Author & Addiction Specialist, JF Benoist, Shares How Feelings and the Observing Mind Are Keys to Freedom From Addiction.Author & Addiction Specialist, JF Benoist, Shares How Feelings and the Observing Mind Are Keys to Freedom From Addiction.
Addiction To Freedom
So today's episode is with a special guest, JF Benoist. We have discussed that a lot of our addictions and lack of freedom is really coming from pre-programmed ways of operating he calls this the monkey mind. We then further explores a way of becoming free from our monkey mind and actually having real choices about how we respond. This starts with taking notice of the body, becoming aware of the act of the body and the feelings and the body. It is kind of like a portal into understanding what our deeper motivations are or perhaps some of our mistaken beliefs about a situation or ourselves. This can actually cause us to react in ways that really aren't appropriate to the situation and cause suffering in our lives for ourselves and others. So J.F. suggests you start with the body, become aware of that, and in that process, he calls it the observing mind. By strengthening and developing this ability to work with the observing mind, we can develop real freedom where you get to accept yourself. You get to see the truth of yourself. You get to actually be present for others and not resist or hide or be victim to feelings of shame or guilt and fear allowing you to really develop. This is a step-by-step way to develop more freedom in your life and I guess a richer life because you become more open to the richness of what's already present within yourself and around us. So I really recommend that you take the time to listen to this whole episode and you will also hear where he gives an example of an exercise that you can do and experience the reality of what he's talking about.
1:00:17•26 Apr 2021
Mastering the Mind: JF Benoist on Breaking Free from Addiction
“You just you're able to see accurately that you have wounds within yourself.”
Ever felt like your mind is running on autopilot, steering you into old habits? In this thought-provoking episode of 'Addiction to Freedom', host Michael Gregory chats with JF Benoist, an author and addiction specialist, who sheds light on the 'monkey mind'—a term he uses to describe our pre-programmed ways of thinking that often lead to addiction. Benoist dives deep into how paying attention to our body and emotions can be the key to breaking free from these ingrained patterns.
He introduces the concept of the 'observing mind', a practice that involves becoming more aware of our bodily sensations and emotional states. This awareness, according to Benoist, acts like a portal to understanding our deeper motivations and mistaken beliefs. By honing this skill, we can respond to situations more appropriately and reduce the suffering we cause ourselves and others.
The episode also touches on the power of vulnerability, the importance of feeling seen and heard, and how building a support network can be transformative. Benoist emphasizes self-compassion and acceptance as crucial steps in this journey. Whether you're grappling with addiction yourself or supporting someone who is, this episode offers valuable insights into finding true freedom from addiction.
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