From Addiction to Mindfulness: Susanna Ahvalo's Journey
Episode Overview
Susanna Ahvalo shares her journey from addiction to mindfulness. She discusses her childhood and early struggles with alcohol. A breast cancer diagnosis led her deeper into Buddhism. She integrates Positive Psychology and trauma-informed methods in recovery. Susanna highlights the importance of community support.
One breath can make a difference, really.
Join Jake Koenig as he hosts Susanna Ahvalo, an addiction expert and mindfulness instructor from Helsinki, Finland, on the Buddhist Recovery Network Podcast. Susanna shares her journey of overcoming addiction and finding Buddhism. She combines Positive Psychology, trauma-informed methods, and mindfulness to explore the roots of suffering behind addictive behaviours and the path to living a values-driven, authentic life. Susanna is currently training for ordination at the Triratna Buddhist Center.
In this episode, Susanna opens up about her childhood, growing up with an alcoholic father, and how her father's fanatic religious conversion impacted her. She candidly discusses her early struggles with alcohol addiction, beginning at the tender age of 12, and how her ADHD mind found a deceptive sense of peace in alcohol. Her story takes a dramatic turn when she is diagnosed with breast cancer, leading her to delve deeper into mindfulness and Buddhism.
The episode also highlights Susanna's experiences teaching mindfulness in schools and how she integrates these practices to help others in recovery. Susanna’s journey is filled with moments of fear, resilience, and ultimately, transformation. Her reflections on finding inner peace and the importance of community support are both touching and inspiring. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in mindfulness, recovery, or Buddhism.
Tune in to hear Susanna's remarkable story and gain valuable insights into the power of mindfulness in overcoming addiction.