A Raging Thirst: My Life in the Chamber of Yearnings

This memoir describes the author's battles with alcoholism and disability, and shows how she reached acceptance through practising the Gurdjieff Work and the Catholic religion. Only a spiritual path can relieve the distress caused by addiction. Only with the help of a Higher Power is it possible to live a serene and happy life while acknowledging the need to stay abstinent. The Gurdjieff Work helps us to identify the different parts of our psychology that keep us in addiction, and shows us how to let go of the negative emotions, worries and anxieties that threaten our serenity. The Catholic faith goes even further by showing us how we may offer up our individual suffering so that it can be used by God to help other sufferers and to bring relief to those in mental or physical pain from various causes. The Kingdom of Heaven works by creating a community of loving souls who all co-operate in the great work of redemption. Through taking part in this tremendous plan, we ourselves gain relief from suffering and see how our lives can become meaningful and satisfying, no matter what battles we face. Everyone, whatever their state or physical condition, is invited to share in this universal work, and this memoir shows how we may reach serenity through doing so.