha, at some level we already know the foundation of his teachings, which we call the Dharma: that in this life, there is suffering.

The Buddha also taught the way to free ourselves from this suffering. The heart of these teachings is the Four Noble Truths and the corresponding commitments, which are the foundation of our program.

1. There is suffering.
   We commit to understanding the truth of suffering.
2. There is a cause of suffering.
   We commit to understanding that craving leads to suffering.
3. There is an end to suffering.
   We commit to understanding and experiencing that less craving leads to less suffering.
4. There is a path that leads to the end of suffering.
   We commit to cultivating the path.

The Buddha taught that by living ethically, practicing meditation, and developing wisdom and compassion, we can end the suffering that is created by resisting, running from, and misunderstanding reality.

We have found that these practices and principles can end the suffering of addiction. The Eightfold Path helps us find our way in recovery and consists of the following:

1. Wise Understanding
2. Wise Intention
3. Wise Speech
4. Wise Action
5. Wise Livelihood
6. Wise Effort
7. Wise Mindfulness
8. Wise Concentration

Assume goodwill: We assume that harm comes from a place of pain, fear, and confusion. All of us are unskillful at times.

Benevolence and confidentiality: We listen deeply with compassion. We don't judge, shame, criticize, or gossip.

Connection: We share on our addictions and mutually support one another.

Detachment: We ask for consent before offering suggestions, and "no" is OK for an answer.

Equality: As supportive equals, we hold space for healing and validating.

Focus: During sharing, we avoid "you" and focus on self-responsible "I" statements.

Generosity: When ready, we offer our experience to be of service.

Honoring intimacy boundaries: We honor the safety of our space by not using it to form romantic relationships.