Jeannine Coulter Lindgren
Jeannine Coulter Lindgren
“Higher and Friendly Powers” Dr Peg O’Connor
“Higher and Friendly Powers” Dr Peg O’Connor
“Higher and Friendly Powers” Dr Peg O’Connor
Thursday 15th December 2022
Dr Peg O’Connor discusses her 34-year sobriety journey, philosophy's role in recovery, and rethinking 'higher powers' on 'Chasing Heroine'.
Explicit
89 minutes
Informative
Thought-provoking
Empowering
Authentic
Supportive
About this podcast
Author:
Jeannine Coulter Lindgren
Overview:
Categories:
Recovery Reimagined
Navigating Challenges in Recovery
Family Recovery from Addiction
Creative Recovery Journeys
Nutritional Pathways to Recovery
Links:
Visit site
Episodes:
177 (View all)
Do you want to link to this podcast?
Get the buttons here!Finding Strength in Philosophy: Dr Peg O’Connor's Journey Through Sobriety
Higher powers, ideals such as truth or beauty, moral principles, a sense of human decency, a sense that there's just something more to the world than just you, a better version of yourself, all of these can be higher powers that enable you to do something.
What if the key to sobriety wasn't just in the steps of a program, but in the wisdom of philosophy? In this episode of 'Chasing Heroine', Jeannine Coulter Lindgren and Narcan Nate sit down with Dr Peg O’Connor, a philosophy professor and recovering alcoholic who has been sober for an impressive 34 years. Peg's story is a unique blend of intellectual exploration and personal resilience.
She shares how she initially avoided Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) due to its Christian-centric concept of a 'higher power', and instead found solace and strength in philosophical teachings. Dr O’Connor's new book, 'Higher and Friendly Powers: Transforming Addiction and Suffering', dives into this very topic, offering an alternative perspective on what 'higher power' can mean for those in recovery.
In her conversation with Jeannine and Nate, Peg reveals that the term 'higher power' was actually coined by William James, an early 20th-century philosopher and psychologist. This episode doesn't just stop at philosophical musings; it also delves into the social aspects of AA, the importance of finding a supportive recovery group, and the distinction between physical dependence and addiction. Peg's journey is a testament to the power of resilience and the importance of finding what works for you in recovery.
She emphasizes that her struggles with addiction have ultimately led her to a place of gratitude and a deep sense of knowing that she will be okay. If you're curious about how philosophy can offer a fresh perspective on sobriety, or if you're seeking inspiration from someone who has walked a long road to recovery, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in to hear Peg's enlightening take on sobriety, resilience, and the transformative power of philosophical thought.