Once we have established a foundational ability to sit in silent meditation, quieting our minds, we can begin the process of developing what Buddhism often refers to as the Heart Practices. Having begun to cultivate the ability to focus our minds, we go about the process of healing the wounds of addiction.

Metta is the first of what are commonly called the four heavenly abodes (Heart Practices), and is often seen as the foundation for the other Heart Practices. Metta helps us cultivate a gentleness both in and out of our meditation practice. It is the foundation for us to bring a sense of kindness to our thoughts, emotions, and experiences. We can then share this goodwill with all of our meditative practices.

Second of the Heart Practices, Compassion is what happens when Metta encounters suffering, whether it be our own suffering or the suffering of others. Compassion practice is an opening of the heart.

Third of the Heart Practices, Appreciative-Joy is what happens when Metta encounters happiness. We learn to be present for the good things, not only in our own lives, but the lives of others around us.

The last of the four traditional heart practices, Equanimity can be thought of as the balancing factor that stabilizes our hearts and minds. It is the quality of remaining calm and stable regardless of what happens in our lives.

No discussion of the Heart Practices would be complete without mentioning the importance of an active Forgiveness practice in recovery. Many in our recovery community have found this to be our most challenging practice. Forgiveness is often a lifetime process, and it takes many years of practice to fully learn how to heal and forgive the wounds of addiction.