Addictive behaviour originates from various underlying factors.
Often these behaviours are destructive,
And despite our better judgement and conscious intentions,
We find ourselves ensnared in patterns that leave us feeling powerless and out of control.
At the core,
There's always an unconscious component driving this behaviour.
A part of ourselves that has unmet needs,
Or seeks to avoid certain feelings.
This is a part that needs to be heard.
Overcoming addictions,
Recovering from destructive patterns,
And behaving in a consistent or congruent way,
Necessitates that we engage with and understand this part of ourselves.
In this active imagination exercise,
We will engage with the part of ourselves giving rise to addictive behaviour,
Seeking to comprehend its needs and aspirations,
While discovering avenues for harmonious integration.
Before beginning this exercise,
Identify a specific addiction or attachment that you're currently contending with.
This could be any kind of attachment,
Be it substance use or behavioural addiction.
And once you've got that,
Just finding a quiet and comfortable place to sit or lie down,
Where you won't be disturbed.
Close your eyes.
Just take a couple of deep breaths.
Just allow your mind and body to relax naturally.
And for now,
Just keep your attention on the sensation of the breath.
If at any point during the exercise,
The mind wanders,
Simply bring the attention back to the exercise.
And now,
Imagine a setting where you feel the addiction may reside.
Whether it's an outdoor space or a room,
It can be abstract or specific,
Whatever feels most suitable.
As you settle into this space,
A figure begins to materialise.
This figure is the embodiment of the addiction.
It could be human or some kind of creature.
Examine it more closely.
Notice its behaviour,
Its attire,
Its posture,
And any facial expression it has.
Does it evoke fear,
Or attraction,
Or both?
Begin your interaction with this figure by simply acknowledging its presence.
Begin your interaction with this figure by simply acknowledging its presence.
And next,
You're going to approach the figure and engage it in a conversation.
You're going to ask the figure a series of questions.
And as you do,
Simply state the question,
And listen to how the figure responds.
Ask the figure,
What need or desire are you fulfilling in me?
How do you believe you're helping me?
How do you believe you're helping me?
What pain or discomforts are you helping me to avoid?
When did I first start relying on you?
When did you first come into my life?
What circumstances in my life contributed to your presence?
Are there any specific triggers that prompt me to rely on you?
And now ask the figure,
How can I address the underlying issues leading to this behavior?
How can we coexist in a healthier way?
What are your real needs,
And how can I support or redirect them in healthier ways?
And now,
You're going to take a moment or two to express your highest needs to this being.
Conveying any feelings or conscious intentions that you hold towards this embodiment of the addiction.
This is your chance to say to the figure whatever you need to say.
Take a moment now to express your needs to the figure.
Noting your words,
Your tone,
And your body language.
Notice any shifts in the figure's demeanor.
How does their behavior change?
How does their demeanor change?
Do they offer you any words by response?
How does their behavior change?
The figure now offers you a symbolic gift,
Representative of its message for you.
Accept this gift now.
And notice its various details.
See how it appears.
And notice how it feels in your hands.
Thank the figure now for the conversation and its gift.
And recognize that this figure exists driven by particular needs in your own psyche.
After the exercise,
It's recommended to journal your experiences and reflections.
And remember,
This is an ongoing journey.
And the insights may continue to appear over time.
And the insights may continue to appear over time.
So just bringing your attention back to the room now.
Noticing any sounds or sensations.
Take a deep breath.
And opening your eyes again in your own time.
