Facing Addiction: Healing the Hungry Ghosts with Tara Brach
Tara talks about how recovery is about healing the spirit and healing the hole in the soul.
Ever felt like something crucial is missing from your life? In this episode of 'Recovery Elevator', Paul Churchill and Kristopher Oyen dive into a talk by Tara Brach titled 'Healing Addiction: De-Conditioning the Hungry Ghosts'. Tara's insights reveal how addiction, regardless of its form, often stems from a deep sense of lack or emptiness. She describes these feelings as 'hungry ghosts'—a metaphor for our endless cravings and unmet needs.
Paul and Kris discuss how recognizing these 'ghosts' can be the first step toward healing and self-love. Peri, who has been sober for 81 days, joins the conversation to share her personal journey. As a bartender and poet from Salt Lake City, Utah, Peri opens up about her struggles with alcohol and how she used to consume up to 30 shots of whiskey a day. She talks candidly about her turning point and the rules she set but often broke.
Her story is a testament to the power of resilience and the importance of finding healthier ways to cope with life's challenges. This episode isn't just about identifying the problem; it's about finding practical solutions and fostering self-compassion. Whether you're battling addiction yourself, supporting someone who is, or simply curious about the concept of 'hungry ghosts', this episode offers valuable perspectives and actionable advice.
Tune in to hear Peri's inspiring story and learn how to fill those emotional voids with love and acceptance.