In this episode of The Sober Curator, host Alysse Bryson gathers a dynamic group of curators to explore the spiritual side of sobriety. Listen in as Anne Marie Cribbin, Daniel G. Garza, Teresa Bergen, and Derek Castleman share their unique journeys with spirituality, how ancient philosophies intertwine with modern recovery practices, and the legacies they aim to leave behind. The conversation reveals the deeply personal yet universally relatable nature of faith and recovery, sure to inspire those on their sober path.
For Anne Marie Cribbin, sobriety was more than a personal choice; it was a necessity for spiritual preservation and growth. Her journey began with a shock upon encountering the pervasive cultural conditioning that intertwined alcohol with spiritual practices. This revelation acted as a turning point, inspiring her decision to embrace sobriety as a means to strengthen her spiritual connection, something she holds in high regard. Anne Marie describes this as a reclamation of self, a refusal to stand for the slow encroachment of alcohol on her creativity, emotions, and spirituality.
The Path of Introspection and Curiosity
The podcast reveals that sobriety isn’t a one-size-fits-all journey. Teresa Bergen, a long-time yoga practitioner and teacher, marries her spiritual practices with sobriety through introspection and curiosity. Her path illustrates the power of yoga philosophy, emphasizing practices like nonviolence and contentment to enhance one’s spiritual and sober life. Through a blend of spiritual reading and applying yoga’s ancient principles, Teresa provides an illuminating insight into how sobriety and spirituality feed into one another, enriching the overall life experience.
Derek Castleman introduces the listeners to the profound influence of Stoicism on his sobriety journey, highlighting its focus on self-control and temperance—qualities essential to recovery. Stoicism offers a philosophical approach that transcends religious boundaries, providing a framework for understanding life’s challenges and overlaying them with sobriety’s demands. Derek’s exploration into this ancient philosophy underscores the message that spirituality in sobriety is not confined to religious doctrine but can be an individual pursuit of self-understanding and universal connection.
A New Kind of Spirituality
For Daniel G. Garza, spirituality in sobriety manifests as a commitment sustained over years, a journey supported by faith and newfound practices. From a traditional Catholic upbringing to developing a unique spiritual practice, Daniel illustrates that sobriety opens avenues for introspective discovery and outward service. His role as a spiritual guide through weekly horoscopes serves as both a reflection of his spiritual journey and a means of giving back, illustrating that spirituality can be a living, breathing element of sobriety.
One poignant theme discussed in the podcast is the legacy of sobriety and how it molds one’s spiritual footprint in the world. As The Sober Curator team discussed, sobriety and spirituality forge a path of renewal and hope, encouraging individuals to ponder the long-term impact of their journey. This legacy is a reflection of personal growth and a gift to the broader community, an offering of kindness, understanding, and solidarity.
The Sober Curator Podcast underlines that sobriety is a profoundly transformative journey when enriched by spiritual reflection and diverse practices. Whether through awakening to new truths, embracing historical teachings, or expanding one’s spiritual practices, individuals find unique paths suited to their needs. At the heart of this exploration is a collective understanding that embracing sobriety is not just about abstinence but about unlocking one’s fullest potential and sharing that transformative power with the world.
Resources & Links
- Sober Horoscopes by Daniel G Garza
- Teresa Bergen’s Travel and Sobriety Blog
- Derek Castleman’s Book, “The Sober Stoic”
- Anne Marie Cribbin’s Thirsty for Wonder
- Meet the Contributors
- Alcohol + Substance Use Disorder Guide
- Recovery Nonprofit Resource Guide
- LBGTQ+ Recovery Resource Guide
🔗TSC Podcast on Apple Podcasts
🔗TSC Podcast on Spotify Podcasts – 👀WATCH THE SHOW! 📺
🔗 TSC Podcast on YouTube – 👀WATCH THE SHOW! 📺
RECOVERY PODCASTLAND & NETWORK: Tune in and let your ears experience the audio haven for all things sobriety and recovery. Buzz into the sobriety soundscape at The Sober Curator. Here, we delve into the world of our favorite sober and recovery-based podcasts. Picture us as your bee-zy, sober podcast enthusiasts or the lively guardians of an alcohol-free audio oasis. Our digital archives are neatly categorized into TSC Recovery Podcastland & Network.
SPIRITUAL GANGSTER: Welcome to the ‘Spiritual Gangster’ wing of The Sober Curator, a haven for those on a sober journey with a twist of spiritual sass. Here, we invite you to plunge headfirst into a world of meditation, astrology, intentionality, philosophy, and spiritual reflection – all while keeping your feet (and sobriety) firmly on the ground.
Sober Say What?
Our brand new recovery glossary is the ultimate guide to the language of sobriety, the world of recovery and alcohol-free lifestyles, where words hold power, knowledge, and the keys to a vibrant life free from substances that dim our glow. The Sober Curator Glossary helps to create a more inclusive, informed, and effective environment for those on their journey to recovery and those who support them as they walk the path.
If you or someone you know is experiencing difficulties surrounding alcoholism, addiction, or mental illness, please reach out and ask for help. People everywhere can and want to help; you just have to know where to look. And continue to look until you find what works for you. Click here for a list of regional and national resources.
