Quadriplegia didn't stop Kootenay musician Gary Morissette, it only made him stronger.
Life changed abruptly, when Morissette suffered a traumatic spinal-chord injury in a fall from a four-story building in Vancouver in 2022.
Yet, within two years the 37-year-old Fruitvale man has written a book titled "Mind Over Madness: Volume One" and made the most of an incredibly challenging, sudden and dramatic life change.
"Following my accident, which left me a ventilator-dependent quadriplegic, I was left with mental illness and depression from not knowing what happened," Morissette told the Trail Times.
"Being a certified meditation teacher, I experimented and discovered a method for mental wellness that works for me."
A well-known and beloved local troubadour, Morissette struggled with the highs and lows of drug addiction and mental health.
Yet, he captivated audiences across Canada and beyond with his energy, brilliant lyrics and musical genius.
He put Fruitvale on the proverbial musical map when he shone on the popular TV show "Canadian Idol" in 2008.
His family and friends started a page for Gary following the accident, where longtime friend and band-mate Mike Pederson wrote prophetically, "We know Gary鈥檚 humour, genius and drive will prevail and that he will find a new life in his new reality.
"He will continue to touch lives and be an inspiration to others."
Morissette countered the rock-and-roll frenzy with peaceful meditation.
He began meditating when he was 16, and ultimately, became an internationally certified meditation teacher through Yoga Alliance in 2021; his meditations based on his teacher training with Master Dev OM (India), and studies and practice with the Paramita Buddhist Centre and the Shambhala Meditation Centre.
With 22 years of meditation experience, Morissette created a guide that will help others focus on mindfulness and improving mental health.
"The process was very therapeutic while writing the book. That's what kept me going in the direction that I was going.
"Writing the book and using the method caused a significant change in my behaviour," he reflected. "I spent a lot of time reading it over and over again."
He recorded the book using voice control on an iPad, which proved challenging.
He had to do his own edits before reaching the editing process with his publisher, but it had its benefits.
"Every time I would read it and practice, I would heal a little bit more.
"I read it once a month now and use the tools every day. The method works."
Mind Over Madness combines Morissette's meditations and affirmations alongside his autobiographical songs and poetry.
The book is about his journey, yet, it is also a guide for others.
"I can learn from anyone's journey who is open enough to share it with me. This is me opening up so that you can learn from my journey or at least be entertained."
Morissette recommends one particular breathing pattern that can improve the way you feel by releasing and replenishing serotonin and dopamine.
Through meditation, affirmations, journaling, inspiration, and creative expression (MAJIC), he found a path to healing and resilience.
The book offers readers a guide to reset their own minds and find inner peace.
"If my book helps one other person with struggles similar to mine, then I have done my job," said Morissette. "If it helps more, all the better.
"If you need to find a new positive direction in life, this is a good place to start."
Morissette recommends his discography playlist on Spotify, and encourages readers to listen to it as an accompaniment to the book.
He also reminds readers that meditation is complementary and secondary to medical treatments.
"If you have any level of mental illness or depression, please talk to your doctor."
Volume One of Mind Over Madness focuses on the basic meditations from beginner to intermediate. Volume Two will cover intermediate to advanced, along with the science of meditation and vibrational chakra tuning.
"I hope you enjoy the book," he added. "Thanks for reading.鈥�
The book is published by Austin Macauley Publishers. To purchase "Mind Over Madness: Volume One" go to .
