The Things I Learned Being Sober
Hybrid Option May 11- 21st In Person, In Bali!
https://www themindfullifepractice com/bali-200-hour
March 2023 celebrates the three year anniversary of our community, The Mindful Life Practice. But whenever I say that, I also remind myself that in many ways it began four years ago. Four years ago was when I quit drinking and realized, "there has got to be more to life than this." Four years ago I decided to start moving in the direction of my dreams.
But it doesn't really feel like the Mindful Life Practice officially started four years ago, because it took a year of me trying to figure out wtf I was actually doing (I'm still in many ways figuring out wtf I am doing!) before this community really took momentum in March 2020. So it's almost like we have two different birthdays. (Does that make sense?)
When I look back on the past three-four years, I get so nostalgic. There's generations of people that have come and gone through this community. There's teachers and students. And then there's people that have stuck around through it all and been a constant. (Yasir, my mom, Laura Naylor...to name a few!)
Each part of the journey has felt defined by a different focus, theme, or energy. Different people have made up each part of the story.
At times, I've found it difficult to let certain aspects or certain people go.
As we approach our third anniversary, I'm beginning to understand. In Yoga Sutra 4.14, Pantanjali writes, Parinama Ikatvat Vastu Tattvam, or "Everything is composed by change." That is the nature of life. Everything is impermanent.
We had the era of lockdown yoga - everyone on Zoom all day, 24/7. Then we had an evolving era - in and out of lockdowns, and sobriety. The lockdowns began to lift and we had the era of our first International retreats around the world - from the UAE, to Bali, to Mexico. And now, we're here - about to embark on our biggest journey yet!
I still can't tell you what it is - it's a secret. I just don't want to jinx it (until it happens!)
You'll find out right around our third year anniversary. Stay tuned.
I want to thank you all so much for supporting our growth along the way. It's because of all of you we're even here - writing this magazine, running these international retreats, and changing lives around the world. So thank YOU for being here.
I can't wait for you to discover what our next big adventure is!
Love and hugs, Alex
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Quote of the
"Thank you universe, for helping me see this obstacle as an opportunity. I'll step back and let you lead the way."
- Gabby Bernstein
Month
Magazine
Editor Alex McRobs
Layout Editor
Contributors
Yasir El Mahdi
Carolyn Clark
Jules Allan
Yasmine Dalloul
Sarah Williamson
Shaena Jasmat
Shelby Phoenix
On December 31st 2020 I took my last drink of alcohol. The picture on the bottom right is of a 58 year old sad, lonely, and scared woman A woman who thought she did not have much longer to live. A woman who thought that she would suffer the same fate as her dear late brother who lost his battle at 52
When I stopped drinking I was frightened, I had no idea how to live life without alcohol. So I fought I fought like I'd never fought before. I searched for help and this was the
first group I found I read the posts avidly I commented. I learnt. I took comfort in the knowledge that I wasn't alone And alongside Facebook groups I searched for how else I could help myself. I read books, I joined groups, I joined zooms, I journaled, I went to a bootcamp, I listened to podcasts, I hired a sober coach, I went to sober meetups, I joined Instagram, and I found the sober community in so many places I made a vow to my body that I would treat it with grace and be thankful for the life it gave me
I'm now different started h This year Curious qualified of workin change). This year Bali!! It's n I am happ gave up t easier qu 1 week I f knew that said I wa came to better tha If you ar believe th you can connect because get sober I joined M some of t an incre growth, a bonus is I time in unattaina case I'm of my hea With love
Carolyn has been of 2022. She is a m met Alex In Real retreat in Novemb own Bali Retreat teacher
Meet Cindy One of the lucky Sober Girls Yoga members who joined the recent yoga retreat in Bali Cindy
first joined us last year in August when the Sober Girls Yoga Club was revived. She also joined the new 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training group and we're so excited to take this year long journey with her She was kind enough to answer our interview questions during her time in Bali. We're so lucky to have her as part of our community Enjoy
Hi Cindy! Tell us a little bit about yourself! Who is Cindy?
Hi MLPC! I'm Cindy, a 44 year old mom to 3 boys (ages 17 and 15 year old twins), a wife, and a mental health counselor. I was born and raised in Texas, married my high school sweetheart, Eric in 2001, and we moved to Las Vegas, NV in 2003. After 8 years in the desert, we decided to return to our home state in 2011 to be closer to family. I started graduate school in 2014, worked in schools as a crisis counselor, and opened my private practice in 2020 right after the pandemic started
I made the decision to quit drinking on Aprilcontinue
4, 2022, and was really needing the support of a sober community. I also knew that I wanted to take a trip somewhere to practice yoga with a focus on sobriety. I literally googled: 'Sober Yoga Retreat', and the MLPC popped up. I messaged Alex and set up a virtual coffee She invited me to the Sunday Sober Circle, and I booked the retreat shortly after that coffee. Now here I sit typing this in Bali while at the retreat!
I began practicing yoga back in 2004 when I was going through infertility treatments My acupuncturist recommended that I try yoga as a way to manage my stress and anxiety I was instantly hooked I loved the way it
could calm my nervous system and help me channel my focus in a different direction. I was also intrigued by the mind-body connection, and began trying out different types of yoga to learn more.
Have you ever had any experience with yoga before joining the MLPC?
Yes! I currently practice at a studio close to where I live I've been a runner since high school, and have found that yoga is a great addition to my exercise routine I love how yoga gives me an opportunity to clear my head, stretch my body, and strengthen my core
I've been attending the Sunday Speaker Series pretty regularly since August 2022, and now I'm getting ready to begin the 200 Hour YTT I hope to be able to incorporate what I learn into my work with my clients. Also, the opportunity to be able to connect with Alex in Bali has been a life-changing experience for me. Spending 10 days in this amazing place with other like minded
"NowhereI sittypingthis inBaliwhile atthe retreat!"
women has been inspiring, and has helped me to feel less alone in my sober journey
How did you end up being so committed to yoga?
The older I get, the more I'm realizing that a regular practice of appreciating my health and what my body can do for me is so important I also love that yoga allows me to practice surrendering over and over, which I haven't found in any other form of movement The more I practice, the more I see how it grounds me, which in turn affects how I show up for myself and with others
Did you face any challenges during the month of January?
Honestly, my biggest challenge in January was trying to tie up loose ends before heading to the Bali retreat. It was my first time to Asia, and I was nervous about going that far by myself. When I got to the retreat, I realized just how much I have been taking on with work and other commitments. The retreat gave me time to pause and reflect on how I want to restructure parts of my life, so that I can feel more balanced in my everyday life
What are the biggest benefits you’ve reaped from your yoga practice?
From a physical aspect, yoga has helped me strengthen my core and increase my flexibility. However, I think the biggest benefit has been learning to reconnect with myself and regulate my nervous system. Getting sober has required me to relearn how to breathe through difficult emotions, and yoga has given me the tools to do just that Yoga is about self-acceptance and meeting myself where I'm at. Sometimes this comes with ease, and other times it feels more difficult. I'm learning to show up on my mat and ask what it is that I am supposed to learn that day, which requires an open heart.
What’s your favorite posture?
Headstands are my absolute favorite. I actually used to be terrified of that pose, and then I had a yoga teacher show me how to do it in a way that feels safe and supported I love the feeling of being upside down.
The blood rushing to my brain is like a shot of espresso!
What’s your most difficult posture?
Anything with binds My shoulders tend to be tight, and my ability to bind can vary practice to practice. I try to remember to meet myself where I'm at with that pose There is no final destination in yoga postures
What is your favorite type(s) of yoga? And why?
Hatha yoga and Yin yoga are my current favorites Hatha yoga gives me the opportunity to sweat daily, while Yin yoga
allows me to slow down, relax, and turn inward. We had the opportunity to practice Yin yoga in the evenings on the Bali retreat, and I loved ending my day with a place to reflect and move my mind and body into a restful state.
Any words of wisdom to those just starting out?
It's not a competition. Just keep showing up and practicing gratitude for what you learn about yourself each time you step on your mat. No two practices will be the same, and each practice allows you to get to know yourself more deeply if you allow it.
"The opportunity to be able to connect with Alex in Bali has been a life-changing experience for me. Spending 10 days in this amazing place with other like minded women has been inspiring, and has helped me to feel less alone in my sober journey."
When I was ten years old, I was innately drawn to yoga as an extracurricular at school. I
remember flipping through the pamphlet of “After Four” activities offered and being so excited when I came across yoga. I convinced my mom to let me sign up.
I don’t remember the asanas themselves –what I remember was savasana. At the end of the class, I remember lying down on our backs, the room becoming dark and us closing our eyes, and the yoga teacher leading us to imagine floating on clouds It felt serene and peaceful.
What I loved about it was that while practising, my turbulent brain felt calm and still, for the first time ever
I dabbled in and out of yoga throughout my
teens, but I think I was too young to see the direct impact it had on my life. It became a consistent daily practice when I was eighteen. At that age, my mental health struggles had become unbearable. I couldn’t understand my mood disorder - which was later diagnosed as the symptoms of bipolar disorder A counsellor recommended I try yoga.
After that first sixty-minute class, walking out of the room, I mindfully moved, step by step, foot by foot, down the narrow, long hallway. I was a different person than I was an hour before Physically, my body felt spacious and lighter, but also mentally, I felt different Up until that moment, I had lived my life walking with anxiety and depression always surrounding me. This was the first
moment in my life I walked with neither around me. I didn’t know what it was, I just knew that it was different On the way out of the studio, I saw a sign advertising a Thirty Day Yoga Challenge starting a few days later Without a second thought, I signed up I went to the yoga studio every single day. And I started to experience a bit of calm, a bit of balance, and a bit of bliss.
Yoga became my haven Whenever I felt like I was sliding into a space of anxiety, or slipping into depression, or my mind was beginning to race, the studio was where I went
I’ve now practiced yoga almost every day for over a decade I can say as a cliche: it transformed my life. At the time in which I discovered it, it was magic I didn’t understand. Years later, I’ve taken several Yoga Teacher Training courses, taught over 3,000 yoga classes, led retreats around the world, and even led my own 200 and 300 Hour Yoga Teacher Training I understand more about the science behind it - and one of the main benefits is how yoga impacts the Nervous Systemt.
When experiencing stress, the sympathetic nervous system is activated. A physiological reaction called the Fight or Flight response occurs when the stress is high This moves us from a state of balance to a state of action
Chronic stress is known to both cause and worsen disease. For me, chronic stress in the form of childhood trauma was then worsened by my use of alcohol, poor nutrition, and lack of coping skills. This was the perfect storm to create a mental health crisis within me - yoga was the only thing that could help
In 1975, Dr Herbert Benson documented what he called “The Relaxation Response” - a state of rest that is experienced when the parasympathetic nervous system is triggered, which calms us down and takes us from fight or flight to rest and digest
When the Relaxation Response is activated, so are the body systems that were shut
down from Fight or Flight, including digestion, growth, repair and reproduction
Meditation and yoga have been shown to initiate the Relaxation Response
The primary reason that yoga transforms our lives is that it triggers the Relaxation Response - and when we ’ re showing up for ourselves every single day, and making that happen, we can navigate the world from a more calm, consistent, grounded space
Yoga feels like it’s magic - but the impacts of it I felt all those many years ago are very
real. Teaching yoga around the world for almost a decade, and running Sober Girls
Yoga 30 Day Challenges every month, I’ve been able to watch this transformation in thousands of people, year after year.
Yoga changed my life It works It changes the lives of so many people. But the only catch is - you have to show up and do the yoga practice.
By Jules Allan
Hi I’m Jules, and I'll be offering a monthly column on wellbeing! My column each month will be "Little
Steps To " with a different feature or focus. This month I am focusing on Little Steps to Managing Anxiety
I have experienced anxiety most of my life and have found since becoming alcohol free my anxiety has reduced, but I still need my tools to navigate managing anxiety and the ups and downs life brings
Alcohol for me had a big impact on me and managing my anxiety, over the years I began to use alcohol as a crutch When I hit 40 I burnt out and began to explore my relationship with alcohol and became sober curious, I would try dry January and sober October and would feel, begin to feel better then would go back to drinking and it would slowly begin to be a crutch for me again, I explored the connection between my wellbeing, physical health, mental health and the impact alcohol had on me
Anxiety is a normal and natural emotion that we all experience on a daily basis It is the body’s response to perceived threats or danger in the environment. It is characterized by feelings of worry, fear, and unease. Anxiety can have a positive or negative effect on our lives, depending on the situation. In some cases, it can be helpful in motivating us to take action and protect ourselves.
However, when anxiety is excessive or out of proportion to the situation, it can become a problem This is known as an anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health condition across the World
The term “anxiety disorder” is an umbrella term for a range of related mental health conditions, including:
• Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) – This is characterized by excessive, irrational fear and worry about everyday events and activities.
• Panic Disorder – This is characterized by sudden, intense episodes of fear and panic.
• Social Anxiety Disorder – This is characterized by intense fear and selfconsciousness in social situations.
• Specific Phobias – This is characterized by an intense and irrational fear of a specific object or situation
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) –This is characterized by intrusive and unwanted thoughts and behaviours that are difficult to control.
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) –This is characterized by flashbacks, nightmares, and intense distress when exposed to reminders of a traumatic event.
Anxiety has an evolutionary purpose; it is
the body’s natural response to danger and is designed to help us survive. It causes us to feel alert and ready to take action in the face of potential danger. This can be helpful in some situations, such as preparing for an important test or job interview However, when anxiety becomes excessive or out of proportion to the situation, it can become a problem. This is known as an anxiety disorder Anxiety disorders can interfere with our ability to function and can lead to physical and psychological distress
It is a type of talk therapy that can help people with anxiety disorders manage their symptoms It is based on the idea that our thoughts, feelings, and behaviours are all connected
CBT focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviours that can contribute to anxiety. CBT typically involves five steps:
1. Identifying and understanding anxious thoughts and behaviours
2. Challenging and changing negative thoughts and beliefs
3. Developing new, positive thoughts and beliefs
4 Developing coping skills and relaxation techniques.
5 Practicing the new skills in real-life situations.
CBT can be used to treat a wide range of anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, specific phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and posttraumatic stress disorder
Jules was one of the first to join Sober Girls Yoga back in 2020 and has been with us ever since. She also finished her 30 Hour Sober Curious Yoga Teacher Training and leads sessions on our platform!
CBT is an effective treatment for anxiety disorders, you can do this with a CBT Counsellor/Therapist, online resources and there are CBT tools you can do on your own The following are some simple CBT tools that can help you manage your anxiety:
• Keep a journal – Writing down your thoughts and feelings can help you identify patterns in your thinking and behaviour
• Make a list of triggers – Make a list of situations, people, or events that trigger your anxiety. This can help you identify potential triggers and be better prepared to cope with them.
• Practice positive self-talk –Identify negative thoughts and replace them with positive
statements. For example, instead of “I can’t do this,” try “I can do this ”
• Practice relaxation techniques –Relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, can help reduce anxiety and improve your mood.
• Challenge your thoughts – Question the accuracy of your negative thinking. Ask yourself, “Is this thought true?”
• Take action – Take one small step towards facing your fear. This will help you build confidence and reduce anxiety
Anxiety is a normal emotion that can become a problem when it is excessive or out of proportion to the situation. Anxiety disorders can interfere with our ability to function and can lead to physical and psychological distress. CognitiveBehavioural Therapy (CBT) is an effective treatment for anxiety disorders. It involves identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviours that can contribute to anxiety
Wellbeing Tools you may already do or want to bring into your Everyday life!
Yoga – Yoga is a great way to stretch and relax your body It also helps to clear your mind and create a sense of calm. Book into your next MLPC class, a great way to practice Yoga and connect with the fantastic community!
Nature – Nature is a great source of healing and relaxation. Spend some time outdoors to clear your mind and reset your energy Rest – It’s important to take time to rest and recharge Find ways to relax and unwind, such as listening to music, reading a book, or taking a hot bath
Nutrition – Eating a balanced diet and getting the right nutrients can help you manage stress and anxiety Make sure you ’ re getting enough vitamins, minerals and other essential nutrients
Friends and Connection – Having a supportive network of friends is an important part of managing stress and anxiety. Connecting with friends offline and online, sometimes it can be hard to reach out to friends when you feel anxious We run Sober Circles at MLPC during the week where you can drop in and connect with others on their Sober Curious journey.
Alcohol for me had a big impact on me and managing my anxiety, over the years I began to use alcohol as a crutch. When I hit 40 I burnt out and began to explore my relationship with alcohol and became sober curious, I would try dry January and sober October and would feel, begin to feel better then would go back to drinking and it would slowly begin to be a crutch for me again, I explored the connection between my wellbeing, physical health, mental health and the impact alcohol had on me.
Therapy
Talking to a trained Therapist or Counsellor can help you explore your thoughts and feelings in a safe and nonjudgmental environment.
Mindfulness – Mindfulness is a great way to become more aware of your thoughts and feelings and how they affect you Try a mindfulness app or guided meditation to get started
Breathwork – Breathwork is a type of meditation that focuses on your breath. It can help you relax and manage stress and anxiety.
Sleep – Getting enough quality sleep is essential for managing stress and anxiety
Aim for developing a regular sleep routine A couple of ideas-switching off screens an hour before you go to bed, Yoga Nidra or a meditation in bed, eye mask
I became passionate about exploring my relationship with alcohol and the opportunities, friendships, connections and communities I have become a part of in the sober curious and AF world. I have been sober curious for 8 years and fully Alcohol Free since Dec 31st, 2019.
I am Trauma Informed and Accessible Yoga Teacher, I’m a Trainee Integrative Counsellor and Recovery Coach
I have over 25 years of working in community work in creative and wellbeing work, developing and coordinating community creative wellbeing programmes & projects, creative wellbeing activities with various communities.
My mantra all the way through learning to understand my relationship with alcohol and my mental health has been Little Steps.... I truly believe in this and will keep taking little steps every day on my healing journey!
Meet Michele Another amazing student who joined our 200 Hour
Yoga Teacher Training. She first joined us in August of last year She recently celebrated her birthday so we'd like to wish her a happy birthday. I got the pleasure to interview her for our March issue Here's her answers
Who is Michele?
Hello everyone! I live in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and I am an entrepreneur at heart I have focused the last 30 years in the salon and health industry helping others feel beautiful inside and out However, I always knew that I was destined to do more and in March of 2020 I began my own healing journey from childhood wounds and narcissist abuse from a partner.
I realized that this was my passion and purpose is to help others get through similar
things. I help women heal from emotional trauma and uncover the truth of who they really are so that they get aligned with what their soul has come here to do on earth
During those three years, I invested in my personal development by becoming a Jack Canfield certified success trainer, Reiki master, podcaster and author I have also been trained in RIM essentials, sound healing, and essential oils
I am the founder of Goddess Healing Circle where I hold retreats and a monthly online membership. I also help women entrepreneurs become a magnetic force so that they can re-ignite the fire in their business
How did you meet Alex?
I actually found Alex from her Facebook posts and was interested in the concept of yoga training along with being sober
I immediately fell in love with her authenticity and vulnerability Ironically a few months prior I was in Sedona and had a reading done The lady had asked me if I had ever wanted to go to Bali and told me that I would be visiting one day I thought to myself what were the chances of that? The universe is speaking to me so pay attention.
What inspired you to start practicing yoga?
I really enjoy trying new things, and was looking for something that provided relaxation along with a good amount of stretching.
Have you ever had any experience with yoga before joining the MLPC?
Yes, there is a local yoga studio where I did aerial and hatha yoga I took some of Tommy Rosen’s free classes last month online. And I also spent a week in Costa Rica at Rythmia which included yoga, meditation, breathwork and Ayahuasca (plant medicine).
What’s your connection to the MLPC?
In August 2022 I took advantage of a few of the Sober Curious Sessions and free yoga classes then scheduled Coffee with Alex and decided to join the 100 Hour Deep Dive in September I am also signed up to complete my 200 YTT.
How did you end up being so committed to yoga?
For me it has been a slow process mainly because I do so many other healing modalities. I am incorporating it more and more daily into my routine I also wanted to be able to offer it at my retreats
Did you face any challenges during the month of January?
Honestly, the only challenge that I had was needing more time on the clock every day. I took the whole month and basically hibernated and did a ton of self-care.
What are the biggest benefits you’ve reached from your yoga practice?
The body/mind connection has been huge for me. I really love to connect with my inner self on a deeper level
What’s your favorite posture?
The Goddess pose for sure
What’s your most difficult posture?
Anything that requires balance!
What’s your favorite type's of yoga? And why?
I love having the variety because I feel at times we need different types of yoga, depending upon the different stages of life that we go through. But if I had to pick, Kundalini yoga is my favorite because I think it is the most transformational. I really love the intensity and precise breathwork
Any words of wisdom to those just starting out?
To never ever give up, and if you find something that fills your soul do it as much as possible
"Thebody/mind connectionhasbeen hugeforme.Ireally lovetoconnectwith myinnerselfona deeperlevel."
By Yasmine Dalloul
I’m either doing everything or nothing at all.” “I’m either all in or all
out ” “I can’t have just one drink I’ll have to have the whole bottle.” These are words that I found many people on sober journeys have in common, despite the details that may differ in our individual stories. We tend to find commonality in feeling as though we ’ ve lost control and are just trying to win it back. Or maybe, something that I personally relate to, we want to find a middle ground, but don’t know how to get there
Deciding to do a Dry January was my way of trying to get there. If you know my story, you know that I’m very much a social drinker and continue
and always have been. But, as parties began to increase due to people living life “normally” again, and also as socializing became more abundant in the summer, fall and holiday months, it became difficult for me to “stop the party” and I would end up drinking a little more than I wanted to Not as much in larger situations where I didn’t know many people, and the vibe was off In those situations, I’m happy to cut myself off, and not partake in any of the extracurricular activities such as after-hours, after-parties, and any other after-excursions that might take place But when I’m with people I genuinely love, one bottle of wine can turn into two or three, and 9pm can turn into 6am
without abandon. Dry January was able to give me my time back, and turned me into a voyeur in substance-laced hangouts rather than a participant I could still laugh and enjoy myself with my friends, but I knew when to stop the party and put my body first - because I was already putting myself first anyway by not drinking. So, I would thank everyone for the laughs and leave at 11pm to get to bed by midnight and wake up hangover-free the next morning
But as I approach my final days of Dry January, I’m learning that the social expermient ends there. There are deep truths one can learn about themselves while experimenting with sobriety, and while I have found many truths that have helped me in many ways, I’m also learning some things about myself that might not be super helpful in the long run Being a part of the 30 day Sober Girls Yoga challenge might be what brought this on
A helpful truth is that not drinking this month has cleared up a lot of my brain fog. I never thought that drinking was much of an issue in terms of my brain’s functionality (and honestly, my recent weight gain) since I’m only a social drinker, but I can confirm that it has been since my train of thought, energy, and focus have been way better throughout my Dry January detox. I have also lost some weight as a result, due to better sleep, more energy and frequent walks around the city I live in. Also, as someone who loves to analyze the everyday situations and thoughts of my own being as well as those of the people around me, I’ve also been able to adopt more of a mindfulness to my daily routine, understanding myself, my triggers and my habits a little more. This extends past
drinking to other areas I have issues witheating bread, obsessing over love and my future to be exact.
But something that I should apply more mindfulness to and try to ditch is this gem that I learned about myself during my month of sobriety: being an avoidant person. I think this really came up for me in the way that I almost refused to do yoga the entire month throughout my Sober Girls Yoga challenge. I did the sober part well, but I had to push myself to attend most of the sharing circles and partake in some Yin and Restorative classes that were on offer at the MLPC Spoiler alert: these were never a waste of time and I always felt 100% better
after attending and participating, as promised But, I couldn’t bring myself to do those daily Yoga practices Alex had readilycontinue
available for us in our private portals. I could barely even bring myself to commit to a journaling practice. Alex did tell me that everyone ’ s journey was different and that there wasn’t a “ one size fits all” approach to doing this, but for some reason, writing about myself and quieting my thoughts were two things that I rejected more than anything
But being and reflecting, through thoughts and speech? That was the way I handled it.
It’s important to note that depression, be it seasonal or circumstantial played a huge part in this I came into the 30 Day Challenge a sad flower that wanted to find some clarity I was battling post-holiday blues, a bout of ennui and a feeling of being stuck in a life that hasn’t really changed over the years, causing me to increasingly doubt my life’s path. I came into this month making promises to myself and others that I didn’t know I could keep. I promised myself I would be attentive, that I would go about this challenge with perfection as the goal. I would do the yoga, do the work and crush all the goals in the meantime I’d finish editing my novel, I’d be happy and my life would be so much better That was the rumour, after all: that quitting drinking makes your life so much better Does this type of thinking ring a bell to anybody? “I’m either doing everything, or nothing at all.”
But instead of doing the work, I stayed sober and picked up cigarettes again I broke promises and neglected some commitments I would show up to sharing circles and cry amidst everyone ’ s happy news. I wasn’t necessarily not okay, but I also wasn’t great Perhaps it was pressure that was making me avoidant. Perhaps this was the answer to the rubik’s cube that was my brain. Maybe if I can let go of
expectation, the expectation to achieve perfection and be happy with progress, my Dry January experience could’ve been a little less guilt-ridden Guilt holds us back, right? It keeps us from doing the things that are good for us because we act out in rebellion as a result Whether that be picking up a drink or ditching yoga, not editing the chapters of your novel that you ’ ve been working on for two years and have gotten two grants for or not journaling because you want to rebel against the truth. If I were to do anything differently, if I were to embark on another sober month, I could say that I would take the yoga and journaling parts of my journey a little more seriously That I wouldn’t only talk about my feelings but meditate on them as well and write about them a little more. I could pass that judgment onto myself, and try to reach a level of perfection, but I think the ultimate lesson I can take away from this whole experience is that there is no such thing as perfection and that both sobriety and life look different on everybody Everyone’s journey is different, and if yours (or in this case, mine) doesn’t include yoga and meditation, or journaling, it’s ok But, having the tools available and being open to learning about them does help And maybe if we stop trying to force this idea that by changing ourselves we can get better, by being dogmatic we can heal ourselves fully and become these people who we want to be, then we can grow into the people we ’ re supposed to be instead.
Just remember: yoga really is always a good idea And as someone who’s been avoiding her mat for most of the month, I can say with confidence that those of us who avoid it really do need it But no shame here - we can always savasana. Some of us, myself for one, are sleepier than others Happy journey if you ’ re newly embarking. It’s one that you will surely not regret
Sarah has spent the last 12 years coaching and mentoring people who've struggled with their addictions and mental health, she knows that choosing to change your relationship with alcohol before you hit rock bottom is a powerful and positive choice to make
Sarah is passionate about spreading the message that our lives can be joyful and fun on the other side of our drinking careers and there's no need to feel lonely, stressed or bored on this journey.
I don't know whether to tell my friends that I intend my alcohol free start to the year into the Spring. What do you advise?
Thank you if you answer my question
Thanks for your question
The first couple of times I went out after I’d decided to be alcohol free was to friends houses and I didn’t tell them about my choice as I wasn’t yet ready to chat about it. On those nights I acted as the bar maid and poured everyone elses drinks for them. When I was in the kitchen I just topped up my glass with tonic water and everyone assumed I was drinking gin and tonic. The next couple of nights out I made myself the driver as that’s always a valid reason not to drink and no one questions that!
When I was ready to chat to friends I was careful to mention it outside of drinking situations. If we were out for a dog walk, a coffee or at each others houses for a cuppa I chose to mention it then – It felt far less confrontational if neither of us had an alcoholic drink in our hand. I always made it casual and never mentioned the year long time frame I had in mind … I said Oh I’m just choosing not to drink for the time being and I’m feeing so much better for it No one tried to change my mind and I was able to feel good about the choice I was making for myself.
As time went on I became more honest about my intention to be alcohol free for the whole year and it did then start conversations around Oh but you ’ re not an alcoholic, you don’t have a problem, you don’t need to punish yourself like that, surely you can just have one or two drinks?
By then I was really feeling the benefits of my alcohol free experiment and these conversations became easier and easier to have. Yep, I wasn’t and am not an alcoholic, I didn’t have a problem with alcohol it just wasn’t offering me any positive benefits, I’m not punishing myself – I’m doing the opposite, I’m treating myself with great love and kindness.
At times I felt slightly uncomfortable because friends would tell me all the reasons why they were fine drinking what they drank and …
hey… no judgement here…. The point is… You do you and I’ll do me!
Whether I drink or don’t doesn’t come up in conversation much now once I was joyful and confident in my choice my decision just wasn’t questioned any more
I hope that's helpful to you
Sarah
Dear Sober Coach Sarah,
I'm considering getting sober but it feels and looks like it might be a full time job. What am I supposed to concentrate on - not drinking, yoga, journalling, getting my sugar cravings under control, meditation, running, writing a book...? I feel so overwhelmed by watching other people do all these amazing things
HELP PLEASE
Thank you
This could have been a letter I wrote myself a few years ago!
One of the reasons I drank was because I was so overwhelmed by life. When I first considered stopping drinking I got interested in personal growth. I was experimenting with life enhancing practices like meditation and mindfulness. I’d become more committed to getting some exercise each week, either running, going to an exercise class or yoga and I’d also taken more of an interest in my nutrition, taking good quality supplements, making green smoothies each day and eating really well
I decided to increase positivity in my life in as many different ways as I could, I stopped watching or listening to the endlessly negative news, I curated my social media feeds to show me only fabulous businesses and people, I chose
uplifting podcasts and audio books to listen to and hung out in real life with people who were radiators of warmth and love. All of this was amazing for my physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing.
I was starting to feel like a grown up but there was one thing that didn’t feel right…. I was adding stuff in and adding stuff in Getting up early in the morning to meditate, to journal, to be grateful I was making time to exercise, I was choosing healthy menu plans and all of this adding things in to my life was great but
I needed to take something out And I didn’t want to admit to it.
What’s the point of meditating if you ’ ve got a bit of a hangover and can’t concentrate properly?
What’s the point of running if you are overconsuming empty calories in your drinks?
What’s the point in taking fancy supplements when you are drinking a toxic substance?
Why would I keep doing all these good things and not stop the one really damaging thing?
At around the time all this was going around in my head I had a breakthrough thought and it was this
Just take one thing out and concentrate on doing that exceptionally well So I took drinking out (as an experiment and for a defined amount of time), I prioritised that over everything else and I promised myself I could add the bits that felt good back in when the time was right
I didn't worry about any of the other stuff for a while.
I perfected the art of sobreity over a period of time, for a while I learned HOW to 'do' sober and then I learned how to 'be' sober
Go gently on yourself, believe in yourself (and if you cannot quite manage that yetfind other people in brilliant communities like this one who can believe in you now).
Best wishes
Sober Coach Sarah
Connect with Sarah @drinklesslivebetter Or on her website
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I’ve already had a few holidays now since I gave alcohol the heave ho, but in November last year I embarked on a different kind of trip that was really going to test my sobriety and I wanted to share that experience with you.
By Shaena JasmatMy family is dotted all over the globe My older sister and her family are on
the Gold Coast in Australia My baby sister (38 but will forever be referred to as the baby) lives in Hamilton, New Zealand with her partner And my parents split their time between the UK and India.
Last year I lost my best friend and beautiful fur baby, Louis It was sudden and heartbreaking. But being someone who looks for the good in everything now, I realized that now I had an opportunity. An opportunity to go spend time with my family, who at that point as a result of the pandemic I’d not seen for 3 years.
So that’s what I did. I sold my car and booked my flights and planned a 7 month trip A month in India with my parents, 3 weeks in Australia with my big sis and the rest of the time with my baby sister in New Zealand.
I was so excited But one thing played on my mind. Family time in the past had also meant drinking time We are not a bunch of piss heads (well, they’re not) by any means. But when we get together we do enjoy a drink
At this point I was quite comfortable in my sobriety but I did wonder what it would be like. Would I feel like I was missing out? Would it feel weird? Would there be any decent AF options? Would I be able to stay sober?
Arriving at London Heathrow airport, alcohol was pretty far from my mind I was just desperate to get to India after what had been a really tough time for me and my
Mum went to grab dinner before we boarded the flight We decided on Wagamamas and I was really looking forward to relaxing, eating and starting our holiday We also had some vouchers so I ordered enough food for about 5 people but that’s when things took a turn
First our drinks arrived and I was excited to try an AF beer I’d not tried before. But sadly I didn’t really get to try it as after placing down our drinks, the waiter accidentally knocked the other drinks on the tray he was carrying One of which happened to be a full pint of beer which proceeded to spill onto the table, then onto me and then onto my hand luggage bag which I had placed on the floor at the end of the table
My journey had barely begun and booze had already reared its ugly head I somehow managed to maintain composure whilst the waiter apologized every 5 minutes for the next 30 minutes - bless him - and I tried my best to clean myself up even though I had no fresh clothes to change into Safe to say, my beef teriyaki soba wasn’t as enjoyable as I had hoped
After we left the restaurant we had another hour to kill before we needed to be at the gate So, of course I just spent the entire time sniffing myself, my bag and my clothes to see if I smelt like a stale brewery. My Mum said I didn’t I didn’t believe her!
As a result of this unexpected drama, I won’t lie, I did think about marching up to the first bar I could find and ordering myself a very stiff drink But I knew that would do nothing except make the situation worse and definitely make me stink of booze
So I decided not to and off we went to Indiacontinue
India was where my sober journey began in February 2020 I went there after I was (yet again) plummeting head first into a downward spiral It was not the first time I had gone there to heal, and it would not be the last…
Gujarat - is one of the few dry states that still exist I asked my Mum which it’s still a thing and the answer was pretty obvious now I think about it Money! Corruption in India is rife and the more red tape there is for people to get through, the more money government officials can pocket
So anyway, for me India is now a place where I get to relax completely and do all the things that are good for my mind, body and soul. Alcohol just doesn’t come into the equation for me here and I love that
India has always been my second home, but in the last 15 years it has also become some what of a sanctuary for me. Our home there is in a small rural village We get power cuts on the regular, the internet drops out every half an hour, up until last year we didn’t have a TV and you don’t need an alarm clock because every morning you will be woken by either the chickens, peacocks or cows! And the best part, we live in a dry state. Which basically means that you cannot legally purchase alcohol where we live
After 5 weeks I was soon back on the next airplane heading towards the southern hemisphere. I had only been to New Zealand to visit my sister once before and this was back when I was still a drinker It was a brief visit, but involved visits to wineries, day drinking and of course tequila shots! So this time things would be very different, only I didn't know how
Now as non Indian residents there is a way around this as you can get government approved permits and purchase out of state and bring it in. But what this means in general is that alcohol is not in your face here You don’t see it in the shops, eateries or plastered all over the billboards. There is a drinking culture, but it’s very much behind closed doors, on the down low or illegal!
Just to clarify, India is not a dry country. The state in which we reside when we are here -
Alcohol options in NZ supermarkets
continue Page 41
My main concern was would my sister and her partner feel weird about drinking around me. And if they didn't, would I eventually feel weird not being able to drink with them I'm really pleased to say that it was a complete non issue They'd even gone out and bought a variety of AF drinks for me to try I was so impressed with the options for non drinkers in New Zealand, they really did have something for all tastes. What I loved the most was, unlike in some UK supermarkets, you didn't have to go hunting for the alcohol free drinks section And it was more than just a single section
And I suppose I didn't know how things would be this time around with me not drinking
Thankfully, again it was a non issue I didn't miss it or feel like I was missing out. On the few occasions we went out for dinner or drinks there were always great AF choices on the menu...in fact I got to have AF versions of my favourite cocktails - the margarita and the espresso martini!
Two weeks after I arrived in New Zealand I enjoyed my first overseas Christmas in 10 years and my first sober overseas Christmas EVER!
A few days after Christmas I flew out to Australia to visit my other sister, her partner and my 2 nephews on the Gold Coast. I'm not sure why, but I was a little bit more concerned about this trip. Perhaps it had something to do with my last visit in 2019, when we were last all together as a family. We were all on holiday so we would have drinking daily as was the norm back then
I was slightly disappointed with the selection of AF drinks in the shops however For those who have never visited Australia, alcohol is sold in designated 'bottle shops', not in supermarkets
8th in a trivia night at the pizza place my nephew worked at Yes, you read that right…prizes for coming 8th. Most would be a bit embarrassed by this but we cheered the loudest of all teams - even the team that won - when this was announced However the prize was a bunch of baseball caps and my nephews were really worried when I proceeded to take a selfie with mine on and post it to my insta stories. Coopers is a beer brand and my nephews thought I would be shunned by the sober community for sharing the photo, but I was just so chuffed we won something!
st, Australia
This isn't really an issue as most supermarkets literally have a bottle shop next door. So, with a whole separate shop for alcohol I was hoping for a better choice of AF options. Don't get me wrong, there were quite a few beers and wines to choose from but not as much I had hoped Perhaps I was just spoiled for choice in New Zealand?!
A funny moment towards the end of my Australia was us winning prizes for coming
New Zealand - Again!
After 3 weeks I was making my way back to Hamilton, New Zealand and I honestly felt like I'd completed my challenge I had spent time with all my family, visited 3 different countries in the process and everything had gone really well. In fact, it had gone better than well I had so much fun hanging out with everyone, I was doing things I would never have imagined I'd be doing like going paddle boarding, visiting water parks, bouldering, running around the city doing a virtual challenge and spending so much
Margarita mocktail - Australia Trivia night baseball cap prizeNZ lake view
time laughing so hard my belly hurt. Everything was just working out better than I could have imagined almost a little too well?!
When I arrived back in New Zealand, the next step was to turn off holiday mode and get back into business mode. Although I had been working on and off whilst traveling, it was now time for me to put my head down and really get stuck in and get my business to a place where this life I had created was sustainable.
unprocessed grief and other things I was dealing (or not dealing with) with on an emotional level. I don’t have an answer as it’s literally only been a week as I write this, but something in me made me hit self destruct and I picked up a drink
India - Again!
When I offered to write this piece for the magazine I never in a million years thought this would be how I would be ending it. A few days ago I changed my mind and decided not to submit anything I felt ashamed and embarrassed. And then I realized that this is what people need to hear There are hundreds of sober success stories out there and I still see myself as one of them Only, I also know how important it is to share the challenges we face, the falls we take and the bumps we overcome on this journey They don’t take away from how far we have come and if anything, only make us stronger and more resilient as we move forward.
I am now back in India, because I felt this is where I needed to be in order to process what led up to my slip Being somewhere I feel safe, supported and grounded while I work through things has become something I recognise to be an important factor, especially when I need to heal And as if by magic, this Saturday is the first class of the 200 hours YTT which I am so grateful to be part of as I know it will be just one more thing that will help me progress on my journey
Looking back now, maybe I pushed myself too hard too fast Perhaps things were going so well that it almost felt a little bit scary Or maybe it had something to do with
with Alex Mcrobs
Meet Amber Yet another inspiring sober woman She joined us first in September for the 30 Day Sober
Challenge She found her home for recovery and then she carried on to the 60/108 Day Challenge and now is doing her 30 Hour Sober Curious Yoga Teacher Training with Alex We're so lucky to get to know three amazing women in our 3rd issue of the magazine Here's our amazing friend Amber's answers
How did you meet Alex?
Hi Amber! Tell us a little bit about yourself! Who is Amber?
I’m Amber and I live in Greenville, SC, USA.
I’m 43, have been married to my wonderful husband, Glen, for almost 18 years. We have 2 amazing kids; Ben, 16 and Cora Ann, 10. Also, 2 dogs; Althea (little pit mix) and Dupree (Pyrdoodle). I’m a volunteer teacher for underserved women
Most of my days are spent tending to my large garden, obsessively growing dahlias and baking for neighbors and friends I love being outside in nature as much as possible, especially hiking with my dogs
The first meeting with Alex was lovely, I went from extreme anxiety to feeling valued, seen and heard 30 days morphed into 60, into 108 and starting soon the 30YTT to lead sober circles. Amazing women have helped me reclaim my life and I would love to hold space for other women who need a soft place to land After 2 spinal surgeries in 2022 my practice is different these days, I like prerecorded classes, it gives me time to check in with my physical body and make any necessary adjustments without pressure to ‘keep up ’ . In many ways it’s like the beginning of my yoga journey Trying new things to see if it works, how it feels during and after My yoga practice has been influential in my
approach to my chronic pain and physical therapy. It has been the most crucial aspect in my sobriety, healing and recovery
Have you ever had any experience with yoga before joining the MLPC?
I’ve practiced yoga for over 20 years. It started with a Rodney Yee dvd and I fell in love When we moved to Asheville, I had continue Page 48
options for classes and tried everything I loved Bikram, Vinyasa and hot flow. I stayed away from Yin for a long time When my degenerative spine issues started to physically impact my life and practice, I leaned into developing a strong home practice and loving Yin The aspects of Yin that I initially found difficult and frustrating eventually are the places I leaned into The quietness of the practice felt comforting, I embraced the stillness of not only my body, but my mind as well.
What’s your connection to the MLPC?
I found SYG first with the podcasts While struggling to find sobriety I educated myself in addiction and stories of hope While listening to episode 83 with Anneka Reece, I felt continue
as though a bolt of electricity went through me. It was that ‘moment of clarity’ or ‘a-ha’ flash I pulled over on the road and sobbed with Joy on a sunny day in August, 2022. My future came into focus All the pieces finally fit together.
I signed up for the Sober September challenge and found my home for recovery
This community is so special, I feel safe and understood I have accountability and support. I’ve been able to objectively understand my story and habits Learned new tools for healing, self care and most importantly; self love.
What’s your most difficult posture?
Virabhadrasa (warrior) 1 & 2 are my favorite poses, they help balance, lengthen and strengthen my hips and spine Halasana (Plow) and Urdhva.
What is your favorite type(s) of yoga? And why?
Dhanurasana (Wheel) are challenging for me I’m still rebuilding strength and stability in my lower back and approach my lumbar region carefully
Any words of wisdom to those just starting out?
If you ’ re new to yoga, approach your practice with curiousty and an open heart. Yoga is so much more than being ‘bendy’ Finding your center on and off the mat is a beautiful skill.
www.themindfullifepractice.com
"This community is so special, I feel safe and understood. I have accountability and support."
She thought she was a rebel. But she was drinking the poison they fed her to quiet her mind and dimming her light instead of letting it shine.
So she put out her cigarette and put down her drink. She rolled out a yoga mat and finally, she could think.
She realized that her unhappiness was not a misfortune put on her by others but a path she had been herded towards and she still had time to turn around.
She changed her direction. And began to walk against the crowd. She pushed and she shoved and she found a new path. When they told her she was lost she never looked back.
At first it was a lonely walk there was no one with which to talk but along the way she found a wise guide. When she asked them which way to go. They told to her to look inside her heart to find true north.
So she sat down along her way. She squeezed her eyes tight and breathed deep into her lungs. And she could not believe what was in her sight.
Her heart did not tell her to go left or go right or west or east. Her heart told her she was exactly where she needed to be.
So she slowed her pace and looked around.
She drank fresh water and ate what grew from the ground. She nurtured her body and practiced using her mind.
She gathered sticks and built a home started a fire to make it cozy and warm.
From time to time another wanderer stumbles by and she welcomes them in.
And when they ask her which way to go she says “look inside your heart to find true north”
Jade Lee in Everest base camp
Leanne Golding in Whistler
Sarah Williamson in UK
If you're ever busy for a full hour long session, we have some amazing 30 minute flows that Alex recorded in many locations in beautiful Bali.
Mindful Flow is strong, fluid and dynamic. Similar to vinyasa style of yoga, this class links movement with an active and challenging class, however it will be easily
modified and accessible to all levels Yoga is not supposed to look good, it's supposed to feel good - so move in the way that feels good for your body today!
To get started, find a comfortable seat in a quiet place, close your eyes, and focus on your breathing. Notice how your breath moves through your body, and try to clear your mind of any negative thoughts or worries Then gradually open your eyes.
This is a gentle pose that is often used to warm up the body or help transition between other poses It is a great way to stretch the spine and relax the core. To begin, start on your hands and knees in Table Top position.
As you inhale, arch your spine up and look up, tucking your tailbone and drawing your belly towards the floor This is the Cat pose
As you exhale, drop your belly and look down, lifting your chin and chest to the ceiling. This is the Cow pose. Repeat this sequence several times to stretch the spine and warm up the body
To get started, come to a kneeling position with your big toes touching and your knees hips-width apart. Then, sit your hips back onto your heels as you exhale and reach your arms out in front of you Relax your forehead onto the floor and let your chest and shoulders relax. Stay in this pose for as long as you need and use the time to take deep breaths and focus on your breath
You can always come to this pose throughout the practice
To do a forward fold, start by standing up tall with your feet hip-width apart and your hands on your hips Engage your core muscles and press your feet firmly into the ground Slowly exhale and begin to hinge forward at the hips. As you fold forward, keep your back flat and lift your chest up towards the sky Allow your arms to hang down or hold your elbows together in front of you Hold the pose for a few breaths and then slowly bring your torso back up to standing
Start on your hands and knees, with your wrists directly under your shoulders and your knees directly under your hips. Spread your fingers wide and press firmly through your palms. Then, tuck your toes and lift your knees off the floor. Reach your hips up and back, while keeping your legs straight. Your body should form an inverted V shape Hold the pose for 5-10 breaths, then slowly lower your knees to the floor
To come into this pose, stand tall with your feet slightly apart and your hands open at your sides. Engage your core, draw your navel in and up, and press your feet firmly into the ground Lift your chest, broaden your shoulders, and draw your shoulder blades down. Soften your gaze and take a few breaths
Start in a standing position with your feet together and your arms at your sides Take a deep inhale and raise your arms up above your head as you reach for the sky Exhale and fold forward until your palms meet the ground. Inhale and place your palms on your knees Exhale and fold forward Inhale and slowly rise up to standing. Exhale and lower your arms to your sides
Start by standing up straight and step your left foot at a 45 degrees back a few feet Bend your right knee so your thigh is parallel with the floor and make sure your knee is directly over your ankle. Reach your arms up overhead, shoulder-width apart, and look up toward your hands or forward. Engage your core and hold the pose for 5-10 breaths, then switch sides.
To get into this pose, start by standing with your feet hip-width apart and your arms by your sides. Then, step your left foot back and turn your left foot parallel to the mat Bend your right knee so your thigh is parallel to the ground and extend your arms out to the sides, parallel to the ground Your gaze should be straight ahead of you. Hold this pose between 5 or 10 breaths before switching sides.
You can do a wild leg forward fold by standing with your feet apart in a V shape and your arms stretched out in front of you Bend forward from the hips, keeping your back straight, and reach your fingertips towards the ground or hold your elbows together in front of you. Hold this pose for 510 breaths before releasing your right leg and standing back up.
To get into this pose, start by lying on your back with your feet flat on the floor and your knees bent. Bring your arms down by your sides and press your feet firmly into the floor Exhale and press your hips up towards the ceiling, keeping your thighs parallel and your feet hipdistance apart Bring your arms underneath you, with your palms facing down and your fingers pointing towards your feet Lift your chest up towards the ceiling. Try to keep your chin slightly tucked in towards your chest. Hold the pose for a few breaths, then release and rest with your arms by your sides
To come to tree pose, start by standing in mountain pose Shift your weight onto your left foot and bring your right foot up to rest at your inner left thigh or calf. Bring your palms together in prayer position in front of your chest Make sure your left foot is grounded and your hips are facing forward Stare at an object that's not moving. Hold this pose for a few breaths and then switch sides.
To move into this pose, lie on your back with your legs extended and your arms by your sides. Allow your feet to fall slightly to the sides and your palms to turn up. Close your eyes or lower the gaze and relax into the pose. Take a few deep breaths, focusing on the breath and allowing your body to relax Stay in this pose for 5-10 minutes, allowing the body and mind to rest and reset
To close your practice, you can start by slowly opening your eyes and taking a few moments to appreciate the stillness and peace you have experienced After that, you can take a few deep breaths, allowing your body and mind to slowly return to the present moment You can then gently stretch your body, and take some time to reflect on your practice experience. When you feel ready, you can come into your seated position and slowly resume your day.
Check out some of the testimonials that our community shared with us.
"I was very excited when I discovered the MLPC, it is a perfect community for my life. When I'm ready, I'll look into yoga teacher training here." - Shannon in US
"I found MLPC on Insta! I stumbled upon the sober yoga account and haven’t looked back since!!" - Izzy in Spain
"I gained mental clarity to allow bottled up emotions that I’ve not let myself feel for years actually surface and release, and I’ve been able to let go of so much that I was holding onto that no longer serves me I owe that to MLPC! " - Kristen in Canada
"I started following MLPC on Instagram because of the sober community."Kristina in Canada
"After many attempts at being alcohol free I came across MLPC I reached out and joined the 30 Day Sober Yoga Challenge. What the MLPC was offering resonated with me and all I had been searching for. I had spent the past 7 years trying to cultivate a daily yoga practice and the past 3 years trying to be alcohol free, neither of which I had achieved." - Jess in UK
Join volunteers daily on Zoom Monday - Friday for Sober Circles & Yoga Classes Book your classes here
6AM UK
10AM DUBAI
5PM MELBOURNE
5AM VANCOUVER
8AM TORONTO
1PM UK
5PM DUBAI
FREE MINDFUL YOGA WITH NIAMH IN THAILAND & ALEX IN BALI
FREE SOBER CIRCLE WITH SAUNDRA IN CALIFORNIA AND ERICA IN FLORIDA
6AM VANCOUVER
9AM TORONTO
2PM UK
6PM DUBAI
9AM VANCOUVER
12PM TORONTO 5PM UK
FREE SOBER CIRCLE WITH STACEY IN MISSOURI AND CAROLYN IN UK
4PM VANCOUVER
7PM TORONTO
8AM PERTH (NEXT DAY)
5PM VANCOUVER
8PM TORONTO
9AM PERTH (NEXT DAY)
SOBER CIRCLE:
FREE SOBER YOGA WITH JAMI IN CALIFORNIA AND DARLENE IN VIRGINIA
FREE MINDFUL YOGA WITH SHAVON IN MARYLAND AND ALEX IN BALI
A check-in, meditation, and sharing circle, led by graduates of our 30 Hour Sober Curious Yoga Teacher Training (YTT) Open to anyone who is sober or sober curious
SOBER YOGA:
A check-in, followed by a yoga practice Open to anyone who is sober or sober curious Leaders hold both the 30 Hour Sober Curious YTT Certificate and the 200 Hour YTT Certificate.
For members only classes, click here to get the membership. Members also receive unlimited on demand access to our yoga classes, and access to our private members-only WhatsApp group,
FREE MINDFUL YOGA WITH MATT IN ENGLAND AND ALEX IN BALI
FREE SOBER CIRCLE WITH BRENDA IN NOVA SCOTIA AND ERICA IN FLORIDA
MEMBERS ONLY/$10 MINDFUL FLOW 2 WITH ALEX (CLICK HERE)
MEMBERS ONLY/$10 MINDFUL SWEAT WITH ALEX (CLICK HERE)
MEMBERS ONLY/$10 SOBER SPEAKER SERIES WITH ALEX & GUESTS (CLICK HERE)
MINDFUL YOGA:
A yoga practice. Open to anyone in the community. Leaders are graduates of a 200 Hour YTT.
The healing power of yoga with chronic pain, a look at how yoga soothes the parasympathetic nervous system and brings rest into body’s that have pain
5am PST / 8am EST / 1pm BST / 5pm GST / 8pm AWST
How to notice, pick apart and re-programme the limiting beliefs that are standing in the way of you and your manifestations
Book them here
9am PST / 12pm EST / 5pm BST / 9pm GST / 1am AWST
5pm PST / 8pm EST / 5am GST / 9am AWST
Join us for a check in and meditation led by Alex After that, the guest speaker will share their story.
ch 12th - Katie Golding
e Golding is one of our community members in Abu Dhabi, UAE! A member since 2020, Katie joined several different programs and retreats during her time! Katie is a health conscious her of two boys in their teens, and March 14th will be one day after her 47th birthday - and this be her first birthday without Champagne! Katie is Sober Curious and has greatly reduced her alcohol consumption since joining our community, which has changed her health and fitness.
March 26th - Cindy Payne
Cindy Payne just got home from our Bali Yoga Retreat! She is also a student in the 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training Cindy is coming up soon on one year sober (in April!) Cindy is a mother of three teenage boys, and also a counsellor We are so excited to hear her story and how going sober has changed her journey
March 19th - Anniversary Party
Stay tuned for details about our third anniversary party - coming to your inbox soon. For now, save the date!
You can book the classes at this link
