Recovering Joy : A Mindful Life After Addiction

Addiction recovery requires a serious commitment, yet that doesn’t mean it has to be a bleak, never-ending struggle. "Recovering takes us through many difficult steps of discipline, humility, and self-realization," says Kevin Griffin ."In doing so, many of us forget that we are capable and deserving of basic happiness." With Recovering Joy, Kevin Griffin fills in what is often the missing piece in addiction recovery programs—how to regain our ability to live happier lives.

Recovering Joy offers a deeply insightful look at how we can cultivate positive mind states within the challenging context of addiction. Through reflections, self-inquiry, and mindfulness practices, Griffin reveals how we can better act in accordance with our core values, cultivate healthy and satisfying relationships, renew our sense of playfulness, and find the unexpected joys in the journey of recovery.

“Kevin Griffin’s writing is warm, clear, and deeply honest. He offers an amazing number of experiential practices along with gripping personal examples, contemplative wisdom, and a highly creative synthesis of mindfulness and recovery. This book is a gem, showing how lasting true happiness can be found in a world of constant changes.” —Rick Hanson, PhD, author of Buddha's Brain: The Practical Neuroscience of Happiness, Love, and Wisdom

“Recovering Joy is an inspiring guidebook to help reconnect us with the aliveness that’s right inside waiting to be awakened. In his honest, playful, engaging style, Kevin Griffin offers wisdom teachings and practices to help any reader, in recovery or not, access true well-being.” —James Baraz, coauthor of Awakening Joy (with Shoshana Alexander) and cofounding teacher at Spirit Rock Meditation Center

“Kevin Griffin’s Recovering Joy is an essential book for anyone in recovery looking for fulfillment and a deeper practice of Step 11. The author uses the principles of the 12 Steps and the Buddha’s Eightfold Path as the vehicle for a journey within. Kevin’s presentation is unique and clear in weaving these two traditions together to guide readers to be able to enhance their lives with more happiness. Kevin is very candid as he writes about his search for happiness. He talks openly about his depression and the mood swings he has dealt with as a Dharma teacher with many years of recovery. This book is about finding happiness while in the midst of our daily challenges.” —Tom Catton, author of The Mindful Addict: A Memoir of the Awakening of a Spirit and May I Sit with You: A Simple Approach to Meditation.

“In this beautifully written book, grounded in compassion and wisdom, Kevin Griffin gives rise to the reality of joy and continues his pioneering work for the community of recovery, and all beings.” —William Alexander, author of Ordinary Recovery