The Kindness Habit: Transforming Our Relationship to Addictive Behaviours

“When we practise self-compassion, we look after ourselves just as though we are nurturing a small child. In fact, a major part of grieving our original pain work (so that we can heal and be emotionally liberated) is to re-parent ourselves and reconnect with our inner child.” — Christopher Dines, The Kindness Habit

The Kindness Habit is a warm, compassionate, and open dialogue between Christopher Dines, Dr. Barbara Mariposa, and an anonymous fellow traveler on the road to recovery.

The authors share their experiences of letting go of “false friends” (addictive behaviors) and their understanding of the healing process as it applies to all of us. This space of acceptance, kindness, and authenticity makes it possible for their newfound friend to start speaking from the heart about their own situation, thereby catalyzing their healing journey.

As so many people experience toxic shame, self-blame, and secrecy regarding their and others’ addictions, the book is written with the intention of making it safer for all of us in psychological pain to speak up and seek help. Rather than finding fault with the individual, the book aims to place addiction in the wider context of the human condition.

Mental illness is at an all-time high, and addictive behaviors are but one manifestation of deeper unrest within societies. The authors invite readers far and wide, whether touched by addictions personally or not, to engage in the conversation and find their truth and refuge. The book’s foreword is by three times #1 New York Times bestseller, the late John Bradshaw.