Valerie Mason-John on Recovery Through Buddha's Teachings

Jun 11, 2021

Valerie Mason-John is an award-winning author and co-founder of Eight Step Recovery, a program that harnesses Buddha's teachings to heal from addiction. In this discussion, she shares her personal journey through addiction and the trauma that fueled it. Valerie explores the adaptive nature of addiction as a coping mechanism and emphasizes the power of meditation in regulating emotions. She highlights the importance of grounding oneself in positive values and the transformative role of community in recovery.

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ANECDOTE

Bulimia Story

Valerie Mason-John discusses her experience with bulimia, including a near-death experience from choking.
Despite the severity, she found herself returning to the behavior shortly after, highlighting addiction's powerful grip.

INSIGHT

Trauma and Addiction

Valerie links her addictive behaviors to various traumas experienced throughout her life.
She emphasizes the connection between trauma and addiction, noting that everyone with addiction has experienced trauma.

INSIGHT

Addiction as Coping Mechanism

Addictions, while harmful in the long run, can serve as coping mechanisms, providing temporary joy and happiness.
They become central to one's life, dictating actions and thoughts.

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Dr. Valerie Mason-John is a public speaker and master trainer in the field of conflict transformation, leadership and mindfulness. Valerie is the award-winning author of 8 books, and the co-author and co-founder of Eight Step Recovery: Using The Buddha’s Teaching to Overcome Addiction. Since its publication, it has won the Best USA Book Award 2014 and Best International Book Award 2015 in the self-motivational and self-help category.

In this episode, Eric and Valerie discuss: Eight Step Recovery: Using the Buddha’s Teaching to Overcome Addiction

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In This Interview, Valerie Mason-John and I Discuss Recovery Through Buddha’s Teaching and …

Their book, Eight Step Recovery: Using the Buddha’s Teaching to Overcome Addiction
Their history of addiction to drugs, alcohol, and disordered eating
Their traumatic history leading to multiple addictions
Thinking of expansive values at the center of our lives
How addiction is an adaptive behavior to soothe ourselves
The first 3 steps of their recovery process are based on the 4 noble truths
How we can’t avoid pain, but we can learn to avoid suffering
How we can become addicted to our “stinking thinking”
Meditation helps regulate the central nervous system
What it means to seek refuge in dealing with addiction
How the Buddha achieved freedom from the prison of the mind
Dharma teachings that point us to the truth and freedom
The benefit of Sangha or community in overcoming addiction

Valerie Mason-John Links:

Valerie Mason-John’s website

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If you enjoyed this conversation with Valerie Mason-John, you might also enjoy these other episodes:

Maia Szalavitz on Addiction

Dr. Gabor Mate on Addiction

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