Valerie (Vimalasara) Mason-John: A Buddhist Path to Healing Addiction

In this episode I speak with author and Dharma teacher Valerie Mason-John (Vimalasara) about her groundbreaking book Eight Step Recovery: Using the Buddha’s Teachings to Overcome Addiction, coauthored with psychiatrist Dr. Paramabandhu Groves.This conversation offers a rich and powerful exploration of addiction—not only in its traditional forms, but in the everyday ways we avoid pain and disconnect from ourselves.We talk about the Buddhist path of recovery, the role of the body in healing, and how habitual behaviors like overthinking can be just as binding as substances. Valerie’s perspective is both practical and compassionate, offering tools and teachings that are relevant whether you’re in recovery, walking alongside someone who is, or simply navigating your own inner challenges.We also touch on the importance of service, somatic awareness, and the very human task of turning toward what we most want to avoid.Resources Mentioned:Eight Step Recovery by Valerie Mason-John & Dr. Paramabandhu GrovesA First Aid Kit for the Mind by Valerie Mason-JohnValerie’s WebsiteMay these teachings and practices support you in turning toward yourself—and in finding peace and freedom.