Whether through small gestures or grand efforts, helping others creates a ripple effect that can lead to profound and lasting change. By focusing on mindful growth through service, we’re able to overcome negativity and find our purpose in life. For those in recovery, we often reflect on those who helped us when we couldn’t even help ourselves. The people who helped us when we felt at our lowest serve as a constant reminder that even the smallest act of kindness can be a lifeline for someone in need. You never know how one small act of compassion can completely change someone’s life.
When we help others, we create strength in the community through compassion and empathy. A common saying in the recovery industry is that “addiction thrives in isolation, but recovery thrives in the community.” By supporting others, we break the cycle of addiction and shame and build a future full of hope and resilience.
On a recent episode of Positive Recovery MD, one of our guests has a clear mission and purpose for his life: to be helpful to others. Through this act of meaningful service, he is able to give back to those who are walking a similar path, offering them the hope and encouragement they need to keep moving forward. Through serving others, he is able to help others discover mindful growth. Meet John Bruna, the Co-Founder of the Mindfulness in Recovery® Institute.
Get to Know Our Guest – John Bruna, Mindfulness in Recovery® Institute
John Bruna is an author, educator, counselor, and mindfulness trainer. In addition to successful careers in counseling and education, John is a former Buddhist monk with over three decades of experience working in recovery. John has presented at TEDx, Google, Facebook, and conferences throughout the United States.
In this inspiring journey, John shares how the worst day of his life – losing access to his daughter due to his substance use addiction – led him down a life-long journey of self-discovery, discipline, and mindfulness. Because of the internal work – learning how to have a healthy relationship with himself and finding peace in recovery – he got his daughter back years later and became the father (and grandfather!) figure he always wanted to be.
Now, celebrating 40 years in recovery, John equips others with the tools to nurture new, positive thoughts, teaches them how to support the person they want to become, and helps them overcome negativity bias and remove suffering from their lives through mindfulness.
Reframing Negativity Bias by Pursuing a Growth Mindset
Negativity bias affects both how we view ourselves and how we interact with and serve others. When we focus on mistakes or perceive our efforts as inadequate, we may hesitate to offer help or question the impact of our contributions. However, meaningful service thrives when we move beyond self-doubt and embrace the growth potential.
Rather than allowing negativity bias to take the lead, try reframing how we view ourselves and those around us through mindfulness. In doing so, this growth mindset will enable us to stay present and focus on the positive impact our actions can have, no matter how small they may seem.
The Act of Meaningful Service
Engaging in meaningful service provides a unique opportunity to practice this growth mindset in our daily lives. When we approach helping others as a chance to learn and grow, we shift our focus from perfectionism to progress.
Instead of being discouraged by challenges or setbacks, we view them as opportunities to develop empathy, patience, and resilience. This mindset not only strengthens our ability to support others but also helps us see how acts of service contribute to a larger ripple effect of positivity and connection. With this, mindfulness can further keep us grounded and attuned to the needs of those we serve, fostering deeper and more meaningful interactions.
Mindful Growth: A Path to Overcoming Negativity
Mindful growth also plays a vital role in overcoming negativity bias. By staying present and fully engaged, we can appreciate the immediate value of our actions without becoming overwhelmed by doubts or focusing on perceived shortcomings. Mindful service allows us to meet others where they are, listen without judgment, and respond with compassion. This presence not only uplifts those we support but also reinforces our own sense of purpose and self-worth.
Ultimately, meaningful service is a practice that benefits both the giver and the receiver. By applying mindfulness and a growth mindset, we transform negativity into a source of motivation and deepen our capacity for empathy and connection. As we help others realize their potential and overcome their struggles, we also grow in our own journey, finding strength and fulfillment in the act of giving (without expecting anything in return)
The Intersection of Service, Growth, and Mindfulness
Combining meaningful service, a growth mindset, and mindfulness creates a powerful feedback loop: the more we serve with intention and awareness, the more we grow, and the more our growth enables us to serve others effectively. By adopting a growth mindset, we view each act of service as a step toward personal development, regardless of the challenges or outcomes.
Through this synergy, we break free from negativity bias and reframe service and life as an evolving journey. Mindfulness keeps us grounded in the present moment, ensuring that our efforts are authentic and impactful. Meanwhile, a growth mindset propels us forward, encouraging us to embrace the learning that comes from serving others. Together, these principles enhance our ability to give and help us find fulfillment, purpose, and resilience in the process.
Loved This Conversation? We’ve Got More Like This One!
If you loved this conversation about mindful growth and want to learn more about the difference between empathy and self-compassion, how to recognize every encounter as an opportunity for growth, or how to find mindfulness in recovery, you can listen to the full episode or connect with John Bruna on LinkedIn!
Want access to more Positive Recovery MD podcasts? Subscribe today wherever you listen to your favorite shows – tap this link to find your preferred channel!