Читать книгу The Mindful Addict - Tom Catton - Страница 9

PREFACE

My name is Tom, and I’m an addict of the hopeless variety. This is my story and my adventure. I was catapulted into another dimension, transported from a life full of fear and separateness to a life full of miracles and synchronicity, a life that is now overflowing with love and intimacy.

Since October 20, 1971, I have followed the spiritual path of twelve-step programs. The teachings I have learned throughout my life’s journey of personal challenges began in a state of hopeless addiction. But my teachers, studies, and experiences on a variety of spiritual paths have led me to believe in the possibility—and simplicity—of finding true happiness. Living life to the fullest, with an attitude of gratitude, has become my mantra over the years. It has led me to experience life with a true joy for living, despite external circumstances.

This book shows how, through meditation, a person who had no prior training came to have his life profoundly changed by the practice. Meditation teaches us to always follow our inner guidance and stay present in the moment. Along with offering love and service to others, meditation leads to a fulfilling life. We can be happy right here, right now—not if and when our specific desires materialize.

What I share here is my experience. I do not claim to be any kind of expert or teacher within the twelve-step arena, and although I find myself attracted to Buddhism, there will be no formal teachings in this book. There are numerous books on Buddhism and twelve-step programs. My simple goal is to share what has worked and is currently working in my life. I’m drawn to the school of Theravada Buddhism, from where the now-popular Vipassana practice of meditation stems.

The word “mindfulness” will be mentioned throughout the book. Mindfulness comes from the Sanskrit word sati, which means basic awareness, and the word smirti, meaning “to come back” to awareness when the mind starts to stray. Simply, it all means “Pay attention to what is.” We need not acquire a black belt in meditation, visit seven higher realms, or have direct contact with the angels around us. We just have to be present and constantly give of ourselves as we walk through our lives. That’s how we truly discover that our serenity is only and always a breath away.

I invite you to join me on this journey. The spiritual path is open to each of us. Although it contains many bumps and some darkness, we will walk it together, and we will always find our way to the light.