When Nick Padlo hit rock bottom, he never expected that a serene meditation garden would be the catalyst for a profound transformation. As a West Point graduate and Army combat veteran, Nick's journey through addiction and mental health struggles led him to discover the life-changing power of mindfulness and meditation. We explore the stark contrast between mindfulness and mindlessness and how focusing on meditation objects like breath, body, or emotions can sharpen both personal and professional effectiveness. Transitioning from rehab to real life poses significant challenges, and building a comprehensive sobriety toolkit is essential. Nick shares invaluable insights into Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and daily mindfulness practices, stressing the importance of continuous self-improvement. We also underscore the vital role of education and skill-building in recovery, Sophros Recovery's expansion efforts, and the necessity of supporting veterans and first responders. Ultimately, Nick's journey sends a powerful message of hope and resilience, proving that with the right tools and mindset, anyone can aspire to a better life. In this episode, you will hear: Nick Padlo's transformative journey from addiction and mental health struggles to recovery The life-changing impact of mindfulness and meditation on Nick's recovery Contrast between mindfulness and mindlessness, enhancing personal and professional effectiveness Building a comprehensive sobriety toolkit including CBT, DBT, and daily mindfulness practices Importance of continuous self-improvement and education in addiction recovery Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Supporting Resources: NovusMindfulLife.com Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices