If addiction is a process characterized by a state of violence toward oneself and others, perhaps the way to recovery is nonviolent. Perhaps lasting habit change doesn't involve forcing, coercing, or punishing ourselves into doing things differently but instead consists of a process of disarming ourselves of ineffective coping mechanisms. And in taking that risk, maybe we can open ourselves to finding a new power grounded in community rather than alienation. In this podcast episode, Matt Shedd lays out how he sees the language and process of nonviolent direct action as coinciding with the process of 12 Step Recovery and the science of mindfulness and habit change. Exploring the intersection between these approaches, Matt draws from several traditions and bodies of knowledge. Looking at the Big Book of A.A; the work of researchers Dr. Judson Brewer and Brené Brown; and Gandhi's practice of "Satyagraha" and the words of Martin Luther King, Jr., Matt walks through how he sees all these voices point to a unifying truth. When we learn to lay down the weapons of faulty defense mechanisms (which are only hurting ourselves and those around us), we can perhaps connect to a collective power or way of being that helps to heal ourselves and those around us.
For more of Matt's work or to reach out to him directly, visit mattshedd.com.
