Darren Littlejohn: Blending Buddhism and the 12 Steps for Lasting Recovery
I've had unbelievable breakthroughs that I never thought were possible.
What happens when you combine the ancient wisdom of Buddhism with the structured approach of the 12 Steps? Darren Littlejohn, an author and yoga teacher, joins David Condos on 'Recovery Unscripted' to share his unique perspective. Having been sober for years, Littlejohn has delved deep into the impacts of adverse childhood experiences on addiction, blending his findings with the teachings of Zen and Tibetan Buddhism.
His book, 'The 12 Step Buddhist', offers a fresh take on recovery by merging psychology with Eastern practices. In this episode, Littlejohn explains how compassion and forgiveness are core to both Buddhism and the 12 Steps. He introduces 'Compassionate Recovery', a program he developed that focuses on these principles in a non-linear fashion. This approach integrates scientific evidence on compassion, addiction, and trauma, providing ongoing training and skills that have proven effective for many.
Listeners will also hear about the growing role of mindfulness and yoga in treatment programs. These practices, once rare in recovery centers, are now recognized for their benefits. Littlejohn’s insights offer a new dimension to traditional recovery methods, making this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in holistic approaches to addiction treatment. Curious about how you can incorporate these principles into your own recovery journey?
Tune in to learn more about Compassionate Recovery and how mindfulness can play a pivotal role in healing.