One Breath at a Time: Buddhism and the Twelve Steps

One Breath at a Time combines Buddhist principles with the Twelve Steps of addiction recovery, offering a path for those seeking both sobriety and spiritual growth. Author Kevin Griffin draws from his experience as a Buddhist meditation teacher and recovering alcoholic to bridge these two transformative practices. Griffin examines each of the Twelve Steps through a Buddhist lens, exploring how concepts like mindfulness and non-attachment align with recovery principles. The book provides meditation exercises and practical techniques for readers to incorporate Buddhist practices into their recovery journey. The narrative alternates between Griffin's personal story of addiction and recovery and his analysis of Buddhist teachings in relation to the Twelve Steps. His exploration includes interpretations of traditional Buddhist concepts like karma, meditation, and the Four Noble Truths within the context of recovery work. The book presents recovery as a holistic spiritual path, suggesting that Buddhist practice can deepen and enrich the transformational aspects of the Twelve Steps. Through this integration, it addresses universal themes of suffering, attachment, and the search for meaning.

Readers describe this book as helpful for those interested in both Buddhism and 12-step recovery programs. Many found it bridges gaps between Buddhist meditation practices and traditional AA approaches. What readers liked: - Clear explanations of how Buddhist principles align with recovery concepts - Personal stories from the author's experience - Practical meditation exercises - Accessible writing style for both Buddhism newcomers and experienced practitioners What readers disliked: - Too much personal narrative for some - Could be more detailed on specific Buddhist teachings - Some found it repetitive in parts - A few readers wanted more practical exercises Ratings: Goodreads: 4.17/5 (592 ratings) Amazon: 4.6/5 (374 ratings) Common reader comment: "Helped me understand the spiritual aspects of recovery without requiring belief in a traditional higher power." Critical review: "Good introduction but lacks depth needed for long-term practice integration."

Recovery Dharma by Anonymous A Buddhist approach to addiction recovery that combines meditation practices with core addiction treatment principles.

The Zen of Recovery by Mel Ash The integration of Zen Buddhism teachings with twelve-step recovery programs for healing from addiction and suffering.

Waiting: A Nonbeliever's Higher Power by Marya Hornbacher A secular interpretation of the twelve steps that draws from Buddhist concepts of mindfulness and presence.

Buddhism & The Twelve Steps Workbook by Kevin Griffin A practical guide that combines Buddhist meditation exercises with traditional twelve-step work.

The 12-Step Buddhist by Darren Littlejohn A synthesis of Buddhist philosophy with twelve-step recovery methods that includes meditation techniques and practical exercises for recovery.

🌟 Author Kevin Griffin began his Buddhist practice in 1985 while still struggling with drug and alcohol addiction, giving him unique insight into combining these spiritual paths 🍁 The book emerged from Griffin's experience leading workshops combining Buddhist meditation with 12-step recovery at Spirit Rock Meditation Center in California ⭐ Traditional AA's concept of "Higher Power" is reimagined through Buddhist philosophy, offering an alternative for those who struggle with the Christian elements of 12-step programs 🎯 The Buddhist principle of "Mindfulness" aligns naturally with Step 11 of AA, which involves meditation and conscious contact with a higher power 🌿 Griffin demonstrates how the Buddha's Four Noble Truths parallel the addiction recovery process, with both paths identifying suffering and providing a way to end it