Labyrinth to help addicts find their way
The labyrinth will introduce patients to the multiple ways in which they can practise new skills.
The Wedge Gardens treatment centre’s occupational therapy (OT) department is expanding the mindfulness sessions it holds every morning with recovering addicts in its care by implementing more active-meditative practices.
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Active meditation can be more grounded and comfortable for people who are new to mindfulness, as the process can feel a lot less daunting and demanding.
Currently the OT department engages in predominately still, silent meditation with the patients, with yoga once a week.
The hope is to enrich the mindfulness programme with a walking labyrinth to introduce the patients to the multiple ways in which a person can practise new skills.
Mindfulness is the art of paying attention to your thoughts and feelings without judging them.
“Numerous research studies support the benefits of practicing mindfulness, with the most pertinent benefit being that of developing the ability to self-regulate, in other words, to train attention and awareness in order to bring mental processes under greater voluntary control, thereby fostering general mental well-being,” said Kendra Neethling, who heads up the centre’s OT department.
“Researchers theorise that mindfulness lessens stress and enhances working memory. These cognitive gains, in turn, help people to better control and regulate their emotional responses to events.
“These skills are exceptionally useful for individuals facing today’s challenges, and within an addiction rehabilitation centre like Wedge Gardens, they can be the foundation to preventing relapse,” said Kendra.
The OT department was recently in touch with Pebbles for Africa, and have been fortunate enough to receive a discounted rate on large rocks that will help form the border of the labyrinth.
“However, we need to secure the funds to complete the project and as such, I ask anyone interested in helping to please contact me. Any assistance will be greatly appreciated and recognised on completion of the project.”
Contact Wedge Gardens on 011 430 0320.
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