Exploring Triggers, Pain and Shame with Vimalasara Mason-John

Hosted and Produced by J’aime Rothbard.

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: Click here to apply for the February, 2025 Compassionate Inquiry®️ Professional Training. You will find all relevant information about the year long program and locate the application form.  Applications close on December 15. https://online.compassionateinquiry.com/a/2147834397/7NaWFv9i

Throughout this interview, Vimalasara speaks of mindfulness, compassion and vulnerability in the healing of trauma and transformation of negative self-perceptions.

They open this deep, candid conversation with a demonstration of the "Breathing Space" - gently gathering then expanding the breath throughout the body. Experience firsthand how this practice cultivates mindfulness and interrupts unhelpful thinking.  

Vimalasara shares several personal stories of journeys down dark paths that ultimately led them into their current vibrant aliveness. They also speak about how they: - Recognized their vulnerability and learned to respond with self-love rather than self-hate. - Unraveled the mechanics of emotional triggers to realize their transient nature. - Came to perceive thoughts as transient mental events that don’t reflect one's true self - Employ Compassionate Inquiry® to excavate old stories and beliefs that shape one's identity 

Ponder your own answers as Vimalasara reflects on these questions: "When did you stop singing? When did you stop breathing?  When did you stop being enchanted by your own story? When did you lose your aliveness?

Allow this conversation to resonate in your mind-body. Let its echoes invite you to expand your breath, to extend the time you devote to play, to enchantment, to your own vibrant aliveness.

About Dr Vimalasara Mason-John:

Named a leading African descent voice in the field of mindfulness approaches for addiction, Dr Valerie (Vimalasara) Mason-John, MA, (hon.doc) is an international Keynote Speaker in the field of Addiction and Trauma. 

Trained in Dr Gabor Maté’s Compassionate Inquiry®, Internal Family Systems, Restorative Justice, and Conflict Transformation, they co-founded: 8 Step Recovery, a Mindfulness Based Addiction Recovery Train the Trainer, and Freedom Together Global Mindfulness Teacher Training Program, designed BY and FOR Black, Indigenous and People of Color—the Global Majority. 

Vimalasara has also written 11 award-winning books including: Borrowed Body, Detox Your Heart, Meditations for Emotional Trauma, and most recently, First Aid Kit For the Mind, Breaking The Cycle of Habitual Behaviors. 

They are a senior teacher in the Triratna Buddhist Community, live in Canada and work in Canada, the US and the UK.

Resources:

Websites:

Professional WebsiteCI Practitioner Profile

Videos:

We Are What We Think - TedXPsychedelics as a Path to FreedomLet Go of StoriesMindfulness for Everyone

Post:

Mindful Meditation Heals Beyond What You Know

Courses:

Mindfulness Based Addiction Recovery Eight Step Recovery

Books: First Aid Kit for the Mind: Breaking the Cycle of Habitual Behaviours(3 of 11) Eight Step Recovery: Using the Buddha's Teachings to Overcome AddictionDetox Your Heart: Meditations for Healing Emotional Trauma

Instagram: @vmasonjohnFacebook: Vimalasara - Valerie Mason-John