Awakening With Don
Helping people find hope, healing, and presence in recovery.
From Pulpit to Presence:
A Journey of Awakening
Meet Don Phelps
Don Phelps is a former pastor turned Buddhist-informed recovery mentor. After a career in the corporate sector, he entered seminary and spent ten years in ministry within a conservative Christian denomination.
His ministry ended involuntarily due to active alcoholism—a crisis that led to a profound personal transformation. Through recovery, Don experienced a radical spiritual shift and no longer identifies as Christian.
Today, he draws on his lived experience to help others find freedom through honesty, presence, and Buddhist-inspired recovery.
Don is a Recovery Dharma facilitator and Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) candidate.
“I left the church, lost myself, and finally found the path that set me free.”
A powerful journey of addiction, recovery, and spiritual transformation
Don doesn’t deliver speeches—he shares space.
His voice comes from the inside out—from years of addiction, deep spiritual unraveling, and the slow, steady work of rebuilding a life. He doesn’t speak in polished soundbites or distant theories. He speaks from experience—with honesty, humility, and heart.
Don weaves storytelling, mindfulness, and Buddhist recovery principles into every talk—not to perform, but to connect. What he offers isn’t a lecture; it’s a moment of presence.
Whether speaking to a recovery circle, a faith community, or a group seeking healing, Don shows up without pretense, without judgment, and without a price tag—just a willingness to serve.
