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In the mid-sixties, Tom Catton searched for meaning by experimenting with pot, LSD, and other drugs popular then—but instead of the spiritual connection he sought, Catton found himself hooked in the web of addiction and consumed by feelings of separation. In this earnest, insightful, and wonderfully written book, Catton, now in long-term recovery, describes how he transcended his challenges through the study and practice of meditation and introspection.
Along the way, he journeyed across the world, from the beaches of Hawaii to the streets of Kolkata (Calcutta), meeting remarkable "teachers," like the magnetic Flobird, who became his mentor, his spiritual guide, and his friend. She inhabits the pages of this book, along with other singular world figures Catton met in his sojourn—like the Dalai Lama and Mother Teresa. They are all here, in The Mindful Addict, and their lessons and love infuse these pages with wisdom and heart.
I picked up Tom Catton's manuscript one afternoon and decided to read the book right away. I found it engrossing and insightful. I finished the book that evening, and I can couch for its authenticity as I was one of Flobird's 'traveling birds.' Tom offer hope and inspiration about how to navigate through life before and after recovery. May many lives be touched by Tom's journey and learn the meaning of being happy and grateful and in service to other. —Reverend Deborah Knowles, Unity Church of Kona-Kohala, Kona, Hawaii
The seeds to Tom's recovery were planted well before he put together any serious time clean. It has been stated that recovery is dependent upon a spiritual experience set on a pedestal of hopelessness. Clearly Tom's pain and suffering spawned a spiritual awakening. But he didn't do it alone. In recovery we learn that 'We can do what I can't.' Tom had a very special personal in his life, Flobird. Through Tom's story you will meet this remarkable woman. I like to think of her as Tom's spiritual midwife. She and many others helped Tom build a very strong foundation for his recovery. —Allen Berger, PhD, Author of 12 Stupid Things That Mess Up Recovery: Avoiding Relapse through Self-Awareness and Right Action and 12 Smart Things to Do When the Booze and Drugs Are Gone: Choosing Emotional Sobriety through Self-Awareness and Right Action
Everyone's life is a drama; Tom Catton's is a true adventure. Not only is The Mindful Addict an adventure in recovery; it is an adventure in discovery. What Tom finds, and what he helps all of us find, is the glorious truth about ourselves and the world in which we live. Tom knows what it is to hit rock bottom, and he has graced us all with a book that is completely rock solid. —Rabbi Rami Shapiro, Author of Recovery—The Sacred Art: The Twelve Steps as Spiritual Practice
So much is made of the question 'Are we always in a state of recovery, or can we ever fully recovery from addiction?' With The Mindful Addict, Tom Catton does as good a job as I have seen of dispatching this meaningless question. Here is a book that will give you the practical tools you need to live fully in the moment, a moment that is eternally revealing itself to us. All we need do is pay attention. Simple, but far from easy, of course. But if you are serious about recovery, this is a path worth choosing. And I highly recommend Tom Catton as one of your guides. —Thom Rutledge, Author of Embracing Fear: How to Turn What Scares Us into Our Greatest Gift
Many search for spiritual enlightenment, but few have survived the path Tom Catton details in The Mindful Addict. This is a beautiful tale of one soul's long journey back from the brink of a life immersed in alcohol and drugs. Along the way, Tom discovers the key to his survival is complete surrender to a higher source. I highly recommend surrendering to The Mindful Addict and letting the awakening of your spirit begin as well. —Randolph J. Rogers, Author of The Key of Life: A Metaphysical Investigation
Preface
Acknowledgments
Introduction
Chapter One
The Beginning
Chapter Two
The Miracle
Chapter Three
The Gift
Chapter Four
The Journey Begins
Chapter Five
Soul Mates
Chapter Six
Spiritual Gypsy
Chapter Seven
On We Go with the Cosmic Show
Chapter Eight
Showing Up
Chapter Nine
Guidance: Follow Your Heart
Chapter Ten
Challenges/Gifts
Chapter Eleven
Holy People and Spiritual Experiences
Chapter Twelve
The Practice, the Dharma
Chapter Thirteen
The Steps