Meditation in Recovery Series: Practicing Yoga BY STEFANIE on July 14th, 2015
Meditation is an ancient practice that has been used in religions, Eastern medicines, and by many people looking for a greater connection to nature or their spirituality. Today, meditation is recognized by health professionals as a valid and therapeutic practice symptom management of chronic diseases, including addiction and mental illness. Its growing popularity as an effective adjunct to chemical-based medicine has resulted the growing popularity of alternative meditation methods for those who want the meditation’s benefits, but aren’t keen on traditional methods. For many people, the practice of sitting still, while focusing on deep, rhythmic breathing, guided imagery, or repeating a mantra, is difficult and even frustrating; it is especially difficult and unappealing for adolescents and younger. People with high levels of energy, especially physical energy, may benefit more from alternative methods of meditation, which allow the person to channel their energy into movement. If traditional meditation methods aren’t relaxing and pleasant, they won’t work. There are alternative methods that allow an activity to be the focus of concentration, thus reducing stress from negative emotions, maladaptive thoughts, and even substance cravings. One of the most popular forms of physical meditation is yoga. What is Yoga, Really? There are some common misconceptions and myths of what yoga really is and how it’s “done”. The first misconception that yoga is “done”; yogis don’t “do” yoga, they practice, yoga. Since yoga is a meditation, it there is no fixed concept of “right” or “wrong” and the poses can be modified in endless ways, from deeper stretches to longer held poses. Even the most advanced yogis can reach new levels of yoga. So, there is no pressure or fear of failure in yoga; instructors will repeat this idea until it sticks. Another misconception is that you have to be in shape and look great in yoga pants. You don’t need to be in shape, highly flexible, or enjoy wearing spandex; but with practice, you may be able to do all three. Yoga, regardless of specialty or niche, is an active form of meditation, guided by a series of poses, meant to bring the body, mind, and spirit back into harmony. Yoga is based on the belief that reconnecting the energies of our bodies and our minds, we can achieve enlightenment, inner peace, and a greater sense of well-being.
For people overcoming addiction and substance-abuse, practicing yoga provides a healthy alternative to traditional meditations because it has the extra benefit of increasing physical fitness and self-esteem, both of which suffer greatly from the effects of chemical substances. There’s nothing preventing you from giving yoga a try; YouTube has a plethora of beginner-level yoga videos that can be done in the privacy of your own home. Moreover, most yogis will tell you, the benefits of yoga can be felt after just two weeks of a simple, six-pose morning routine.