Spirit of Recovery

What brings us into the present moment more than acceptance and surrender? These values that lie at the heart of 12-Step programs are also central to spiritual practices of mindfulness. Actions like staying out of results, using the slogans, conscious contact with constructive spiritual power, and sponsorship—mainstays of a program of recovery—naturally develop a mindful approach to living. Special guest George DuWors, MSW, LICSW, BCD, shares how the 12 Steps, developed in the 1930s, cultivate mindfulness in many direct and practical ways. George is a psychosomatic therapist, author, and trainer focusing on supporting long-term sobriety and relapse prevention. Learn more about his work at www.motivationformaintenance.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Forgive? Forget it! If we think forgiveness means giving a free pass to someone who has hurt us, who needs it? Fortunately, that’s NOT what forgiveness is all about. Guest Mahala, Unity spiritual leader and person in long-term recovery, shares the real meaning of forgiveness and how it sets us free to enjoy life and fulfill the deepest callings of our heart. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Can we ever know ourselves completely? Probably not. Yet living recovery means we are continually willing to discover the goodness that lies within us. And that we are willing to acknowledge, thank, and release old ways that once protected us, but now block us. Prayer and meditation are the foundations of self-discovery. Special guest Richard C., a person in long-term recovery since 1974, shares how he uses these and other recovery practices to continually expand self-awareness and his ability to make a contribution to life. Richard is a Unity student and teacher of tai chi and chi qong, blogger, and spiritual retreat leader. Read his blog at http://istheremorethanthesteps.blogspot.com/. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Recovery calls us to find our Source of spiritual food. Strengthening our relationship with that Source brings immense love, comfort, and wisdom into our lives. As we feel the reassurance of our Higher Power’s deep and very practical presence, we have the courage to grow. Special guest, author Allen Liles, shares the profound, loving bond he developed when life circumstances brought him to a renewed commitment to spending daily time in the Silence with God. Allen’s book about this experience is Sitting With God—Meditating for God’s Divine Guidance, www.westbowpress.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Too often recovering people shy away from meditation suggested in the 11th Step. But meditation is for everyone—no need to be a “spiritual expert.” Guest Tom Catton, in long-term recovery since 1971 and a meditator since 1966, is the author of The Mindful Addict and the soon-to-be-published May I Sit With You: A Simple Approach to Meditation. Tom’s daily practice encourages him to stay awake and be present for his life, “which is enough, which is everything.” Tom shares simple down-to-earth approaches to meditation for people in recovery. Read more about Tom’s work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Getting on track with life when addiction has derailed it is possible—if those affected are open to support. No one walks out of addiction alone—not the addicted person, not the person’s family and friends. The power of compassionate, experienced help opens the spiritual door of recovery. Guest Tommy Blass, recovery coach and intervention specialist, shares how addicted individuals and their families can get back into constructive living. Tommy explains what intervention is and isn’t and how recovery coaching helps build constructive living. Learn more about Tommy’s work at www.northernbridgescoaching.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Recovery is so much more than stopping destructive behaviors. It’s about living from a spiritual basis—recognizing that we are part of the human community—called to integrity, constructive participation, and ongoing progress. What keeps us green and growing throughout the years? Special guest Maureen, with 28 years in recovery, is a true soul adventurer. She has navigated some tricky passages with grace by staying close to her spiritual programs and her friends, by continuing professional development, and engaging in meaningful service. Her humor and wisdom always lights up the room. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if you could spend four years interviewing long-timers in recovery? Special guest Arthur Messenger did just that. The result is Tales From the Center of the Herd, a collection of 18 stories that are honest, funny, wise, and tell it like it is. They reveal the power of human connection through spiritual community to make right lives that had been going so wrong. Arthur shares what he learned from these incredible people and gems from their stories. Tales From the Center of the Herd was named December 2013 Book of the Month by “In The Rooms—A Global Recovery Community.” Arthur is also the author of Living the 12 Steps of Recovery - One Day at a Time and essays, interviews, poetry, and an award-winning play. Learn more about his work at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Living-the-12-Steps-of-Recovery-One-Day-at-a-Time/114891618573347. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We are innately whole—naturally equipped with the inner resources to live with meaning and joy. Physical or emotional trauma, however, thwarts access to our well-being. Recovery frees us to clear neurological links to old hurts and connect to our wholeness. My special guest, Teresa Guajardo, M.A., mind-body connection therapist specializing in trauma recovery and LGBT issues, shares how people in addiction recovery can build strong inner pathways to healing. Learn more about Teresa’s work at www.connections-mindbody.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How do you talk with a beloved older family member when it is becoming obvious that addiction is an issue? This dilemma is becoming more and more common. Aging body metabolism, availability of prescription medications, and use of illegal drugs all add up to a huge increase in addiction in adults over 50. Guest Brenda Iliff, executive director of Hazelden Naples, shares what makes older adults vulnerable to addiction, what types of recovery approaches are most helpful, and how families can support recovery. With a background in gerontology, chemical dependency, and counseling, Brenda has more than 20 years as an active treatment professional and presents nationally on the impact of addiction on older adults. Learn more about Brenda’s work at www.Hazelden.org. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Recovery is about learning to feed our soul rather than an addiction. Living spiritually brings us into an ever more nurturing relationship with our Higher Power and ever more fulfilling expression of our authentic self. Guest Wendy B., in long-term recovery from substance addiction, found that her quest for wholeness in recovery led her to address disordered eating and the lure of the “rat race.” Wendy shares the gifts she has gained from a commitment to full recovery and how she lives spiritual principles. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Music is medicine—a profound way of finding our natural healing rhythms. Music is an emotional, physical, and spiritual path that takes us within for deep self-discovery of our ability to affect our own well-being. Special guest Janalea Hoffman is a pioneer in the field of Music Therapy. A musician, author, and speaker, she helps real people with real issues—including recovery from addiction—through her progressive company called Rhythmic Medicine. Janalea shares how we can add music as a key part of recovery wellness. Learn about Janalea’s work at www.rhythmicmedicine.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

At the winter solstice, the longest night of the year gives way to the return of the light. What a parallel with recovery—discovering the light within us and learning to let it shine. And it’s no accident that the several religious holidays celebrated at this time of year feature light. Special guest Guy Lynch shares the deep spirituality of this precious time of year and how we can take simple actions that create real joy. Guy is a Unity minister dedicated to sharing the inclusive message of God's love for all people and the spiritual principles that turned his own life from defeat to success and happiness. He is the minister of Unity of Beaverton, Oregon, and host of The Practical Christian, an Internet radio program. Learn more about Guy’s work at practicalchristians.org and unityofbeaverton.org. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Recovery doesn’t mean the damage never happened—it means it no longer rules our lives. Indigenous communities across the continent and world are creating powerful paths to healing as they expand the understanding of addiction and recovery to include acknowledging wounds from the intergenerational trauma of oppression and genocide. Key to recovery is remembering the wisdom within indigenous teachings and traditions—and, that spirituality is woven into their every aspect. Special guest Anna Hansen, M.A., is a psychotherapist and owner of Future Focus Counseling and Consulting, lead facilitator, former executive director of the National Association for Native American Children of Alcoholics, and member of the Sechelt Nation. She shares how addressing trauma as a collective culture and as individuals within a culture of healing is key to deep recovery. Learn more at www.historicaltrauma.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Creativity is the essence of every person—our spiritual birthright. But negative messages, lack of acknowledgment, and fears can block the flow of our gifts. Guests Faith and Dennis, members of Artists Recovering Through the Twelve Steps, share how people reach their creative potential through supportive fellowship and belief in each other’s gifts and dreams. They will explain 5 Alive as bottom-line sobriety that begins with a humble daily action to pick up one’s creativity, “one day at a time.” Learn more at www.artsanonymous.org. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Recovery happens in the context of supportive community. But what if you are on the streets? What are your chances for long-term recovery? Recovery Café and its School for Recovery, utilizing an alternative therapeutic community model, is a refuge of healing, learning, spiritual growth, and transformation. It supports people seeking a life free from drugs, alcohol, and other destructive behaviors. Recovery Cafe is committed to the principle that every person is precious, worthy of love, and deserving of opportunities to fulfill their potential. Two guests, Killian Noe, founding director and pastoral counselor, and a Recovery Café member share the power of the Recovery Café experience. Learn more at www.recoverycafe.org. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gratitude is the spiritual practice of noticing the good that is in our lives. Making even a small shift in our focus fills us with power to go forward. Guest Sandy McKinney, Unity minister with many years of recovery and a passion for social justice and interfaith community, shares practical spiritual principles and practices that foster a grateful heart. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Seeing ourselves in other peoples’ stories is the connection that fosters awareness of the disease of addiction and the hope for recovery—in family members and those with substance or behavioral addictions. Special guest Lynn Bratley, M.Ed., is the founder and artistic director of Improbable Players, a company of actors in long-term recovery that educates the public about addiction and recovery through dramatic performances and theater workshops. Lynn shares the positive impact this work has in high schools, on adult audiences, and on the actors themselves. Learn more about Lynn’s work at www.improbableplayers.org Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

More than 23 million Americans are living in long-term recovery from the disease of addiction. The powerful, positive, spiritual, social, and economic impact on families, communities, and the workplace is impressive. Documentary filmmaker Greg Williams shares how he decided to bring this reality into view through his new film The Anonymous People that opened in New York City on September 17. Learn more about Greg and the movie at www.theanonymouspeople.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One of the greatest gifts—and greatest struggles—of recovery is consciously connecting with life-giving power. Old ideas about spirituality and painful disappointments must be faced. Special guest John James, MBA, MA, ICADC, has many years as a recovery counselor and is the Chemical Dependency Program Supervisor at Hazelden Naples. John shares how he helps clients find new ways of looking at the concept of a higher power, making it real, and putting that power to use for their personal recovery. Visit www.hazelden.org to learn more about John’s work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Women in recovery reclaim the dreams that were lost to addiction. Focus on self-care, emotional balance, healthy boundaries, and empowering spirituality support a life of fulfillment and connection. My special guest, Brenda Iliff, M.A., shares what keeps women growing in recovery. An active treatment professional for more than 20 years, Brenda serves as executive director of Hazelden Naples, and was the first clinical director of the Hazelden Women's Recovery Center. Brenda, author of A Woman’s Guide to Recovery, presents nationally on the topic of the impact of addiction on women and older adults. Learn more about Brenda’s work at www.Hazelden.org. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Alcoholics Anonymous founders got it right. Although neuroscience was nowhere sophisticated enough in the 1930s to verify it, Dr. Silkworth, Bill Wilson’s physician, described alcoholism quite accurately as “an allergy of the body coupled with an obsession of the mind.” Special guest Steve Castleman found that becoming a neuroscience geek helped him grasp that he really did have a biological brain disease. That knowledge relieved him of the shame and stigma that he hadn’t previously been able to shake. And, skeptical though he was, he found that science also validated the spirituality of the 12-Step solution. Learn more about Steve’s integration of neuroscience and spirituality at www.addictscience.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Where’s God? In the very midst of our lives. Recovery invites us to get real. And spirituality is about learning to love ourselves even in the most messy, painful, and confusing experiences—not by pretending to “be perfect,” or “too spiritual to hurt.” Special guest Greg Barrette shares how accepting the facts of our psychological makeup, balanced with larger spiritual understanding, opens us to the delightfully surprising Presence of God. Greg was raised in Unity and is a Unity minister and author. He is known for his deep commitment to transformative spirituality through the integration of emotional and spiritual healing. Among other titles, Greg authored the CD Breaking Free Fom Unhealthy Relationship Patterns. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

More than 23 million Americans in the U.S. are in recovery. Every person—both those with the disease of substance/behavioral addictions and family members—is testament to the reality that recovery works. It is documented that quality of life goes up dramatically for individuals, families, and society. Special guest Pat Taylor, executive director of Faces and Voices of Recovery—www.facesandvoicesofrecovery.org—shares why it is so important that society sees the powerful, constructive impact of recovery. And she discusses the many September events held in celebration of Recovery Month—www.recoverymonth.gov. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The founding of Alcoholics Anonymous touches everyone—whether familiar with the disease of addiction or not. The experience of the cofounders and their wives speaks to the universal experience of human suffering and the spiritual growth that comes from finding a way through. My special guest, playwright and psychologist Janet Surrey, shares why she and her husband Samuel Shem wrote the powerful play Bill W. and Dr. Bob, and how it touches audiences around the globe with its message that people can indeed change their destiny. Learn about this nonprofit off-Broadway play presented by Hazelden Foundation—with all proceeds donated to fund youth recovery and education efforts—at www.billwanddrbob.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How do we express our wholeness with power and authenticity? By finding our own true voice. Addiction affects everyone with it and around it by silencing that voice and stifling self-expression. Special guest Scott Farrell shares how voice and energy work is spiritual work, and can open up our vitality and creativity to engage us fully in our lives. Scott, founder of Harmonic Oasis—www.harmonicoasis.com—explores empowerment through creative expression, both professionally and personally. His career has spanned being music director and featured singer for the largest producer of staged revue shows in the world to New Thought music ministry to master voice coach to energy, voice, and sound healing practitioner. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Would you like to feel with ever greater deep certainty that your Higher Power is a real, loving, and active Presence in your life? That experience is absolutely available to everyone—“The Realm of Spirit is broad, roomy, all inclusive; never exclusive or forbidding to those who earnestly seek.” The 11th Step of the 12-Step program invites us to seek awareness of God’s power in our lives through prayer and meditation. Guest and author Allen Liles shares the personal bond he developed and the loving guidance he received when life circumstances brought him to a renewed commitment to spending time in the silence. His book about this experience is Sitting With God: Meditating for God’s Divine Guidance, www.westbowpress.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why do recovery programs make such a big deal about being of service? When we share what works for us with others, it of course extends the hand of fellowship. But even more foundational than that, we build our realization that we have worth and value—we are a part of living—the feelings of uselessness and self-pity slip away. Guest Lennis Baugh, Unity minister and recovery counselor, is all about service. He shares what he learns from it, how it supports the recovery community, and how it expands his own understanding of the spirituality of recovery. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Moving into recovery means moving into conscious relationship with our innate spirituality. And that means we are going to change! We see ourselves with new eyes and realize we have the ability to create good. Guest Renee Leboa is copastor of the Spiritual Living Center of Charlotte and a dynamic, humorous, and down-to-earth speaker and New Thought teacher, leader, and musician. Her openness about her past inspires all who hear her. Rev. Renee specializes in working with those with addictions using the Twelve Steps and the Science of Mind Philosophy. She is very passionate about her most spoken statement, “If I can transform my life by using the principle of the Universe, so can you.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When desperation met up with nondogmatic spirituality, the 12-Step program was born. The founders of what became Alcoholics Anonymous drew from many religious resources, searching for wisdom that would help those suffering from the deadly disease of addiction make conscious contact with healing, regenerative spiritual power. One of those resources was the New Thought movement, of which Unity is a part. Special guest Jon Miller is the writer and producer of the new documentary What Is New Thought? runner-up in the River City Film Festival 2013 Independent Feature. Learn more about Jon’s work at www.NewThoughtMovie.com and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jawZwKIvSpg. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Taking time away to gather with others walking a spiritual growth path deepens recovery. A few days of putting the focus on reflection, prayer, and sharing in a nurturing environment can “love us forward” in new ways. Guest Richard C., recovering person, Unity student, and teacher of tai chi and chi qong, shares how his full circle journey from retreat attender to retreat leader empowers his life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We recover so we can live life instead of sleepwalking through it. Developing our talents and interests is an important part of finding what we can pack into the stream of living. It’s how we participate in life. Guest Alan Smith, with many years of recovery, discusses how songwriting and music-making bring joy to his life and engage him in creative participation. He shares his deeply moving recovery song, “Still Need Love,” and “No Use Waitin’ for Jesus,” a lighthearted look at personal responsibility. Hear Alan’s music at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s-dJ1cGMIos and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10dwG9yfleQ. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when we live in recovery? We get stronger, wiser, and in deeper contact with our Higher Power, who loves us. When we become aware of how we are changing and growing, those qualities soar. Special guest Allen Liles, Unity minister, shares the 10 best gifts he’s received in recovery and invites us to make our own list. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is prayer just an “extra frill” that takes time out of our busy day and prevents us from getting the important things done? Or is prayer a way of determining what really is important and opening us to the power to accomplish that in creative living? Special guest Terry Lund is a Unity minister and former Chair of the Prayer Department in the Unity ministerial school. Raised in a New Thought household, Terry has lived the power of prayer and the metaphysical understanding of the creative process all her life. She shares how prayer is the foundation for creative living and gives practical approaches to a rich prayer life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bill Wilson almost died of his alcoholism, but a series of opportune events led instead to his sobriety and the creation of the worldwide fellowship of Alcoholics Anonymous. Bill was a reluctant hero quite aware of his failings. Because of his powerful thirst for wholeness, he found a door to an authentic spirituality that fully embraces the human condition. Guests Kevin Hanlon and Dan Carracino wrote, directed, and produced the new documentary Bill W., which includes never before seen archival footage. They share how making this film impacted their lives and what they learned from Bill’s life. Visit www.page124.com to learn more about Kevin and Dan’s work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One of the biggest tasks of recovery—and possibly the hardest—is learning to accept the good stuff! Guest Debbie Strand, host of the online radio show Sober in the City has experienced the amazing power of God at work in her life. Debbie shares her story and how she reaches out with honesty and courage to help others create a life of sobriety and dignified living. Learn more about Debbie’s work at www.soberinthecity.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Two halves don’t make a whole—at least as far as relationships are concerned. A strong sense of self, emotionally and spiritually, is the foundation of strong relationships. Special guest Greg Barrette shares how focusing on self-love and practicing daily contact with your loving Higher Power is the key to life-giving relationships in your personal life and your work life. Greg was born and raised in Unity and is a Unity minister and author. Greg is known for his deep commitment to transformative spirituality through the integration of emotional and spiritual healing. He is our all-time best-selling media author, and among other titles, he authored the CD Breaking Free From Unhealthy Relationship Patterns. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Everybody has experienced that persistent feeling that who they are is defective, flawed, not enough. What everybody may not know is that this feeling has a name—toxic shame—and that it doesn’t have to rule our lives. We can move beyond it. Special guest Brent Uzell, licensed Unity teacher and spiritual leader active in creating bridges across faith and cultural differences, shares how to recognize shame, begin the healing process, and develop skills to create a nourishing relationship with ourselves and other people. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Creating harmony in relationships is no easy task. It takes self-awareness, skill, and maturity. Yikes! There is hope—help can be found by applying the 12 Traditions of recovery programs as a way to heal and enrich all relationships. Special guests Ken S. and Sherry G-S. apply the Traditions to their own relationship and host a monthly recovery meeting focused on relationships as a spiritual practice. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A hero is a remarkably brave person—one who has shown great courage or strength of character. How does recovery rouse defeated, helpless people—those with the disease of addiction as well as the family and friends who love them—to mature into heroes? Special guest Rev. Jack Abel, M.Div., MBA, director of Spiritual Care at Caron Foundation, shares how traditional stories of the hero’s journey can serve as a guide to the recovery process. These stories alert us to obstacles, inspire us to notice the help available along the way, and remind us of the power that comes with staying on the path. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Childhood in a family affected by the disease of addiction (and all that goes with it) is intense and painful. When adults who have had this experience undertake the challenge of exploring and healing how they were impacted, they create a deeply rich opportunity for spiritual development. And they are often surprised to discover their immense, innate strength. Special guest Carol Browne shares what it takes to grow up all over again. Carol has been a substance abuse counselor for more than 30 years, working to help people advance and enhance their recoveries. Her focus is on helping clients take the healthiest and best possible care of themselves, freeing them to live more fulfilling and joyful lives. Learn more about Carol’s work at www.carolbrowneabetterway.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Addiction and enabling addiction saps life of its power. Recovery happens as we connect with constructive, creative power that is greater than the addiction. Does it matter what we name that power or how we find it? Special guest Dale Worley is a Unity Minister, recovering person, singer-songwriter, and co-host of the powerful Unity Online Radio program Music Speaks Louder Than Words. Dale shares thought-provoking ideas on the concept of a Higher Power as well as his original music on this theme. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Addiction can show up in many guises. As we discover that we are one with constructive, creative spiritual power, addictions fall away and we begin to heal at the level of soul. More and more, we experience ourselves as people of worth and value with the ability to fulfill our deepest aspirations. Special guest Ester Nicholson, author, Agape International-licensed spiritual therapist, motivational speaker, inspirational recording artist, and recovering person with 25 years of sobriety, shares how she discovers the power of her true self. Ester is the author of Soul Recovery: 12 Keys to Healing Addiction … and 12 Steps for the Rest of Us—A Path to Wholeness, Serenity, and Success. Read more about Ester’s work at www.esternicholson.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We all want the best for kids. What can help them navigate this complex world and grow up to lead lives that express health, love, and caring? Good things happen when parents, churches, schools, and communities ensure that young people have good information and self-care skills in the areas of substance abuse, dating violence, bullying, and suicide prevention. Marty Harding and Sue Thomas, directors at Hazelden Publishing, discuss what effective prevention is, how it works, and how adults in recovery play an essential role in young people’s lives. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In 1991 Bob L. used the short breaks on his job in an automotive plant to start writing down the images of addiction and recovery running in his head. He had no way of knowing that by 2013, Visions, a 90-minute play with a volunteer cast and staff on a shoestring budget, would have reached 30,000 people with a message of hope and won numerous awards. Special guests Bob L. and Visions cast members discuss the play and what it is like to use the dramatic arts to share the message of recovery. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Active addiction, whether we are the "afflicted" or the "affected," brings us face-to-face with the rawest places within us. Recovery means accepting that this is a grace-full, mercy-full universe and that cooperation with a loving Higher Power can heal us at depth. Special guest Bob A. shares from a wealth of experience on the power of Steps 6 and 7 of the 12 Steps of Recovery. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Choosing recovery means that in each moment we turn ourselves toward life, not death. We take action to come alive to our feelings, our experiences, and our creative capacities. We take time to nurture our relationship with the Divine Power of the universe and learn to express it. We choose to resurrect our life on a daily basis! Sandi McKinney, Unity minister with many years of recovery, shares how a spiritual understanding of resurrection empowers our lives. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In recovery, many people realize the old idea they held of a Higher Power just doesn’t work. Oftentimes, that thinking must be turned on its head. Pelagius, a fourth-century monk who didn’t believe in original sin, and Rumi, an ecstatic 13th-century Sufi poet, offer amazingly fresh ideas that can lead to a more intimate, powerful, and happy relationship with Spirit. Special guest Rev. Leo Booth, Unity minister and internationally acclaimed author and lecturer, shares seven spiritual insights for healing religious codependency. Learn more about his new book The Happy Heretic at www.fatherleo.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Coming into recovery means that spirituality must be lived—a Higher Power is no longer just a theoretical proposition. That spiritual relationship comes through listening to others’ experiences, following suggestions, reading—and most of all, through personal effort to communicate with a great Goodness that is beyond understanding. My special guest, Mary, who has more than three decades of quality recovery, shares how she continues to explore and develop her unique relationship with a Power Greater than herself. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The disease of addiction can be a fast road to despair and ruin—or an astounding gift of grace. Tom Catton, child of the '60s, and author of The Mindful Addict: A Memoir of the Awakening of a Spirit, shares how more than 40 years in recovery has opened him to an adventurous life grounded in saying “yes” to Spirit’s leading. Tom journeys within through a committed meditation practice, and journeys without, meeting spiritual teachers and being of service across the world. Read more at http://www.centralrecoverypress.com/tom-catton. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices