Mindful Recovery: Buddhist Teachings and Sobriety with Vimalasara

Sisters In Sobriety

In this episode of "Sisters in Sobriety," host Sonia Kahlon is joined by the inspiring Valerie Mason-John, also known as Vimalasara. Valerie is a renowned author and public speaker whose work in the field of addiction and recovery has made a profound impact. Today, Sonia explores Valerie's unique approach to addiction recovery, which blends mindfulness, compassion, and holistic practices. They will be discussing Valerie’s journey, their groundbreaking methodologies, and how these can help listeners on their own sobriety journeys.

Valerie Mason-John (Vimalasara) is the author of several acclaimed books, including "Eight Step Recovery: Using the Buddha’s Teachings to Overcome Addiction" and "Detox Your Heart: Meditations for Emotional Trauma." They are also a public speaker and co-founder of the international Mindfulness-Based Addiction Recovery (MBAR) program. With their extensive background in both addiction recovery and Buddhism, Valerie offers a unique perspective that combines practical strategies with spiritual insights. Their latest book, "First Aid Kit for the Mind: Breaking the Cycle of Habitual Behaviors," continues to provide valuable tools for those seeking recovery.

Throughout the episode, listeners will delve into key questions such as: What are the primary triggers for addictive behaviors? How can mindfulness and meditation be integrated into recovery practices? What role does self-compassion play in overcoming addiction? By addressing these questions, the episode provides valuable insights and practical strategies for listeners on their sobriety journey.

Educational takeaways from this episode include understanding the habit loop of addiction, the importance of creating a personalized recovery plan, and techniques for managing cravings and triggers. Listeners will also learn about the benefits of meditation and mindfulness, and how these practices can support long-term recovery and emotional well-being.

In the personal story segment, Valerie shares their journey from struggling with addiction to becoming a leader in the recovery community. Their candid account of overcoming challenges and finding empowerment through mindfulness and compassion is both moving and motivational. Valerie also discusses how their Buddhist practice has shaped their approach to addiction and recovery, providing deeper insights into the spiritual aspects of their journey.

This is Sisters in Sobriety, the support community that helps women change their relationship with alcohol. Check out our substack for extra tips, tricks, and resources.

Highlights:

[00:01:00] - Introduction to Valerie Mason-John, also known as Vimalasara, author and public speaker with a profound impact on the field of addiction and recovery.

[00:02:00] - Valerie's early life and initial struggles with addiction, including sugar and shoe cleaner.

[00:04:00] - Valerie discussing the challenges of disordered eating and their journey with bulimia and anorexia.

[00:06:00] - The turning point in Valerie's life when they realized the need to seek recovery.

[00:07:30] - Valerie’s experience working with women in rehab and the influence of the Petrasca cycle of change.

[00:09:00] - The beginning of Valerie’s sobriety journey and the role of meditation and mindfulness.

[00:10:20] - Valerie’s one-woman show and how it influenced their recovery from disordered eating.

[00:11:00] - The role of specialized treatment in Valerie’s recovery from disordered eating.

[00:12:30] - Valerie discussing the importance of mindfulness and meditation in their recovery.

[00:13:30] - How Buddhist teachings, particularly the Four Noble Truths, shaped Valerie's approach to recovery.

[00:15:00] - Valerie explaining the concept of “going for refuge” in Buddhism and its impact on their recovery.

[00:17:00] - The significance of letting go in the context of recovery and stopping addictive behaviors.

[00:19:00] - The story of Angulimala and its relevance to addiction recovery.

[00:22:00] - The difference between stopping a thought and spiritual bypassing in recovery.

[00:23:30] - Valerie's perspective on self-love and compassion as critical components of recovery.

[00:25:00] - The importance of addressing childhood conditioning and trauma in the recovery process.

[00:27:00] - Valerie distinguishing between mindfulness and meditation and their interconnection.

[00:30:00] - The realization that the biggest addiction was their own thinking and how to manage stinking thinking.

[00:34:00] - The practice of recognizing thoughts without a thinker and understanding that thoughts are not facts.

[00:40:00] - Valerie explaining the concept of coming home to the body and its significance in recover

Links:

• First Aid Kit for the Mind Book
• Valerie Mason-John's Website
• Sisters In Sobriety Substack - find more tips, tricks, resources, and community
• Sisters In Sobriety Email
• Sisters In Sobriety Instagram
• Kathleen’s Website Kathleen does not endorse any products mentioned in this podcast
• Kathleen’s Instagram