Yoga to Support Sober Living

More than 22 million Americans are battling substance abuse, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. That’s more than 22 million people who need access to every tool available to help them on their journey to sober living. Yoga is one of those tools. Addiction prevents the connection to the core of the individual, and yoga is a conduit to the reunion of the self. Many yoga classes for addiction recovery exist and can be found through the Yoga Alliance, but here are some poses you can try on your own.

Begin in Sitting Mountain by coming to sit on the heels. If this is not comfortable, place a pillow or folded blanket between the seat and the heels. Rest the hands lightly on the knees. Let the chin drop slightly, and the eyes close. This creates stillness in the body. Stay here for 5 to 10 breaths and repeat the words, I am.

Release forward into Child’s Pose by bringing the forehead to the floor. If that is too much, create a pillow with your hands, and rest your forehead there. This pose relaxes the muscles of the back and shoulders, and the pressure on the forehead calms the mind. Stay here for 5 to 10 breaths saying the words “in” and “out” as you breathe.

Come to sit with legs extended, placing a pillow beneath your seat if you need support. Move into Seated Forward Fold Pose by reaching forward and holding the shins, ankles, or feet. This pose stretches the hamstrings, and teaches self-acceptance. You only go as far as you can! Repeat the words “let go” as you take 5 to 10 breaths.

Finish in Legs Up the Wall Pose. At a wall, lay in such a way that your seat is at the wall, the legs are extended up the wall and your upper body is relaxing on the floor. Let the arms relax and the palms face up. Place a pillow under the head if you’d like. This pose relaxes the muscles of the legs and feet and reverses the flow of blood. Stay here for as long as you want, but at least 10 breaths, repeating the words “just be”.

Please contact us to see how we can help you on your path to sober living.