#14 – Suffering and Happiness – Both are Present, Embrace Them ft. Steven Tierney, Ed.D.

#14 – Suffering and Happiness – Both are Present, Embrace Them ft. Steven Tierney, Ed.D.

Can you really find happiness amidst the struggles of addiction recovery? Steven Tierney, Ed.D., joins the Buddhist Recovery Network to explore this profound question. In this episode, titled 'Suffering and Happiness: Both are Present, Embrace Them', Steven dives into the ancient Buddhist teaching of 'Drishta dharma sukha viharin', which encourages living happily with things as they are. For many who've battled addiction and recovery, this idea might seem overly simplistic or even dismissive.

Yet, as Buddhists, the acceptance of suffering as an inherent part of life is key. But how do we balance this with the insistence on enjoying life, as encouraged by the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous? The answer lies in letting go. Renunciation, according to Gil Fronsdal, is a powerful practice in Buddhism that enhances our lives rather than diminishes them.

Abstaining from intoxicating substances is part of this practice, allowing us to welcome suffering and delusion without clinging to them. Steven shares his insights on decision-making and staying present, emphasizing the importance of compassion, friendship, and service in the recovery journey. This episode offers a refreshing perspective on how to embrace both suffering and happiness, making it a must-listen for anyone on the path to sobriety.