Yoga & The Recovery Process

When I discovered yoga about 7 years into my recovery I was hooked. I needed to be in my body and take better care of my physical, mental and spiritual self. I had my first child at one year of recovery and then three more children. I was a mom very early in sobriety and hadn't yet learned to take care of myself, and slow down, and I never had time to even try meditation. My first class was so incredible because I was in my body and I was so excited to learn the physical poses. But I really enjoyed the peace I found through the breath practices, which took me right to the present moment. 

A strong focus in 12 step programs is to be in the moment and not to ruminate over the past or worry about the future.That is so important for everyone whether or not you are in a 12 step program. During a yoga class, I was in the present moment. I also found myself praying and checking in with my Higher Power for help with the class and guidance in general. This time for prayer was even more precious and beautiful during Shavasana. 

Over the years I have been so interested in how yoga can help—whether it is with someone's recovery program, for someone who is stressed, someone who is craving a spiritual life, or helping another with their addictions. The spirituality of the 12 steps and the spirituality of yoga with the asanas and pranayama complement each other and create the healing that we all need and desire. 

—Joyce Calvo-Chen

Join Joyce for her Yoga for Recovery workshop coming to Yoga Junction February 22nd 1-3 p.m.

Mindfulness Moment: Ten Count Breath

"Ten Count Breath" 

This breathing practice is very simple, and can be accessed throughout one's day. Helping to create a sense of relaxation within the body, taking a moment to count ten breaths grounds and centers the practitioner. 

1. To start, find a comfortable seat. Laying down and standing are also good options. 

2. Take three deep breaths to help settle and clear your mind. Allow each breath to fill you up and empty you out. 

3. Place your hands on your abdomen so that you can feel the fluctuations of the breath - the different sensations created by the inhale and exhale. 

4. Begin counting your breaths. A full cycle is one inhale and one exhale. Use your thumb and fingers to mark each breath by pressing and releasing into the abdomen, gently. 

5. With each breath, as you exhale become aware of any sensation of relaxation in the body. 

6. Continue to breath and count. Focus on the sensations of relaxation in the body that accompany every exhale. 

7. Allow yourself to melt into the exhales. 

8. Once you have finished all ten rounds of breath you can seal off your practice with a full body inhale and a full body exhale. Or, you can begin another round of counting to ten. 

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—Amanda Jade Fiorino

Director & Founder  |  Empower Shakti International

Top 6 Benefits of Yoga for Children

I can't tell you how many times I've heard adults say, "I wish I had my yoga practice in my youth. It would have made ______ (fill in the blank) that much easier." I feel the same way. From body image issues to self-confidence and empowerment, I feel yoga would have dramatically shifted my youth. Now, we have the ability to help create strong, confident, and compassionate children through the practice of yoga, and at Yoga Junction we offer classes for all ages.

Why is yoga so beneficial?
1. Yoga helps kids relax and calm themselves. Whether they are dealing with hormonal issues or tantrums, learning how to breathe and relax is an essential life skill.

2. Yoga reduces stress in kids. Kids have more stress at earlier ages. Yoga helps them learn how to "stress less" and feel capable and confident as they do so.

3. Yoga helps kids improve their concentration and balance. All kids and teens can benefit from increased concentration and balance—both in school and in play.

4. Yoga helps improve their gross and fine motor skills. Whether a child is an athlete or not, yoga helps increase both find and gross motor skills.

5. Yoga helps increase a child's self confidence and sense of self. Yoga is empowering, helping each child see that they are unique and strong.

6. Yoga helps foster positive body image. The emphasis on yoga is what your body can do not what it "should" do. This helps foster self-acceptance and a positive body image.

Our kids classes start next week with Laura Zeigler, a mama of two. Please join us and help us create confident and compassionate kids!!
—Melissa B. Williams, co-owner, Yoga Junction