I come from a family that loves drama. We could create a big fuss even out of a simple trip to the supermarket. Alcohol consumption only made this tendency worse. Many of us who have dabbled in addictive substances are naturally inclined to blow things out of proportion. Even those who have successfully moved past substance abuse still often view the world through a lens of disasters and calamities.
Despite our conscious efforts to seek balance and peace, our unconscious minds often push us into one dramatic event after another. Melodrama, which comes from the Greek word for music, involves exaggerated emotions and thrilling storylines. Many of us secretly wish for a soundtrack to accompany our life’s dramatic moments.
People addicted to drama exaggerate events to draw attention to themselves or their world. Sometimes, they do this to shock others by either acting out or sharing sensational stories. When caught up in melodrama, their breathing becomes shallow, adrenaline kicks in, and they feel alive and energized. This makes it challenging for many drama addicts to stick with meditation. They believe that without drama, life would be boring, and they themselves would be boring without their dramatic tales.
While intense emotions can initially feel invigorating, they eventually exhaust us. An overload of adrenaline and cortisol will leave us feeling worn out and bored. Recognizing our addiction to drama, regular meditation can help us escape our personal soap operas.
A good strategy to combat this addiction is to lower our expectations. Expectations, both conscious and subconscious, often lead to disappointment and hurt. For instance, when waiting for a bus, expecting it to arrive on time can lead to a dramatic reaction if it doesn’t. Being dramatic about unmet expectations adds no value. Letting go of expectations and accepting what is can free us from unnecessary stress.
When we behave as fixed entities demanding immediate gratification, we view the world in terms of what it can give us. Craving less and demanding less allows us to love more and accept more. We move from a state of constant craving to one of equanimity, appreciating what we have instead of yearning for what we don’t. This shift leads to a life filled with well-being, kindness, and beauty.
Having fewer expectations reduces the frequency of melodramas. We become more accepting of things as they are and feel less need to control outcomes. Meditation enhances our sense of interconnectedness and helps us see life as a half-full exquisite goblet rather than a half-empty chipped mug, a necessary shift for our survival as a species.
Meditation helps drama addicts to ground themselves in the present moment. It shows us that despite our chaotic emotions and thoughts, in that moment, we are safe, clothed, and sheltered, with no immediate threat of catastrophe.
Sitting with our present experience without judgment allows us to truly feel our emotions on a sensory level. This might be the first time we find we can rest in natural peace. If we can break free from our attraction to chaos, even for a moment, we might experience pure relief.
Although we might slip back into old habits, having briefly experienced peace, we can strive to make it a daily practice. Regular meditation, even when we don’t feel like it, develops our ability to discern which emotions and thoughts serve our best interests and which do not. This mastery over the mind helps us align with our values and strengthen our purpose.
Serenity, the opposite of melodrama, lies dormant within us. We can nurture this serenity by dedicating time to meditation, trusting that our minds will gradually lean towards peace.
Meditation is a tool that brings us into the present, away from the addiction to drama, helping us realize that we are not in immediate danger. In this state, we can experience a deep, natural peace, free from the chaos we once found so captivating. With commitment and daily practice, we can move towards a calmer, more fulfilling life.