On November 17th Kevin Griffin, author of “One Step at a Time; Buddhism and the 12 Steps” gave a public talk to about 65 people.  This was Kevin’s first appearance in the Chicago area and he was delighted to be received by so many who share a love for the 12 Step path and an interest in the contributions Buddhism can make to its followers. 

Following a brief recounting of how he came to embrace Buddhism and the 12 Steps, Kevin guided the group through a twenty minute mindfulness meditation exercise followed by a question and answer period.  In addition to responding to questions about the mindfulness meditation process, he addressed questions concerning the use of prayer, how to develop a morning ritual, and how to reconcile Buddhist beliefs and practices with the traditional  Judeo-Christian concept of a God as an all-powerful deity. 

In “Dharma God and the Path of Recovery”, to be published in January of 2010, Kevin explores the last question more fully, suggesting that the teachings of Dharma can be seen as a power greater than ourselves to which we can turn  for  inspiration and guidance for our lives and behavior  in much the same way we might turn to God.

During his talk, Kevin referred attendees to his website, www.kevingriffin.com for  more information and links to guided meditations he has recorded as well as to the Buddhist Recovery Network website www.buddhistrecovery.org .

At the gathering I also announced that I am currently looking for space in the Evanston/Wilmette area to teach a class on “Mindfulness Meditation and the 12 Steps”.   Anyone interested in attending or receiving more information about the class can contact me at info@happyhealthywhole.com.