12 step programs make it clear: to escape addiction one must go through a spiritual awakening. As an objective, scientific person, I avoided them for years because of this. “Spiritual awakening” made it sounded like I would be joining a cult and giving up on logic… I could believe it…

Or, how a scientist finds a higher power. I am a data scientist, and for the majority of my life, I was also a firm atheist. The last thing I would take seriously was that a ‘higher power’ might play some role in my life, or that a 12 step meeting, where they talk about things like this…

When I got sober, Hot Pockets were a staple and I refused to enter a gym. I drank a pot of coffee and smoked a pack of cigarettes every day. I was constantly anxious, overweight, and out of shape. Now I’m into yoga, exercise 4–5 times a week, eat (end…

We all want to take control of our lives, to make changes that will help us succeed and find happiness. We study spirituality, we have therapists, and we talk to our friends and family looking for solutions, but no matter how good the advice, we are blocked by our own thoughts, fears, and anxieties before we can take action. On the verge of making changes, our minds stop us. We stand outside an AA meeting, knowing we need the help of the people inside… we reach for the door handle… then suddenly turn and walk away because of the fearful thoughts and emotions coming up inside...

I have been listening to Jiddu Krishnamurti lately and wanted to share some of his insight, how it relates to James Clear’s work on habits, and my recovery from addiction. I hope it may be helpful to you. Viewing Habits with Krishnamurti & James Clear The most useful talk from Krishnamurti I have found so far takes…

One of the most interesting topics for me over the last couple of years has been the relationship between science and spirituality. It is an exciting thought that the two might be related. This week, I came across an amazing talk by Michael Singer that left me speechless and rushing to take notes. It’s called ‘On the Relationship Between Science and Liberation’ If you listen to anything, start with minutes 8–11 in this video — just wow.

What Dr. Gabor Mate, Tim Ferris, and Dr. Bessel van der Kolk taught me about the relationship between trauma and addiction For a long time, I was pretty sure my trauma didn’t ‘count,’ so I never looked for any information about it. …

Podcast book reflections summary: Pema Chodron — ‘When Things Fall Apart’ From the On Being Podcast with Krista Tippet I had attempted to read this book a few times in recovery but was never able to get very far with it. …

Richard is a Franciscan priest and leader of the Center for Action and Contemplation in New Mexico. He is a super helpful mentor for me in my recovery and I can feel my awareness expanding each time I engage with him. …