To the root of addictions - with Sister Dang Nghiem

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.
Sister Dang Nghiem wrote three very personal, powerful and practical books about strong emotions and the path of healing:
1. Healing, A Woman's story from doctor to nun: www.parallax.o...
2. Mindfulness as Medicine: www.parallax.o...
3. Flowers in the Dark: www.parallax.o...
An important title written by Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh about this topic is Taming the Tiger Within: www.parallax.o...
On behalf of Sister Dang Nghiem I wish you all a beautiful journey. Coming home to yourself, a world of peace, joy, true love and equanimity is possible.

[@maxaudibert5793]

I live in East Greenland. Here alcohol addiction has destroyed so many people. Every one here has lost someone close. Sometime i wish a munk or a nun could come here and bring a little light in our darkness.

[@ceciliar8458]

Thank you so much, dearest Sister D. 🙏❤️🪷

[@Sunny_Day1111]

Thank you sister D. I live with someone who struggles with alcohol addiction. I often get frustrated with them and then myself. Thank you for helping me to see from a place of compassion and understanding ❤️🌻

[@DaisyDebs]

Loving speech and deep listening 🕊Thankyou dear Sister Dang Nghiem 🙏🏻 💐

[@lorrainegarreau3885]

I am sharing this with my son who is in a recovery center. I have been learning Thru all the many RUclips videos for over a year now and often thought the same. That AA is much like the 4 Noble Truths and Eightfold path. Thank you so much for this beautiful talk Sister. 🙏 I am grateful every day for having found Plum Village and ThichNhat Hahn

[@uranus411]

Thank you so much for this wonderful talk

[@carolynanderson5033]

❤

[@sherrilawrence662]

I love you Sister D ❤

[@DungTran-ov8bm]

con cảm được lần đầu tiên sư gần gũi và ứng dụng của tứ diệu đế và bát chánh đạo vào vấn đề của chính con. Cảm ơn Sư Cô Đẳng Nghiêm. Cảm ơn cái ôm của người tại Bích Nham. ❤

[@blueutpala]

This gave me so much hope. Thank you Sister D 🤍🙏🤍

[@hoangh75]

You are so amazing. Thank you so much for sharing from the bottom of your heart. I did not know what it meant by the Buddha's tongue is so vast. Now, I do. Your talk is just pure love.

[@binhvuxuan9118]

Thank You sư cô Đẳng Nghiêm !

[@speedu18]

Amazing teaching about addictions, Thank you Sister Dang Nghiem 🙏🏻 Thank's for sharing all this wisdom. Such an inspiration ❤