the 12 Step Buddhist » Commentary

A Buddhist’s Insight into the 12 Steps of Recovery

Darren Littlejohn — Sat, 24 Mar 2012 00:16:37 +0000

I embrace the teaching of mindfulness; I abstain from substances and actions that lead to intoxication and heedlessness. This precept counsels us to cultivate mindful consumption and sobriety and to abstain not only from drugs, alcohol, and other intoxicating substances, but also to avoid anything that has toxic effects, such as pornography; certain films, television programs, books, magazines, foods, and activities (like gambling or enabling another person’s addiction); or even some conversations. Keeping this precept benefits our own mental, spiritual, and physical health, and promotes our families’ and communities’ well-being, too.

Core Power to the Core – Part One: How I Got Into Yoga

Darren Littlejohn — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 22:23:43 +0000

The studio in NW Portland was packed with sweating, half naked, beautiful people. I fell over about six times trying to keep up. The heat was unbearable. I had to lay on the ground to catch my breath. But something kept pushing me back up to join the class. Call it pride, call it internal drive. Call it what you will but the motivation took hold of me. I powered through the class - something that I've since discovered is the exact opposite of a good way to go.

Food Addiction

Darren Littlejohn — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 20:52:58 +0000

This is a review of the 12-Step Buddhist retreat experience by a member of FA – Food Addicts Anonymous. I often get emails asking if the 12-Step Buddhist practices can be applied to issues related with food, so this is a good thing to know

We Are All Addicts

Darren Littlejohn — Tue, 08 Feb 2011 20:44:31 +0000

Mike Papas has been practicing Zen for 30 years. He’s studied mainly with Joko Beck and her successor, Larry Christensen (as have I) here in Portland. I asked Mike to lead some Zen talks, walks and meditations at our 2011 2nd Annual 12-Step Buddhist Winter

Plug in and De-Charge: How to Avoid the Addict’s Disconnection Syndrome

Darren Littlejohn — Thu, 20 May 2010 21:31:46 +0000

This desire to disconnect might be something that non-addicts experience too to some degree. But for the addict it's really a defining characteristic. So the solutions that I apply in my life, (mainly the teachings in 12-Step and Buddhism) point to the need to forget the self, or at least move beyond self-centered leanings towards service to others.

Step Two: the Dalai Lama as Higher Power

Darren Littlejohn — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 23:57:07 +0000

What 12-Steppers tell you in the beginning is that you can choose your own concept of what that Higher Power is, as long as you choose something. That said, one big criticism of 12-Step programs is that even though they say you can choose your own HP, they really mean God when they say God. The subtext: if you don't believe in God, you're not going to make it. And if you argue about it, you're not willing.

Want Cheese With That Whine: The Voices of Self-loathing and Self-love

Darren Littlejohn — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 08:07:50 +0000

I am the voice of self-love. I've heard everything self-loathing has to say. It's OK. Nothing new there. My job is to support the self - no matter how he's feeling. I'm here, and have always been here. In fact, I was Present before the seed met the egg. When his mother was stressed, didn't want to be pregnant, smoked cigarettes and got sick, I was here. I'm the real nurturer. In me, the self can always feel safe.

Drinking in My Dreams

Darren Littlejohn — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 19:35:05 +0000

But in 1995 I relapsed for real with almost 10 years of sobriety. But I couldn't wake up from that reality. It wasn't just a dream. It's quite shocking to dream that you've woken from a drunk dream but then discovered that it was not a dream at all.

Disturb the Comfortable, Comfort the Disturbed

Darren Littlejohn — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 00:12:30 +0000

Combine a smart ass 12-stepper with a holier-than-now Zen-tillectual and you've got a reason for Prozac whether you're the subject or the object. On one hand we're superior because we've overcome addiction and on the other because we've found The Way. Add the ability to quote some Freud and you get an insufferable jerk who really knows how to get under people's skins.

Be-ism or Theism

12stepbuddhist — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 09:48:21 +0000

I admittedly don't know how to use theism, or the belief in an outside force, to feel better. As much as I've tried to use externals to change my feelings it's never worked on any long term basis. Be it from drugs, women, grades, raises, applause, laughter - temporary relief always fades. And guess what doesn't? That pervasive dark feeling of dis-ease, shining black through like a reverse sunrise-blinding any glimmer of satisfaction that the crack of quick cash or a fat stash or batting eye lash could give me. Gone. And there I am left to feel, one more time, like the wrong side of a colon.