Finding Strength in Spirituality: Dr. Peg O'Connor's Path to Recovery
And I think that if we can make sense of our reasons for suffering and how we suffered and why we did some of the sorts of things that we did, we've got a much better chance at making important change and transforming that suffering into something meaningful.
Ever wondered how spirituality can play a role in overcoming addiction? In this episode of 'The Way Out', hosts Charlie and Jason sit down with Dr. Peg O'Connor, a moral philosopher and author of 'Higher and Friendly Powers: Transforming Addiction and Suffering'. Dr. O'Connor shares her deeply personal journey through recovery, offering a fresh perspective on the importance of spirituality in healing.
She discusses how her 'recovery journey experiment' led her to explore the varied nature and practical value of spiritual beliefs in overcoming addiction. Dr. O'Connor also challenges the often-cited myth that hitting rock bottom is necessary for recovery, suggesting instead that your 'bottom' is simply when you decide to stop digging.
This episode dives into the history of the Higher Power concept in 12 Step recovery programs and explores how positive habits and self-awareness can transform suffering into a life filled with purpose and meaning. Whether you're on your own recovery path or supporting someone who is, Dr. O'Connor's insights into self-love, self-knowledge, and forgiveness are sure to resonate deeply.