Yoga of Recovery®

Integrating the wisdom of Yoga, Meditation, Ayurveda and traditional recovery tools (12-step Programs) to overcome addictive and self-destructive behavior.

Yoga of Recovery® sees dis-ease from a holistic perspective:

• The 12-Step Programs (based on the “Big Book” by Bill W. sees Addiction (Dis-ease) as a Spiritual Malady.
• Yoga says Dis-ease is Spiritual Ignorance.
• Ayurveda sees Dis-ease comes from forgetting our true nature is spirit.

For those familiar with any 12-Step Program, the most remarkable aspect of these is the fact that only the first of the twelve steps makes any mention of the addictive substance or act. Sobriety/abstinence is described as a “daily reprieve contingent on the maintenance of our spiritual condition”. Our opportunity for genuine spiritual fulfillment is strengthened when we weave together the ancient wisdom of Yoga and Ayurveda with the practical tools of recovery programs. Together they offer us a truly empowering personal program of recovery. Yoga of Recovery® views the problem and the solution from the perspective of Mind, Body and Spirit; An integration of Yoga, Ayurveda and the 12-Step Principles.

12-Step programs propose a spiritual remedy and do not offer much advice for the physical dimension of healing from addiction. One very important aspect of this is Hatha yoga – the asanas and breathing exercises. During your session with me, you will practice yogic physical exercises – asanas (suitable for all levels) along with Pranayama (breathing exercises) and conscious relaxation. All this helps to develop not only the body, but also to broaden your mental faculties and spiritual capacities. Yoga exercises improve the health of the spine and aid the proper function of the internal organs. They also work on the nervous system and the endocrine system (glands and hormones) therefore restoring health and balance to the entire system.

Ayurveda works at healing and purifying the body and mind; giving practical advice on diet and lifestyle adjustments needed to live in harmony with your environment (both internal and external). Though not an Ayurvedic practitioner, Parameshwari (Deanna Galkin-Doran) having received foundational knowledge of Ayurveda through Yoga of Recovery®, can work with you to learn your Ayurvedic Constitution. This knowledge can be of great benefit in recognizing your addictive behaviors and the needs and vulnerabilities that underlie them, allowing you to determine what kinds of activities and changes in your lifestyle will help you restore balance in mind and body. Simple, practical methods are taught such as proper daily routines giving you a foundation in health to face the challenges and stresses of daily life without resorting/relapsing into old addictive behaviors.

Parameshwari (Deanna Galkin-Doran) is certified in the Yoga of Recovery® philosophy and uses all of these tools to work with those in Recovery or those looking to overcome self-destructive or addictive tendencies. To learn more about Yoga of Recovery®, see www.yogaofrecovery.com.

I teach both private and group classes. Contact me for more information.