#99 Addiction & Trauma

Dr. Vimalasara (Valerie) Mason-John M.A. (Hon.Doc), is a founding facilitator of Compassionate Inquiry, and is the author of 10 books, including the award winning book, Eight Step Recovery: Using The Buddha’s Teachings to Overcome Addiction and Detox Your Heart: Meditations for Emotional Trauma. There are 8 Step Recovery meetings held in several continents. And they are co-founder of the training program, Mindfulness Based Addiction Recovery (MBAR), which is delivered in both English and Spanish. They work as a public speaker in the field of Mindfulness for Addiction and Trauma. They work online and in person between Canada, USA, UK and Spain.

Their new book is First Aid Kit for the Mind: Breaking the Cycle of Habitual Behaviors

Links:

• First Aid Kit for the Mind
• Guided meditations to go with the book
• Author page
• Vimalasara’s website

Topics:

• 00:00 – Introduction to Dr. Mason-John
• 02:25 – Discussing the Essence of Addiction
• 07:15 – Exploring Eight-Step Recovery
• 12:14 – Intersection of Addiction and Trauma
• 23:38 – Managing Triggers and Breaking the Cycle
• 28:58 – Recognizing Triggers in Meditation
• 29:20 – The Importance of Breathing and Transitions
• 29:55 – Meditation Habits and Overcoming Resistance
• 30:25 – Buddhism, Karma, and Addiction
• 31:11 – The Concept of Rebirth in Buddhism
• 32:19 – The Impact of Karma and Actions
• 35:48 – Self-Compassion and Inner Healing
• 36:41 – The Four Questions for Healing
• 38:43 – Practices for Self-Love and Acceptance
• 44:54 – Upcoming Projects and Retreats
• 48:21 – Guided RUST Meditation Practice
• 55:39 – Closing Thoughts and Gratitude

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