Mindfulness and the 12 Steps: Living Recovery in the Present Moment

by Thérèse Jacobs-Stewart

In recent years, people of diverse social and religious backgrounds have embraced the Buddhist philosophy of mindfulness, or bringing one's awareness to focus on the present moment, to enrich their mental and spiritual lives. Through her experience as a counselor, a founding member of a Twelve Steps and mindfulness group, and a woman in recovery, Thérèse Jacobs-Stewart discovered a number of parallels between the practice of mindfulness and that of working the Twelve Steps, from the idea of living 'one day at a time' to the emphasis on prayer and meditation.

Mindfulness and the 12 Steps provides those in recovery with a new resource and fresh perspective for developing their own spiritual path. While revisiting each of the Twelve Steps, readers explore the interplay of ideas between mindfulness and Twelve-step traditions and learn to incorporate mindfulness into their path toward lifelong sobriety. Reflections and questions for inquiry are complemented by stories from Buddhist teachers and members of her mindfulness recovery group, as well as by the author's personal story of recovery as a practicing Buddhist.

Mindfulness and the 12 Steps will help awaken new thinking and insights into what it means to live fully—body, mind, and spirit—in the here and now.

Genres: Buddhism, Addiction, Spirituality, Psychology, Nonfiction, Meditation, Self Help

208 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2010

Reviews

[Steve Woods · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I first picked this book up I thought it was going to be pretty light weight. The easy personal style was deceptive. The author has managed to weave the imoprtant teachings of Buddhism into her story and to show how they might be applied to a person with the habit patterns developed by practising addicts, alcoholics or adult children of same. She effortlessly weaves the 12 steps through it all in a way that is totally non confronting and readily accessible. Some understanding of the basics of 12 step programmes and of Buddhism would be a help but not necessary. I can see how this book could readily act as the lever that lifts the lid on the can of worms, leading a person who might be suffering in ways that only an alcoholic or addict or a child of same can really know, into the first glimpse of light. I really enjoyed reading it, I'd recommend it as to anyone wherever they may find themselves on the journey of the spirit.

[Karen Sofarin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. It really makes the 12 steps jump for me and I get so excited about the process while conceptualizing things this way. LOVE IT!

[Amber Barke · Rating 5 out of 5]

kind, gentle, wise, and practical

[Mila Doc · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really nice guidance. I filled a whole notebook while reading through it, make sure you have one by your side.

[Coney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Konnte sehr mit der Autorin relaten und vieles für meine Spiritualität mitnehmen!

[Kate Collier · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great companion to the steps

[Marc Mannheimer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really sweet little book that is medicine for addiction rather than the rough abrasive scrubbing away you sometimes encounter in 12 steps.

[Bonnie Westmark · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the personal insights in this book. God willing, I’ll have 15 years next month. A friend recommended this book during a meeting and I’m so glad he shared. I’ve recently started contemplative prayer and the meditations/mindfulness prompts helped me to integrate the steps into my prayers. Highly recommend! The reading and exercises bring peace despite present circumstances. I agree with the author that “a practice of prayer and meditation quickly becomes something we would no more do without …like air or food.” Being with God in prayer has become as natural and needed to me as breathing.

[Chavonne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would probably give this a 4.5, but as I can't, I like to round up. This was just what I needed. I have been going to a weekly recovery meditation meeting for a short while now and this book helped solidify some of the concepts I have been hearing. I struggle with the idea of a Higher Power in my life and though I'm still not sure exactly what that meants for me, I feel closer to an ideal. I'm a new convert to practicing mindfulness and will read this again slowly as I work through the Steps for further guidance.

[CoCo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actually quite great. Butttttttt.....I feel that Step One was too focused on coming to believe in a power greater then oneself as opposed to the unmanagability.

I admit I didn't read the whole book. I got distracted. I'll likely pick it back up again and will recommend on a professional level also.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Compassionate, wise, and practical. Mindfulness and 12 step work are very compatible approaches to practical living. The author makes the the case very persuasively and elegantly.

[Maritza Regalado]

Loved this book! New way to experience the steps and mindfulness!

[Marty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a wonderful guide to fusing the 12 steps and Buddhism in your daily life. This is a book I will read again and again.

[Marty · Rating 5 out of 5]

A kinder gentler approach.