I think that yoga and 12 step recovery support each other but of course you don’t have to be in recovery to enjoy yoga! For me, though, the combination has helped me with my self-confidence, my ability to deal with what life throws at me and a sense of peace in body, mind and spirit.
The beauty of yoga is that it is for everyone - any age, size or shape. In my teaching, I emphasise my belief that you don’t have to be stick-thin, bendy or flexible. All you need is an open mind, a willingness to give it a go and a sense of humour (much like recovery again!). Many yoga teachers are quite technical, teaching a series of asanas (postures). All great but for me it is more than that. It’s about empowering people to change and opening their eyes to the spiritual traditions of yoga. You might say that without such an approach, yoga is simply ‘fitness’. If that’s your thing then perfect - I believe it can be so much more though.
My journey into yoga has been one of amazement, enlightenment and joy. On a physical level, it has completely changed my body shape for the better. On a mental level, it has given me the time and space to really connect with myself and with my life. It has directly helped me with my self-esteem and self-confidence which I previously lacked in abundance. I was turning 50 when I took it up and was mum to 5 kids. Without yoga, these things might have dragged me down, but I can truly say that I now stand toe-to-toe with the best of them and look life squarely in the eye!
