“With awareness, the pain of life is met with spaciousness rather than contraction, and the suffering begins to unravel.”
—Ken Wilber
Presence Meditations
Presence meditations are some of the most direct ways to dissolve the compulsions of addiction and avoidance in Nondual Recovery. Addictive behaviors and patterns of avoidance arise when we become lost in thoughts about the past or future, seeking relief in external objects or experiences rather than fully inhabiting the moment. Presence meditations shift attention away from seeking and resisting, training the mind to rest in the immediacy of direct experience. In this state, there is no need to escape or grasp; everything is already whole, complete, and sufficient as it is. This approach has deep roots in Buddhist, Taoist, and Advaita traditions, all of which emphasize the transformative power of fully engaging with the present moment.
Modern teachers like Eckhart Tolle have further illuminated the power of presence by showing how identification with compulsive thinking fuels suffering, including addiction. Tolle shows how perhaps the most fundamental and cunning of all addictions is the clinging to thought itself, and perhaps the most fundamental avoidance is the inability to fully inhabit the present moment. His work, particularly The Power of Now, emphasizes that healing begins when we step out of mental time—past regrets and future anxieties—and recognize the stillness of presence as the only reality. Tolle’s insights align closely with nondualistic approaches to recovery, as they demonstrate that freedom is not found in changing external conditions but in fully surrendering to the now. In the now, the past problems caused by addictions are gone and the future potential problems are not real.
To practice a presence meditation inspired by Tolle’s teaching, sit comfortably and allow your attention to settle into the present moment. Feel the weight of your body, notice the sounds around you, and let yourself fully experience the sensations of being alive. Do not analyze or label what arises; simply allow yourself to be here. If thoughts pull you away, gently return to the raw experience of now. Let go of any effort to manipulate the moment—presence is already here, waiting to be noticed. With practice, presence meditation reveals that fulfillment is not something to be attained but something we cease to overlook.
One common difficulty is the subtle tendency to force presence, trying too hard to be aware rather than allowing awareness to reveal itself. This effort creates tension and reinforces the idea that presence is something to achieve rather than recognize. If this happens, take a deep breath and relax. Presence does not require effort; it is the natural state when seeking stops. Over time, presence meditation becomes more than a practice—it becomes a way of meeting life with openness and authenticity.
“Now is enough.”
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Resting in Pure Knowing
This practice of presence meditation is essential in Nondual Recovery because it shifts awareness from identifying with thoughts and emotions to recognizing the stable, ever-present nature of awareness itself. Addiction and avoidance thrive on a sense of personal lack, the idea that something is missing that must be found outside oneself. Resting in pure knowing reveals that awareness itself is already whole, untouched by fluctuations in thought or feeling. This practice has roots in Advaita Vedanta, particularly the teachings of Shankara and Ramana Maharshi, which emphasize recognizing the self as pure, unchanging awareness beyond conditioned identity. It also parallels Western contemplative traditions, such as Plotinus’ concept of the One and Christian mysticism’s focus on the ever-present divine presence.
The nondual philosopher Ken Wilber has further refined this understanding through what he calls the “I AMness” meditation, a direct method for realizing nondual awareness. His approach emphasizes that the recognition of awareness does not require effort, belief, or a special state of consciousness—it is the pre-reflective certainty that you exist, prior to thought, emotion, or experience. This simple but profound recognition bypasses conceptual understanding and directly reveals the ever-present nature of awareness itself.
Wilber explains that this “I AM” recognition is the same timeless awareness in all beings, untouched by personal history, changing experiences, or identity. It is not the egoic “I” that defines itself by roles, memories, or thoughts, but the pure, formless witnessing presence that has remained unchanged throughout one’s life. This aligns with the core insight of Nondual Recovery: that freedom from addiction and avoidance does not come through effort or self-improvement but through the realization that the self we are trying to fix or escape is, at its core, already whole. And so to speak of it properly, we must distinguish between the false self (ego) and the Higher Self or True Self (pure awareness).
In practice, the I AMness meditation involves simply noticing the fact of being aware—not as an object of thought, but as the ground of all experience. One does not focus on the breath, body, or external objects but instead turns attention to the awareness that is already present before any experience arises. By resting in this recognition, the practitioner sees that awareness is constant, unchanging, and ever-free, dissolving the illusion that something outside of oneself—whether substances, behaviors, or external validation—is needed for fulfillment.
Wilber’s integration of Eastern and Western traditions reinforces that this realization is not mystical or esoteric but accessible in every moment. Nondual Recovery benefits from this approach by helping practitioners see that they do not need to “fix” themselves to find peace—they only need to stop overlooking the presence that has been with them all along. This recognition, when stabilized, weakens the compulsions of addiction and avoidance by revealing that nothing is truly missing—there is nowhere to go but here, and nothing to become but what we already are.
“Before the craving or compulsion, you are.”
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Just Sitting
In Nondual Recovery, open awareness meditation is a powerful way to break the cycle of addiction and avoidance by cultivating radical acceptance. Instead of reacting to discomfort or seeking external relief, this practice allows everything to arise and pass without grasping or resisting. When there is no resistance to experience, suffering naturally diminishes, and the need for external escapes weakens. Originating from the Zen tradition, particularly the teachings of Dōgen Zenji, Shikantaza (or “just sitting”) is a method that emphasizes effortless presence and non-clinging awareness. Shohaku Okumura Roshi, a leading contemporary teacher of Dōgen’s Zen, explains that true Shikantaza is not a technique or a method to achieve something but simply “allowing life to be as it is”—resting in the completeness of each moment without trying to manipulate experience. His teachings clarify that Just Sitting is an expression of our inherent wholeness, not a practice to reach some future enlightenment.
To practice, sit in a comfortable position and allow your awareness to open fully. Do not focus on any particular object, breath, or mantra; instead, let awareness remain spacious, receiving all sounds, sensations, and thoughts without trying to change them. If the mind wanders, gently return to this open, allowing presence. Everything belongs—there is no need to push anything away or hold on to anything. Over time, this practice reveals that awareness itself is inherently free, requiring nothing from experience to be whole.
One challenge in this practice is mistaking openness for passivity, where the mind drifts into daydreaming rather than remaining fully engaged. True open awareness is both relaxed and alert. If you feel yourself becoming dull or unfocused, reconnect with the immediacy of sensation—the feeling of your breath, the sounds in the room—to reawaken presence. Just Sitting, when fully realized, aligns with Okumura’s insight that awakening is not something we strive for but a recognition of the present moment’s completeness. It dissolves the tendency to seek elsewhere and reveals the freedom already present in every moment.
“Let it come, let it go, let it be.”
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The Direct Path
This practice of presence is particularly relevant in Nondual Recovery because it reveals that awareness is not something we must cultivate or reach—it is already here. Addiction and avoidance often stem from the false belief that fulfillment or freedom from discomfort lies somewhere else—in a future moment, in an external substance, or in a different version of oneself. The Direct Path points out that awareness is already effortlessly present, always whole, and unchanging. Emerging from the teachings of Kashmir Shaivism and Advaita Vedanta, this method has been refined in modern nondual teachings by figures such as Jean Klein and Rupert Spira.
The Direct Path school of enlightenment emphasizes that awakening is not a process of attainment but a simple shift in recognition. Jean Klein, a Western teacher trained in Advaita Vedanta and Kashmir Shaivism, introduced an experiential, effortless approach to nonduality, encouraging students to rest in natural awareness rather than engage in progressive practices. He taught that the mind does not need to be silenced or purified before realization occurs—awareness is already free, untouched by thoughts or emotions. His student Rupert Spira further refined these teachings, demonstrating that awareness is not something one moves toward but the ever-present reality in which all experience arises. In Nondual Recovery, this perspective is deeply relevant because it dismantles the restless search for fulfillment outside oneself, revealing that the wholeness sought in substances or compulsive behaviors has never been absent.
To practice, close your eyes and simply notice that you are aware. Do not seek an object of attention; rather, notice the fact of awareness itself. There is no need to do anything, adjust anything, or improve anything. Awareness does not come and go; it remains constant, even as experiences change. Let go of any effort to focus or concentrate—awareness is already here, fully present before any thought arises. Through this simple yet profound recognition, the mind’s endless search for completion begins to dissolve.
A common difficulty is expecting a profound shift or dramatic realization. The truth of awareness is simple and ever-present, not something extraordinary or separate from ordinary experience. If you find yourself looking for something special, pause and recognize that what you seek is the awareness that is already here, noticing everything effortlessly. This realization liberates us from the illusion of separation, allowing us to rest in the fullness of being.
“Stop looking—start noticing.”
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Centering Prayer
Centering Prayer is a profound practice of nondual presence within the Christian contemplative tradition. In Nondual Recovery, this method is especially valuable for those who resonate with the language of divine presence and wish to experience the Presence of God as an immediate reality rather than a distant concept. Addiction and avoidance often arise from a sense of inner emptiness or disconnection, but Centering Prayer reveals that this apparent void is already filled with divine presence. Rooted in the mystical teachings of early Christian desert fathers, medieval figures like Meister Eckhart, and modern teachers like Thomas Keating, this practice cultivates a direct, silent communion with God beyond words, images, and thoughts.
Thomas Keating, a Trappist monk and modern contemplative teacher, played a central role in bringing Centering Prayer into contemporary spiritual practice. He emphasized that this method is not about effort but about surrender—letting go of attachments to thoughts, emotions, and distractions in order to rest in God’s presence. Keating described Centering Prayer as a way of consenting to God’s action within, rather than trying to reach God through effort or striving. His work highlighted the parallels between Christian contemplation and Eastern nondual traditions, showing that deep silence and surrender dissolve the illusion of separation between the self and the divine.
To practice Centering Prayer, find a quiet place and gently close your eyes. Settle into stillness, allowing the body to relax. Choose a sacred word (such as “God,” “Love,” “Peace,” or “Abba”) to serve as a symbol of your intention to surrender to divine presence. As thoughts, sensations, or distractions arise, gently return to the sacred word—not as a mantra to be repeated constantly, but as a gentle reminder to rest in open awareness of God’s presence. The key is letting go rather than trying to achieve anything; the prayer is not about thinking but about simply being in God. Over time, this practice dissolves the illusion of separation between the individual and the divine, revealing that God’s presence is always already here.
A common challenge in Centering Prayer is the temptation to “do it right” or to expect a mystical experience. Because it is a practice of surrender rather than effort, practitioners may struggle with restlessness or doubt. If this arises, simply return to the sacred word with gentleness, trusting that the practice itself is enough. Over time, Centering Prayer reveals that the presence of God is not something to reach but something to remember—always present, always whole, and deeply interwoven with one’s own being. This recognition naturally dissolves the cravings and avoidances that fuel suffering, replacing them with a deep and abiding sense of peace.
“God is not elsewhere.”
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Self-Inquiry
Self-inquiry is crucial in Nondual Recovery because it dismantles the illusion of a separate self, the very illusion that fuels addiction and avoidance. Addictions are often attempts to reinforce or numb a personal identity, but self-inquiry reveals that this “self” is only a mental construct. When the separate self is seen through, the compulsion to defend or escape it dissolves. This practice originated from the teachings of Ramana Maharshi, one of the most influential modern sages of Advaita Vedanta. His approach simplified complex philosophical doctrines into a direct and experiential method for realizing nonduality—one that requires no prior spiritual background or belief system, only a willingness to question the fundamental nature of identity.
A key contemporary teacher of Self-Inquiry is Mooji (Anthony Paul Moo-Young), whose approach to nonduality has made this practice accessible to many modern seekers. Mooji’s teachings often involve direct dialogue and guided inquiry, leading students to see for themselves that their thoughts, emotions, and personal narratives are transient phenomena arising within unchanging awareness. He encourages practitioners to question, “Who is watching these thoughts?” or “Can the observer itself be observed?”, pointing them toward the recognition that there is no separate self—only spacious, silent presence. In the context of Nondual Recovery, Mooji’s teachings are especially relevant because they help break the identification with cravings, compulsions, and the false stories of self-worth or failure that fuel addiction. By seeing through these mental constructs, individuals experience a greater sense of freedom and ease in the present moment.
Whenever a thought or emotion arises, ask: “To whom does this arise?” Notice that all thoughts refer back to a sense of “me.” Then ask, “Who am I?” Do not answer intellectually—let the question dissolve into direct experience. Instead of seeking an answer, notice what remains when the mind turns inward. If thoughts continue, return to the questioning: “Who is thinking?” Keep shifting attention away from the content of the mind and toward the awareness that perceives the mind. Over time, the recognition deepens that no separate self can be found, only the boundless presence in which everything appears.
A common difficulty is expecting an answer in words. Self-inquiry is not about finding a conceptual answer but dissolving the questioner. Mooji often reminds his students that liberation is not about “becoming free” but realizing that they have never been bound. If you find yourself analyzing or searching for something, stop and simply rest in the silent awareness that remains. As with all Nondual Recovery practices, the goal is not to change or fix anything but to recognize the truth that has always been present—free from addiction, avoidance, or the illusion of separation.
“Who is craving? Who is avoiding?”
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Living the Practice of Presence
Throughout this chapter, we have explored practices that guide us toward the direct realization of presence, the core of Nondual Recovery. Addiction and avoidance thrive on the illusion that something is missing, that relief or fulfillment must be found outside of ourselves. Each method discussed here dismantles that illusion, revealing that healing is not about acquiring something new, but about recognizing the wholeness that has always been present.
Presence meditations help us break free from compulsive seeking by grounding us in the immediacy of now. Resting in Pure Knowing shifts our attention from unstable emotions and thoughts to the steady awareness beneath them. Just Sitting teaches radical acceptance, allowing discomfort to arise and dissolve without reaction. The Direct Path exposes the mistaken belief that presence must be attained, showing that awareness is effortlessly here. Centering Prayer offers a deeply relational experience of presence, dissolving the illusion of separation from the divine. Self-Inquiry challenges the very identity that fuels addiction, revealing the false self as nothing more than a mental construct.
These practices, though diverse in tradition, all point to the same truth that Nondual Recovery is built upon: freedom from addiction and avoidance comes not through struggle, but through surrendering to the reality of presence. Healing from addiction happens when we stop avoiding presence by chasing wholeness outside ourselves, especially in unhealthy or isolating ways. Healing from avoidance happens when we stop avoiding presence by running from discomfort. By integrating these methods into everyday life—whether in quiet meditation or mindful awareness of simple tasks—we loosen the grip of old patterns and allow presence to reshape us from within.
Nondual Recovery is not about fixing a broken self but realizing that we were never truly broken. Presence is not something to attain in the future—it is the foundation of recovery, already here, waiting to be recognized.
“Presence is recovery.”
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