In November 2009, I got sober through a suggested program of action which taught me a design for living. Its guiding principles were Unity, Recovery, Love, and Service. I supplemented this transformative work with daily yoga, spiritual books, journaling, prayer, and meditation. I also completed a yoga teacher training program.
Everything worked – I stayed sober one day at a time. I was no longer a slave to addiction. I was no longer a prisoner to fear, dishonesty, selfishness, or resentment. I was no longer the man I used to be. However, I was not really sure who I was to become or what to do next with my life.
I prayed for guidance. I sat in meditation to listen for answers. An idea came: Since yoga had been an integral part of my personal recovery from addiction, and I was now certified to teach, I could create a weekly yoga class for other people in recovery. It could be free. It could be an act of love and service.
I reached out to a few local yoga studios and shared the idea. Unfortunately, nobody was interested. Disappointed, I was unsure where to host the class, or how to make it happen, or if I should give up the idea entirely.
I prayed again for guidance and sat again in meditation to listen for answers. Another idea came: Since a church in my neighborhood hosted 12-Step meetings and they seemed friendly toward things related to recovery, I could approach them and see if they would be open to the idea.
I visited the pastor at the church. I shared with him what I felt called to offer others in recovery. Our group intention would be to breathe consciously, move mindfully, and share our experience, strength, and hope. Yoga is a perfect complement to a program of recovery because addiction is often viewed as a threefold disease – mental obsession, physical allergy, spiritual malady – and yoga treats these conditions by quieting the mind, strengthening the body, and connecting to the spirit.
We shook hands. We agreed on a day and time. He gave me a key to the front door.
I taught that class every week for the next three years until I moved to a nearby city and handed the class over to another yoga teacher in recovery.
During that time, I found my voice as a teacher. I got the opportunity to create and hold space for others to heal. I felt useful. And I was hired to teach yoga at a treatment center based on a personal recommendation from one of the students at the church.
Many years have passed now since I taught those classes at the church. Many things have changed in my life since then. However, these things did not change: I am still sober. I still practice yoga, read spiritual books, journal, pray, and meditate each day. I still teach yoga at the same treatment center. And, sometimes, I still feel that I am not really sure who I am to become or what I am to do next with my life.
So, I prayed recently for guidance. I sat in meditation to listen for answers. An idea came: Since teaching a weekly yoga class for people in recovery had such a huge impact on my life in the past, I could do that again. I could create a new class. It could be free. It could be an act of love and service.
I visited the office manager at another local church. I shared with her what I felt called to offer the community. I shared that I have done this before and would be very grateful for the opportunity again.
We shook hands. We agreed on a day and time. She gave me a key to the front door.
Yoga Alliance-certified teacher Brian Hyman leads Yoga for Recovery class every Tuesday from 4-5pm at New Hope Lutheran Church (29295 Agoura Rd., Agoura Hills). Free; donations accepted. All are welcome. Visit www.brianhymanyoga.com.
This article is a part of the 2018 Aug / Sept issue of Whole Life Times.