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About The Book

From a recovering addict, musician, and tattooed indie culturist: a guidebook for today’s generation of spiritual misfits who crave a dogma-free path.

Brutally honest and radically unconventional, Chris Grosso’s collection of stories and musings about his meandering journey of self-inquiry, recovery, and acceptance shows what it means to live a truly authentic spiritual life.

Set amongst the backdrop of Grosso’s original music (includ­ed for download via QR codes in the text), Indie Spiritualist encourages you to accept yourself just as you are, in all your humanity and imperfect perfection.

About The Author

Chris Grosso is a writer and public speaker. He is the author of Indie Spiritualist and Everything Mind and writes for ORIGIN Magazine, Huffington Post, and Mantra Yoga + Health Magazine. Chris speaks frequently at conferences and festivals and is passionate about his work with people who are in the process of healing or struggling with addictions of all kinds. He is a member of the advisory board for Drugs over Dinner and hosts The Indie Spiritualist podcast on Ram Dass’s Be Here Now Network.

Product Details

  • Publisher: Atria Books/Beyond Words (April 1, 2014)
  • Length: 272 pages
  • ISBN13: 9781582704623

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Raves and Reviews

"[Grosso] writes with refreshing wit and candor, deeply and broadly reflecting on what it means to be human, personally and collectively."

– Publishers Weekly

"In this open, honest, and wise reflection on his path, Chris Grosso offers us his heart. May this book inspire you to become independently wise and compassionate."

– Noah Levine, bestselling author of Dharma Punx and Against the Stream

"Chris Grosso seamlessly blends the ideas of individuality and spirituality in a way that is selfless, easy to read, and inspiring. He can help you find a purpose and be proud of yourself."

– Tony Hawk, skateboarding icon

"Chris Grosso, in a well written book, takes us into his mind and through a plethora of experiences. Indie Spiritualist guides readers to greater awareness and love."

– Ram Dass, author of Be Here Now

"You awaken your True spirit by way of the broken heart: ragged, vulnerable, fierce and finally compassionate. Chris trod this rough way and shows honestly how it can be done."

– Jack Kornfield, bestselling author of A Path With Heart

"Chris Grosso's message is simple: dogma-free spirituality that's available to everyone, at all times. Whether you're attending a meditation event, a rock concert, a yoga class, or even a rehab program, spirit is always accessible. I'm grateful for what I've learned from Chris, and I'm excited to see the impact that his wisdom and work will undoubtedly have on the world."

– Marci Shimoff, NewYork Times Best-Selling Author of Love for No Reason and Happy for No Reason

"Those of us who are muddling and meandering our way along aspiritual path often wind up befuddled, a bit lost, and in need of guidancefrom someone with the chops to light the path so that we can find our own way.Chris Grosso is just such a light-bearer. With his own quirky breed of indiespiritualism, Chris seeks the sublime and invites us to seek it for ourselves.His book, Indie Spiritualist, will be a great service to those looking outside traditionalreligious paths to find divinity within themselves and in the world."

– Lissa Rankin, MD, NewYork Times Best-Selling Author of Mind Over Medicine

"Chris Grosso and his book, Indie Spiritualist, are a perfect example of the alternative mind-set. Combining punk rock, skateboarding, spirituality, and more. Indie Spiritualist is blazing trails like no one else."

– Chuck Treece, Professional skateboarder and punk rock legend

"Chris Grosso is a caring and compassionate human being who can also be relied upon to do things right. i have worked with him and can verify that he comes form his heart while maintaining the ability to use his intellect and intuition to make the right choices and do the right things."

– Bernie Siegel, MD, Best-selling author of Love, Medicine, and Miracles

"[The Indie Spiritualist]website is an edgy field of delights. [Chris’s] interview questions set methinking in new directions. I have found his website . . . to be an interestingattempt to capture the Spirit of the times: timely, timeless, and otherwise."

– Lama Surya Das, bestselling author of Awakeningthe Buddha Within

“This is ragged truth-telling at its best, and Chris speaks directly from nothing but his own experience. It is therefore as honest and authentic an account of spirituality as you will likely find anywhere. What else could you ask for? We have known for some time now that the spirituality of tomorrow will not be your father’s spirituality—it will be different; it will be wilder; it will be more direct; it will be more real and authentic; it will speak, not of creed’s or beliefs, but directly to the heart and mind in the most certain and unmistakable words imaginable. In other words, it will speak a lot like this book does. Pick it up; read it; find out for yourself; and you’ll be very glad you did.”

– Ken Wilber, author of The Integral Vision

"Chris writes from the inside out about learning to love without holding back. This book is alive with truth-telling: It is a transmission that will turn you towards the light of your own awakening heart."

– Tara Brach, PhD, author of Radical Acceptance and True Refuge

"Indie Spiritualist offers clear insight and fresh inspiration for this emerging generation of truth seekers. Its a great read and serves as a good friend to have along the path."

– MC Yogi, hip-hop artist, graffiti writer, and yoga teacher

"Indie Spiritualist by my dear friend Chris Grosso cuts right to the heart of what engaged Dharma Buddhism is all about, while sparing the bullshit. Chris' writing, while relevant for all readers, does something most contemporary spiritual teachers don't, and that is make spirituality accessible for our youth, especially the inner city homies who are thirsty for it but need the message straight up. Thank you Chris for this book which is sure to change the lives of those who read it."

– Jarvis Jay Masters, author of That Bird Has My Wings

"Chris Grosso shares his life experiences and spiritual awakening with depth, clarity, humility and understanding. Chris's words are tangible for "lost soul" teens who are completely dissatisfied with the world, longtime spiritual practitioners, and those just looking for something more. Chris has truly given us a useful gift."

– Jessica Pimentel, actress (Orange Is The New Black), Tibetan Buddhist, and musician (Alekhine's Gun)

"Every generation finds a voice that speaks their language while also sharing the wisdom of the past. Chris Grosso is that voice for our generation as he speaks the wisdom we need to hear while weaving in real life. Indie Spiritualist is practical, heartfelt and the truest of truths."

– Betsy Chasse, author of Tipping Sacred Cows and cocreator of What the Bleep Do we Know!?

"There's a new generation of spiritualist emerging, and Chris's work on his website, The Indie Spiritualist, has established him as a leading visionary among them. We believe there is no better voice than Chris's for this project, and know that this book will be of great support to all who seek wisdom."

– Stephen and Ondrea Levine, bestselling author of Embracing the Beloved, Who Dies? and The Grief Process

"Chris Grosso and his book Indie Spiritualist ain't going nowhere. Feel the vibe or get left behind."

– Treach, Naughty by Nature

"Chris Grosso walks us through his own experiences, devoid of grandiosity, and with a sense of knowing that each answer gained unravels further inquiries and opportunities for self-exploration. Thank you, Chris, for an entertaining and smart read."

– Gavin Van Vlack, founding member of legendary NYC hardcore bands Burn and Absolution

"Chris Grosso is a humble, wise, penetrating writer and spiritual pioneer. I tremendously enjoyed the range and depth of Indie Spiritualist and found myself drawn into unsuspected mysteries and depths. I believe his book will be immensely useful, accessible, and a source of joy to many seekers."

– Andrew Harvey, bestselling author of The Hope

"There is just something about Chris. He is a voice, an energy, a life force that brings together our inner rebel with our inner wisdom. He is destined to leave a profound mark on this planet through his innovative writings, musings, and questioning of what it means to be here and human."

– Amy Ahlers, bestselling author of Big Fat Lies Women Tell Themselves

"Chris Grosso is a brilliant curator of all things cool, underground, and enlightening for the newer generations of misfit mystics, musicians, and artists who take the road less traveled. He presents creative expression and spirituality as a positive, alternative route to that of self-destruction."

– Lisa Marie Selow, bestselling author of A Rebel Chick Mystic's Guide

"In a society where spirituality has been commodified and repackaged as a lifestyle accessory, Chris's zero-bullshit approach to our spiritual lives is a much-needed reality check...If I had to pick one spirituality writer to watch this year, it would be Chris."

– Kate Bartolotta, managing editor at ElephantJournal.com

"Chris sets a high bar combining authenticity with concise, wise self-reflection, which inspires us to consider our own experience and find our own spiritual truth."

– Tommy Rosen, yoga teacher, addition/recovery expert and author of Recovery 2.0

"Chris Grosso has written a rowdy and real guide to spiritual practice that avoids the fluff and 'fast food for the mind' rhetoric that one so often find in the 'spirituality' section of bookstores these days. Indie Spiritualist is highly recommended for those who are serious about spirituality and not just looking for a happy pill to make it all better."

– Brad Warner, bestselling author of Hardcore Zen and Sit Down and Shut UP

"Chris Grosso shares a message from the heart with honesty and deep awareness. He has created a masterpiece of art, an expression of his love. Indie Spiritualist brings us a beautiful introduction to a new era of spirituality."

– don Jose Ruiz, New York Times bestselling coauthor of The Fifth Agreement

"It is too easy to assume that America's young rockers and hipsters are all casually nihilistic, but Grosso taps into the deep yearning for authentic spirituality—questions allowed."

– Library Journal

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