On June 17, 2023 my Granny passed away. I didn’t post anything about it because I think I hadn’t processed it It was a whirlwind of a three weeks in Canada During the five hour flight to Mexico today I had some time to reflect.
When reading her obituary, I was reminded that she was a remarkable woman. Brilliant, beautiful, strong, opinionated, open minded and charismatic She was curious about everything. She packed a LOT into one lifetime. From modeling, raising four kids, to an accident that broke her spine, overcoming all odds and learning to walk again over the course of 2 5 years, going back to university and getting a PhD after being a parent, writing eight books, recovering from breast cancer. And that just scratches the surface.
She supported my passion in yoga. When I was 22 and wanted to go to yoga teacher training, I worked two part time jobs to save up - but it wasn’t enough money in the end - and my Granny helped me cover the rest of the fees. That YTT was at @yandarayoga in Mexico 9 years ago. The same place I just arrived today to lead my own yoga retreat as a teacher.
When I came back from the YTT I told my Granny I wanted to teach yoga full time. She was one of the only relatives who encouraged me to do this She actually suggested 9 years ago that I start teaching online yoga - well before COVID when that industry boomed. I now see that she was innovative and way ahead of her time
I avoided writing this post because I don’t want to give off the impression that we had a perfect relationship - because we didn’t. Like all families we have some chaos (ok a lot of chaos .) I am disconnected from most of my relatives in this side of my family. And she, the matriarch, was a complex woman But I honor the parts of me that were made by her, the challenges she overcame, and the lessons she taught me
Today I checked into my Airbnb in Mexico just in time to watch the sunset over the ocean and write this. I feel her presence here.
As the sun set, I called her, my aunts, and uncles and cousins - and grandpa who meets her in heaven - into my heart and offered the Loving Kindness Prayer May they be happy, healthy, free
Love, Alex
15 LITTLE STEP... ON MANAGING WORRY
Krysty is one of our current Deep Dive into Sober Yoga Students - our 100 Hour Yoga Teacher Training program.
Why a sketchbook? I get asked this question all the time.My answer is simple, because I needed to know and love my sober self first, before I could let anyone else in.
I needed a place to figure out who the hell I was now that I had stopped drinking I started drinking when I was 17 I quit when I was 47. That’s 30 years of avoiding myself, of numbing myself, of letting a substance dictate who I was, and how I was going to live my life
I remember hanging on so tightly to my sobriety in those first few months Finding the time to work in my sketchbook, as often as I could, became such an important part of my routine.
My sketchbook started to fill the void that alcohol left in my life. It became the place I would go to every morning to set my intention, to scribble down my emotions, to figure out where I was at that exact moment, to ground myself into the present That playful, joyful side of me, that had become so hazy and gray while I was drinking, started to peek out I started to process some of the emotions I had buried so successfully for decades I started to catch glimmers of the woman I wanted to be
Sketchbooking has been part of my (almost) daily practice for five years now And, while I’m not sure if I’ll ever be able to fully measure the impact it’s had on my sobriety, here are five things I know for sure
There are some things you just can’t tell anyone Friends and family try to be there for you, but there are so many parts of sobriety and recovery that are too vulnerable to share. Your sketchbook becomes a safe space for absolutely anything in your life. Hopes, fears, dreams, nightmares No one ever has to read or see the work that you do in your sketchbook. You can write words that are super scary and hard for you to put down and then you can paint over them. Or you can write down your craziest dreams and then hide them all away behind an added flap. You can do whatever you want with your pages, except you can’t rip out a page If there’s something you don’t like on that page, think of a way to make it better. Add something Paint over it Everything in your sketchbook goes towards the blueprint of the life you ’ re creating, even the mistakes.
The early days of sobriety are filled with trying to find ways to keep your hands busy, and your mind somewhat still. Especially when cravings hit (like when it’s 5 o ’clock). Keeping a sketchbook becomes a way to not only keep yourself distracted, but it becomes a place where you begin to reimagine your life without alcohol. You start to remember who you were before you started to drink. The things you loved to do The person you wanted to become The more active you are in your sketchbook, the deeper the connections you make as you begin to move towards building radical self-acceptance
The sketchbook meets you where you are. Drinking takes you further and further away from yourself. You lose touch with who you are Your sketchbook becomes a place where you start to build yourself up again Where you get to make choices about what you want to put in your sketchbook, how you want to fill it up. Topics you write about, phrases you ’ ve cut out and glued in, paint colors you ’ ve chosen, shapes you ’ ve sketched These are all little clues about your mind and your life at that exact moment And every small choice present on the page, becomes proof that can make choices and works towards building your confidence to make bigger choices. You do know what you want, you just have to get out of your own way and listen. Flipping through the pages of your sketchbook becomes a fascinating journey of your life
Technology has changed the way we write, design, interact, communicate, and create We need to get messy Life is messy Emotions are messy. Recovery and sobriety are messy It’s hard to process what you ’ re going through while you stay on the sidelines not allowing yourself to get down into the mess It’s difficult to take out your frustration while you type madly on your iPad, or enter your feelings into a journaling app on your phone But, when you grab a marker and make a mess on the page, scribbling out your feelings there is a release that happens When you start layering a page by venting feelings of anger and pain, and then cover those words with a layer of hope, by adding images and paint; you can begin to see a way out of that pain and grief. We tend to do our best thinking when our hands are busy and dirty
BUSY FREES YOUR MIND 3. GET TO KNOW YOURSELF A LITTLE BIT BETTERAdults have so few places to really let loose Where we can let our hair down and let it all hang out. Children have these outlets all the time They can sit and draw and paint for hours, they can escape into imaginary worlds and colors At the start your sketchbook might feel awkward as you take the first few steps of working in it. As you begin to string together more days a shift will begin to happen. Your sketchbook begins to feel a little bit more like a playground, where you can try out all those parts of yourself that you might have forgotten about. All those parts of yourself that you ’ ve hidden for so long Your sketchbook will become a place for imperfection, and we all could use a little more imperfection in our lives. Good ideas usually start from bad ideas and these bad ideas only get better when you spend time working on them, writing about them, painting about them
Krysty --AKA THE WOMAN WHO VIEWS SOBRIETY AS A RADICAL ACT OF SELFACCEPTANCE is a coach, educator, writer, mixed media creator, and the founder of Purple Dog Sober.
She founded the company during the pandemic when it became obvious how women were struggling with trying to balance home, work, and the schooling of their children. Along with this pressurized role women were expected to fill, came a rise in using alcohol as a coping mechanism, simply because that is what we ’ re taught to do The mission of her work is to provide women with a safe space where they can begin to explore their relationship with alcohol She does this using the framework of anchor pages, and the process of sketchbooking, which becomes an alternative coping mechanism that women can adapt to their daily lives and routines.
Her newest venture is Sober Wild, which is an outdoor adventure recovery space, based in NY. Krysty is a self-described book nerd (keeping a list of every book she’s read since the 7th grade); the proud momma of Molly and Henry, and is still searching for the perfect shade of red lipstick
ThispastJune-July,AlexhostedthesecondMindfulLife PracticeMexicoRetreatinBaja,California!Here'ssome photosfromtheincredibleweek.
Aboveis DebStevens,oneofourmembers intheUSA.Debsays,"Sobrietyhasenabled metotakeupanewactivity-Canine noseworkcompetitions.Thisrequiresa focusedandengagedmindsetandbeing trulyintunewithyourteammate(thedog!)"
Aboveisoneofourcurrentmembers,Sara Ashworth,andAlexinLosAngeles!Alex writes,"LAXchaosendedmuchbetterthan itbeganwhenoneofmySoberGirlsYoga MemberswhowasonretreatwithmeinBali inAprilsawmypostaboutbeingstrandedin LAandcancelledherafternoonplans,and drovefromOrangeCountytotakemeout forcoffeeandgetmebacktotheairportin timeformyflight!SaraAshworth,youarea specialsoulandmadethistimeinLAso memorable!"
Aboveisoneofourmembers,LouiseVowles (whoiscomingonaretreattoBalithisfall withAlex!)Louiseistravellingthissummer withherSoberGirlsYogabadgeonher backpack.InthisphotosheisinMalta!
AlexmeetsupwithZacSpowartakathe NomadicAddictinSydney,Australia!Zac wasoneofherpodcastguestsinseason3.
The heart chakra is the energy centres along the spine right in the middle of all the chakras It is the place of compassion, forgiveness and love It is the color green, which represents transformation and love energy
When it's in balance, you find compassion, you are self accepting, trusting, compassionate, forgiving, filled with hope and emotionally empowered You are also well-equipped to reach out to others and to allow people and experiences to touch you
When it's blocked, you might experience:
shoulder pain or tension between shoulder blades feeling lonely or separate from others easily overwhelmed by others appearing emotionally cold lacking boundaries
Inspired by the Heart Chakra, I designed the HEAL shirt - and brought twenty of them along on my journey travelling to Abu Dhabi, Toronto and Mexico - and ALL of them sold out along the way!
Here in this article, I've collected some photos of our members wearing the HEAL shirt around the world
Above, five of our retreat guests are pictured - Laura, Lizzie, Laura, Emma and Alexandra! They are all guests on the Abu Dhabi retreat this past June Lizzie flew from Kuwait to attend the retreat and Alexandra came from Greece! The rest of the retreat attendees are from the United Arab Emirates
Page 13
What practices might balance your heart chakra?
Journalling Therapy
Emotional release related to grief, forgiveness, inner child work, codependency
Balance the muscles of the thoracic cavity - to balance the anahata chakra - the scalenes, the pectoralis minor, the trapezius, the rhomboids, and the erector spinae muscles of the thoracic spine
Get in touch with nature
Listen to music that touches your heart
Breathing exercises
Wear your HEAL shirt!
Right:
Clockwise from Top Left: Kristen Hutchinson, our community member and yoga teacher in Canada, wearing her HEAL sweater Alex in her HEAL shirt with her new Yoga Teacher
Training group in Bali! Renee, one of our YTT students and Alex in Mexico on the yoga retreat, and finally, Jenny one of our current YTT students in Canada
OUR GIFT TO YOU: 10% off the HEAL merchandise from now until July 31, 2023. Use the coupon code HEAL10 at this link.
Jenn Agostini, our community member and yoga teacher in Pi, Thailand
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 am sooooo worried about what will other people think when I tell them I've decided to have the summer alcohol free - I know they will be judging me. What can I do about this?
Thank you for answering my question!
CW
When I first decided to embark on my alcohol-free experiment, there were a lot of thoughts running through my head, I became a bit paralysed and unable to move forward for a while
One of the reasons I was so stuck was because I became overly worried about what other people would think about my choice to stop drinking I found all sorts of ways to soften the blow for friends and family and to change their way of thinking about my choice. I'd say, “Oh, I'm just not drinking today” or “I'm taking a break for a month” to illustrate that I didn't have a problem with alcohol, and to stop them trying to encourage me to drink but of course, trying to make someone think a certain way is impossible, people are going to think what they're going to think and there's only so much you can do to influence that and absolutely nothing you can do to control it So maybe just stop trying?
While we're here talking about what other people are thinking, you do know that's none of your business, don't you? I say this with love and kindness What you think of other people is your own private world and the same is true the other way round
It's really easy to get hung up on explaining ourselves from why we've made the alcoholfree or sober choice we have, to explaining our drink of choice on a night out. Perhaps you've got a night out planned, either with people you know well or with acquaintances. These might be people who have seen you in your drinking heyday, or people to whom you are a drinking clean slate. We might think “oh, what will I say if someone asks what I'm drinking?” “What if they asked me why I'm not drinking?” “What if the waiter says there's no alcohol-free beer?”
If someone asks what you're drinking, you can tell the truth Tonic water, lime and soda, ginger beer, whatever. If someone asks why you're not drinking, You smile sweetly and either tell the truth, “I'm taking a break at the moment,” “I feel better not drinking,” “I don't feel like it tonight” or you tell a white lie if you have to. “I'm on antibiotics,” “I'm training for a marathon” or “I'm pregnant ” With those last two, be careful, you may need to actually run a marathon or produce a baby at some point!
The point is, we think people are interested and we think they care but I'm here to tell you, they really don’t. Once they've had one or two drinks themselves, they won't even notice who else is or isn't drinking around them. People occasionally question it when they feel defensive about their own drinking habits but again, that's on them and not on you Who cares what other people think really? Which are the other areas of your life where you think, Oh, I wonder what x y z friends or colleagues will make of my choice to be… I don't know… vegetarian, getting a dog or painting your sitting room dark green? Never. You’d just never feel the need to explain or justify your choice, would you?
I am so overwhelmed I want to give up I keep trying to be sober - but I fail time and time again. WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME? BC
Woah woooooahhhhh - steady, friend, steady. annnnnnd breathe, and breathe, sloooooowly now, sloooooowly. OK.
You’re not broken, there's nothing wrong with you You are HERE NOW That matters and YOU matter.
What's going on for you right now? A lot - I suspect.
Are you making some baby steps towards the sober lifestyle you know is within your reach? Sounds like it to me.
Are you experimenting with an alcohol-free life? You keep trying - so, yes.
Are you in a process of learning, practising and perfecting the tools that are going to move you in the right direction soon? You say you're failing - I wouldn't see it like that - perhaps you are trying new tools.
Whether you are sober one day, one week, one month, one year or more- Congratulations, you are here doing something and that is because you are aware and conscious that you want something different for yourself! That's good news. Great news. Keep doing that.
Alcohol may well have been a challenge for you to stop drinking but that is because alcohol is an addictive substance and not because you are in any way failing
You might feel exhausted by the merry go round of “I'm going to stop drinking” swiftly followed by “just one won't hurt” or you might feel frustrated that other people can choose to stop and you know, just stop or you might feel angry because this isn't fair
I hear you exhausted, frustrated and angry –they are all valid feelings as part of the process but I'll say it again, you are not broken. You may feel a bit battered and bruised, a bit like you're stuck in Groundhog Day or like no one else understands the work that you are doing to break free from the cycle that you've been in.
You are resourceful. You have brought awareness to something and some feeling you no longer want in your life and you are moving in the right direction to change that. If you don't feel strong enough now, don't worry, you will find the strength. Keep following positive people who inspire you Listen to the podcasts, read the books, do the work.
You are going to rise
You're going to feel all the feelings and emotions on the way and you are going to come out the other side And when you do, you will see then, if you cannot see it now, that you weren't broken, you never were. You were just gathering your strength to be able to move on to the next most precious part of your life.
If you cannot see it for yourself now-know that others can I believe in you
I'm here to tell you, you're not broken and there is nothing wrong with you.
Love from Sober Coach Sarah
You can find out more about Sarah and her coaching at www.drinklesslivebetter.com
TheSoberYogaGirlPodcasthasover100,000 downloads!Listentotheseepisodestohearinspiring, upliftingstoriesaboutalcoholfreejourneysaroundthe world
Our Youtube Channel, Alex McRobs & The Mindful Life Practice, features hundreds of on demand yoga, meditation and breathwork practices
The Sober Girls Yoga Facebook Group is your private community of women around the world sharing their sober journeys. With almost 3,000 members, youre bound to find someone you connect with!
We have a free seven day sober girls yoga challenge If you are new to sobriety and yoga, check it out
Hi I’m Jules, each month I share with you simple Therapeutic and Wellbeing Tools you may want to use to support you and your wellbeing
This month we are looking at Worrying, what is it? And simple wellbeing tools you may want to bring into your everyday life to support you!
Worrying is an all-too-common experience that can leave many of us feeling overwhelmed and trapped in a never-ending cycle of anxiety. I’m going to share with you various techniques and exercises that can help us all break free from the grips of excessive worry and reclaim our peace of mind In this article, we'll explore tips and practical ideas to help us all to conquer our worries and embrace a calmer, more fulfilling life.
My own journey with navigating worries
My own journey with worry as an old relentless companion shadowing my every step, proved to be a formidable force in my life Its grip would tighten, suffocating the joy, and clouding my vision with a persistent unease
As I reflect on the impact of excessive worrying, I am confronted with the profound toll it has taken on my wellbeing and limitations it has imposed on my life
Born from a desire for control and a fear of the unknown, weaving its way into the fabric of my thoughts, infiltrating my mind with its relentless whispers It whispers tales of impending doom, magnifying every uncertainty and amplifying each perceived threat. It transformed mundane moments into battlegrounds, where even the smallest decisions bear the weight of catastrophic consequences
The impact of worrying reached far beyond the confines of my mind It seeped into my relationships,
leaving a trail of doubt and strained connections in its wake It distorted my perceptions, casting a shadow of skepticism over the intentions and actions of those around me The fear of being hurt or disappointed became a self-fulfilling prophecy, as worry erected barriers that hinder genuine intimacy and vulnerability
When I embarked on the journey of untangling myself from the clutches of worry, I learnt to surrender to the uncertainties of life, embracing the inherent ebb and flow of the human experience It has been a journey of self-discovery, of unlearning old patterns, and rewiring my mind to focus on what truly matters the here and now, the connections that nourish my soul, and the pursuit of personal growth and fulfilment
Worrying is a natural response to stress, but when it becomes excessive and uncontrollable, it can lead to unnecessary suffering The worry spiral often involves catastrophic thinking, anticipating the worst-case scenarios, and a persistent sense of unease By understanding the mechanics of worry, we can gain insight into how to disrupt this pattern and cultivate a more balanced mindset
Worry can stem from a multitude of sources, each unique to our individual experiences and circumstances It may arise from a fear of the unknown, past traumatic events, concerns for the well-being of loved ones, or societal pressures. Worry often emerges as a natural response to protect ourselves from perceived threats and navigate the complexities of life
The Need for Control: Worry often stems from our innate desire to control outcomes and protect ourselves from potential harm We worry to preemptively prepare for the worst-case scenarios, even though they may never come to pass. Recognizing this need for control can help us understand the root of our worries
The impact of worrying is not to be underestimated, but it is also not insurmountable. With patience, selfcompassion, and a commitment to change, I am slowly unburdening myself from the weight of worry I am learning to dance with the uncertainties, finding strength in vulnerability, and embracing the freedom that comes from releasing the need for control.
As I navigate the complexities of life, I strive to cultivate resilience, to nurture a mindset that embraces the present moment, and to embrace the beauty of uncertainty.
In doing so, I am reclaiming my power, finding my voice, and stepping into a life guided by courage, authenticity, and the unwavering belief that there is so much more to embrace beyond the confines of worry
Fear of the Unknown: Uncertainty can be a breeding ground for worry. Our minds naturally seek certainty and predictability, and when faced with ambiguity, we tend to fill the gaps with negative assumptions Acknowledging that uncertainty is a natural part of life can help temper our worries.
Catastrophic Thinking: Worrying often involves catastrophic thinking, where we imagine the worst possible outcomes of a situation This exaggerated thinking pattern amplifies our fears and fuels anxiety Becoming aware of this tendency allows us to challenge and reframe these catastrophic thoughts
Challenge Your Thoughts:
Start by identifying the specific worries that plague you the most. Ask yourself: Are these worries based on facts or assumptions? Challenge irrational or catastrophic thinking by seeking evidence to support or refute your concerns Remember, worries are often fuelled by cognitive distortions, and by challenging them, you can regain control over your thoughts
Mindfulness:
a powerful tool to help anchor yourself in the present moment, reducing the grip of worries about the past or future Set aside dedicated time each day for mindfulness exercises, such as deep breathing, body scans, or guided meditation. These practices cultivate a non-judgmental awareness of your thoughts and emotions, allowing you to observe your worries without getting caught up in them
Creating a Worry Time:
Designating a specific time each day to focus on your worries can help contain them and prevent them from intruding on the rest of your day During this "worry time" set aside 15-20 minutes to write down your concerns, examine them objectively, and brainstorm potential solutions By compartmentalizing your worries, you can regain control over when and how they impact your life
Problem solving :
Many worries stem from unresolved problems Engage in problem-solving techniques to address the root causes of your concerns Break down the problem into manageable steps, brainstorm potential solutions, and take action towards finding resolutions Proactively addressing the underlying issues can significantly reduce the fuel for your worries
Challenging Uncertainty:
Worries often arise from a desire for certainty in an uncertain world Challenge the belief that absolute certainty is attainable and embrace a more flexible mindset. Learning to tolerate uncertainty by focusing on the present moment,
accepting that uncertainty is a natural part of life, and shifting your attention to what we can control
Self-Care:
Nurturing our physical and emotional well-being is essential in managing worries Engage in activities that bring joy and relaxation, such as exercise, hobbies, spending time with loved ones, or practicing self-compassion. Prioritize self-care to recharge and build resilience, enabling you to face worries from a place of strength
Worrying may feel all-consuming at times, but with the right tools and techniques, we can break free from its grip By challenging negative thoughts, practicing mindfulness, engaging in problem-solving, and embracing self-care, we can navigate the uncertainties of life with greater ease and resilience Remember, conquering worries is a journey, and with consistent practice, we can cultivate a mindset of calm, allowing space for joy, growth, and a life filled with peace of mind
A mutual friend introduced me to you and your site, themindfullifepractice.com .
And I have been on quite a journey Today is the one-year anniversary of a big decision to change my life for the better I have not had any alcohol since July 10, 2022, so I’ve been sober one year today
SDuring the last year, I focused on my health and well-being It took me about six months to really get healthy and my journey started inspiring others I use the knowledge I gained to help friends and family and now I am working as a health coach and helping support people in their health and wellness journey. My focus, for myself and my clients, has been on healthy eating. But now I am progressing forward, and as an anniversary gift to myself, I have enrolled in yoga school to become a yoga instructor Yoga has always been a part of my life and some thing I love passionately I’ve always told people, I’m an advanced beginner, but now I’m finally investing in me, and my future, I am celebrating my sobriety, and loving life more than ever.
I’m 48 years old only four years from Retirement and I feel like I just got 20 years of my life back
I would love to connect with other women who are living their best life. I saw some of what you have done and created, and I am so inspired! Keep making magic girl!
Best wishes to you!
Juliet Rogers
I had my first drink at 14 years old with my lifetime best friend It was the grossest drink I ever had. It was vodka and OJ It got me violently drunk and sick. I remember that day so clearly the drink did not taste good and was so strong. We never had any alcohol growing up in my home, but Heidi always did It was summer break, and we drank a few more times; I also started to smoke cigarettes and a little Mary Jane Drinking was not my thing, as it always made me feel sick, but it did help with not feeling awkward. I would always get so nervous around others, especially around the boys Drinking always made me feel better, prettier, skinnier, funnier, and more accepted by others When I was 17 years old, I got pregnant and married, so my drinking career was over for some time. The marriage did not last long, and I soon started drinking and hanging out
I then met my 2nd husband He was and still is a drinker. I drank some, but nothing crazy By 22, I had two more kids; I had three young children and a ton of responsibilities. Drinking was the last thing on my mind I was too busy with three young kids, and my husband drank enough for both of us
At 25, I filed for divorce and left my husband I felt that life had so much more to offer, and I would never have it with him. He was lazy then, drank too much, and would never help me with any kids or household duties. He never had extra money but always had a 12-pack in tow
Fast forward to my thirties, I drank more consistently every weekend, and the results were always the same. I had a lot of fun! I would hang out, party all night, dance, and sing the night away, but when the mornings came, it was so awful I felt so sick and would not drink till the following weekend With every year that passed, I drank more and more, and the more I drank, the more I self-criticized. Drinking was not big on my mother's side, but I believe they partied on my father's side. My dad passed away at the young age of only 37. He was intoxicated and got into a bar fight He was stabbed to death, my poor grandparents endured the pain of losing a child, and my sister and I grew up without a man
When I was 27, I met my third husband. On our first date, I got so drunk I remember sitting on the curb, throwing my guts out. I threw up all over my long beautiful hair. You would think he would say, "This chick is not for me," but he did not. He LOVED me and did so quickly I loved him too He was a great man who provided stability. We soon after got married and bought a beautiful home. We had great careers, nice cars, and lots of great times. My drinking career kept going strong Although my husband did not like it, he would not say much At 33, I had a baby boy I felt my husband was so good he deserved to have a blood-born child, so I gave him one Although I had everything, I was unhappy and drank more often to bear with my unhappiness I always thought that my prince charming was out there waiting for me However, I could never find him At 36, I filed for a divorce. My life was flat-out too dull for my liking, and I needed to be free
At 40, I started dating a young man 11 years younger We had a blast Every day was -
fun and most days were a party. My drinking career went up a few more notches I drank on Friday and Saturday Then Thursday, Friday, and Saturday Then Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. I was an absolute professional drinker. I could outdrink everyone. My mom passed away when I was 41, and she hated what I was doing and how much I had screwed my life, and how much I drank A week before passing, we had a big talk, and she said, "If you keep going like this, you are not going to be around for much longer " At 46, I left my boyfriend and got together with my now husband, David David and I had known each other for a long time, so I did not have to explain anything. He knew me and loved me and loves me till this day.
At around 46, I prayed daily that God would deliver me from the Demon I had in me (alcohol) I wanted so badly not to drink and promised myself I would not, but I could not control myself. The wanting was so much stronger than me I could polish three bottles of Cabernet Sauvignon all to myself And I could drink a Vodka splash of soda like no other. I hated myself and the fact that I had no willpower to stop doing what I hated so much My drinking issues were out of control, even though I could drink more and more always made me sick, and I made so many co mistakes. But by 4 pm every day, I felt better resumed drinking. I hated not having any po and wanted to vanish my life
At 51, God saved me and lifted the demon ou me. I was saved. I have been sober for over years and have learned many things ab myself I let the process happen and h thanked God daily for freeing me from the j served for many years Knowing that habits n to be broken to stay sober and creating n healthy habits is necessary My backyard was place I drank, smocked, danced, laughed, cried I did not step foot in the backyard fo year when I quit. I did not give a crap what backyard looked like. I started to read educate myself and worked hard to ensu would never be in that JAIL again
At 53, I can say that I feel so intensely happy about life for myself, my family, my career, and my puppies Life is not always perfect, and I have challenges, but being drunk is not one of them anymore I also found my prince charming He has been with me for ten years and is a great support system My adult kids have a bright future They, too, are working on not drinking and being a better version of themselves, and my four grandkids will never say that old lady was always drunk. That memory will never be part of their life.
This was a very tough road for many, many years. Alcohol had robbed me of so many things I made many mistakes that hurt me and my beloved family, but it was worth it. I made it, and it has made me who I am today I want to help others make it too. My mission is to help as many people as I can beat this horrible addiction We do survive, and we can create new memories. I started On The Mocks a year ago; we have hosted many AF parties and have seen folks have a great time without the liquor. It's a beautiful thing to see It's about creating new habits If I can do it I
It all began with stolen sips from my parent's liquor cabinet during my early teenage years
Seeking solace and escape, I found comfort in the secrecy of drinking alone and carrying small amounts into the bathroom during my showers But the ill-fated celebration of my 15th birthday, drowning in tequila-induced darkness, left me terrified and temporarily sober Little did I know, this would be the first step in a long and tumultuous journey
As the years passed, my relationship with alcohol took a treacherous turn By the time I reached 18, drinking became a daily occurrence, a way to numb the pain and bury my insecurities I reveled in the chaos, embracing the lifestyle of wild parties and relentless intoxication Blackouts became a haunting norm, and the lines between reality and oblivion blurred relentlessly
In the midst of my relentless pursuit of intoxication, two significant events -
belief that alcohol was my stress reliever led to a relapse when I embarked on a new career as a high school teacher
Brief periods of sobriety peppered my journey, often spurred by external circumstances On one occasion, prescribed medication that could not be mixed with alcohol forced a temporary respite During that time, I experienced the clarity and relief that accompanies abstinence However, the allure of old habits and the persistent belief that alcohol was my stress reliever led to a relapse when I embarked on a new career as a high school teacher
In 2021, a glimmer of hope appeared during Dry January The clarity I experienced during that month motivated me to experiment further, to stay away from alcohol until the urge to drink arose Five months of sobriety followed, but then, a fateful encounter with a bottle of wine left in my fridge shattered my progress
The subsequent morning was filled with regret, missed commitments, and physical torment a wake-up call I couldn't ignore.
The realization hit hard: alcohol was merely a symptom, a band-aid I used to conceal deeper wounds. My commitment to sobriety paved the way for a profound self-discovery. Seeking professional help, I embarked on a journey of therapy and psychiatry. A revelation unfolded the true underlying issues were bipolar disorder, CPTSD, ADHD, and a non-verbal learning disability The withdrawal of alcohol unmasked these struggles, causing my mind to spiral in panic
Armed with this newfound understanding, I began the genuine healing process Treating my mental health conditions became a priority Therapy sessions and consultations with a psychiatrist guided me toward effective strategies and medications In the absence of alcohol, I confronted my traumas, honed healthy coping mechanisms, and learned to identify and express my emotions in safe and constructive ways
August marks two years of alcohol-free living, and the journey has been transformative By making the courageous choice to step away from alcohol, I reclaimed my life and embraced newfound passions Building on the solid foundation of sobriety, I started my own business, became selfemployed, and pursued my love for yoga, coaching, and social media marketing
Becoming alcohol-free was just the first step on a path to holistic healing My story teaches us that healing is not a linear process but an intricate tapestry of self-discovery, resilience, and selfcompassion By shedding the false crutch of alcohol, I unraveled layers of pain, emerging stronger, and more authentic than ever before
My name is Oksana, born in Russia and adopted to the states. Rather than diving into my whole life story which I'm sure most of you could relate to, I feel it's most important to share my growth and recovery Today I'm almost 5 years sober and that is because I've created a life that I don't want to escape from
I have a job that I don't want to show up high for. Changing my career path was so important for my recovery. Most of my jobs I did for the sake of making money even if I was miserable
Yes, money is important, but I realized that if I spend 25% of my week working, I want to feel fulfilled in what I do, not drained, depleted, and taken advantage of Yes work can be hard, but I've realized that I shouldn't feel the need to use it because of it
I've learned what it means to be in a healthy relationship with myself, my partner, my family & friends. First and foremost I had to work on the relationship with myself, from there I was able to lean into my relationships and be the best partner, the best daughter, and the best friend that I could be
Owning a house was a huge step in my recovery. For the first time I learned what it meant to build my credit score,
pay bills on time, and take care of a house From painting, to decorating, and saving money for home projects. I pour my heart and soul into creating a loving home with my fiancé and our animals
I've leveled up in my spiritual practice and mindfulness I used to think that growth and awakening was going to be the most spectacular experience, and in a sense it is, but I learned quickly that it's a lot of hard work and can get ugly. Lately in my life I've put a huge emphasis on what it means to truly love myself as I am in each moment; not just the parts of myself I share with the world, but the parts of my shadow self that don't always align with society's idea of beauty
I n my 5 years of recovery I've tried to be open minded, ready to take suggestions, and grow outside of my comfort zone. Some of these practices include:
Studying yoga and becoming a registered 500-hr yoga teacher
Practicing meditation and becoming the inner observer through self awareness
Taking walks outside daily or going for day-long hikes
Trying new things like rock climbing, paddle boarding and ninja warrior obstacles.
Overall, I've taken bits and pieces from a variety of recovery programs and my yoga practice & have created my own
program that works for me It's been important for me to try everything and take suggestions, and it's also been important to learn how to cultivate the awareness of what's working for me and what's not
I hope this inspires you to get out there and live a life you don't want to escape from. Remember that you are worthy of living the life of your dreams, and creating it is possible One step, one breath at a time Follow my journey on IG @ oksanasana
Mindful Flow 2: Saturdays at 8am EST
Mindful Sweat: Sundays at 8am EST
Sober Girls Club Speaker Series at 9am EST
Melissa is one of our current yoga teacher training students! She lives in Boston, USA and has been sober since January 2021 Melissa struggled with mental health and decided to try sobriety She says, :it was the absolute best decision - every aspect of my life has improved in the last 2 5 years! She has rediscovered her love of reading and embraced her true introverted self
Brenda has been a member of the Mindful Life Practice community for over two years and recently came on our Mexico Manifestation retreat! In this session, Brenda will share her sober story with us
Matt is one of the first graduates of the Mindful Life Practice 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training! Based in London, UK, he goes by @soberyogadad on Instagram Join us on August 20th to hear his story PS Matt & Alex are planning a retreat in Spain next year! Join them!
Dan is our Intuitive Healer on the team at the Mindful Life Practice and many members have booked one-on-one sessions with him. In this session, Dan will share with us his journey and how he ended up working in the field as an Intuitive Healer
You can book a one-on-one session with Dan at the following link! Use the coupon code DANMINDFUL for 15% off
UPCOMING YOGA TEACHER TRAINING SCHEDULE
PROGRAM
200 HOUR YOGA TEACHER TRAINING IN BALI
300 HOUR YOGA TEACHER TRAINING IN BALI
START DATE
JULY 1 - 21, 2024
ONLINE & IN PERSON AUGUST 918, 2024
RETREAT
SOBER GIRLS YOGA ADVENTURE TO INDIA
SOBER GIRLS YOGA BALI RETREAT
THE CONNECTION RETREAT IN TARIFA, SPAIN
START DATE
MAY 3 - 10, 2024
JULY 27 - AUGUST 3, 2024
