Using yoga to recover from addiction

Transcript

I think it's a great class and I think that it brings a little peace to my crazy day and crazy life and it just helps calm and center me it has been touted for its many health benefits everything from helping reduce stress to increasing flexibility and there may be many more for those recovering from addiction one woman is teaching a program aimed at using the holistic benefits of yoga to reduce the chance of relapsing palms facing up close your eyes Pat coffin had never done yoga before wanted to try anything and everything and kind of do that take what works Rowlett but after an overdose in 2018 caused a freak accident that led to his leg being amputated he was ready to try something new it kind of killed two birds with one stone for me because I had just gotten my prosthetic at the time as he celebrates one year of being sober letting go of any fear anxiety he's getting stronger every class mentally and physically that's kind of a whole body recovery it's called recovery infused yoga it's healing one breath at a time is our mantra a nonprofit started by founder Lindsey bel Castro offering a first-of-its-kind program in the greater Grand Rapids area bring our hands to heart center and close your eyes to keep myself alive I needed to put myself in the middle of recovery as a whole the goal is to offer free or affordable yoga classes to people recovering from various addictions working with the sixty-first District Court in Kent County anybody that's in drug court or sobriety court can attend for free and get the benefits of recovery in fuga to stay sober Lindsay says she's proof that it works and I started drinking and using very young so I kept relapsing before I got before I started teaching yoga practicing and teaching yoga and meditation now six years sober and a state certified peer recovery coach when I brought it together it just it worked she's teaching to give back create an intention that's personal to you for your pathway your recovery knowing the power of this ancient practice to fight addiction it gives you that the other sense a peace of mind get them to be able to close their eyes and look inward it's not easy after you've been in addiction for so long the class is held in a meeting format sober supportive environment emphasizing different affirmations and self-reflection mastering moves and techniques to be more mindful it's connecting breath with movement so it's a moving meditation things to help them in their recovery hopefully preventing a relapse I know the epidemic is so strong right now we're losing you know hundreds of people a day so to know that somebody can walk in the door and have a solution I am happy I am safe a solution that's saving people like Pat I suffered with anxiety and depression before getting clean building confidence and self-respect as they build a stronger mind and body for what may be a tough road ahead I don't have anxiety or depression or any any mental stuff that I can't self correct now through meditation and yoga well those classes actually count as a recovery meeting Lindsay says the goal is to one day have a healing center with several classes like that offered each day for now those classes are held Sunday evenings in East town we have more