The opioid crisis and the growing problem of addiction in general are among the most critical issues facing humanity today. At its root, substance use disorder stems not just from chronic pain, but far more commonly is a reflection of the mounting inability to deal effectively with life’s challenges.
As a society, we are over-worked, over-stressed, and often do not have the emotional tools to deal with life on life’s terms. This leads to disconnection from ourselves and from our communities as people isolate – working more, sleeping less and generally spending less time with family and self-care.
These unhealthy behaviors create trauma to the body, mind and spirit. We are less loving, less open, less aware. So is everyone else.
The result is often a downward spiral, as people begin to rely on something outside of themselves to just make it through. A glass of wine, a pill, a drug, a smoke, sugar, junk food, the Internet, gambling, shopping… Whatever the substance or behavior, it creates a cumulatively detrimental effect on human beings, who have been created to connect with others in community (Sangha), move and stretch our bodies (Asana), breathe fully (Pranayama) and have time in our lives for quiet reflection (Meditation).
When people move into this unhealthy lifestyle too deeply, the result is addiction.
In this final workshop of yoga therapist Celeste Mendelsohn’s course on yoga for substance use disorders, we will look at the Subtle Body more deeply and learn about various techniques that can aid people in reconnecting the body, mind and spirit.
Celeste will discuss how to use breathing practices to calm anxiety, increase focus and help with insomnia. We will also discuss which Pranayama techniques should not be taught in early recovery and why. We will talk about Meditation and how to get people who have never meditated before to learn to love it. We’ll also talk about the Chakras and where addiction, depression and anxiety live in the subtle body and more.
Finally, we’ll talk about some of the nuts and bolts of working in a treatment environment including how to chart your sessions for the treatment center, how to interface with the counselors and therapists, explaining what you do in terms they can relate to, and professionalism on and off the mat.
This Course also Includes:
- Recordings of All Webinar Sessions: It’s generally acknowledged that many people only retain 10-20 percent of what they learn in a workshop. You will get access to the recordings of both webinar sessions (both MP3 and MP4), enabling you to go back and listen to the workshop as many times as you like.
- Yoga Practice Video: Enjoy a yoga practice video that Celeste created for this course.
- Transcripts of Both Sessions: Ever wanted to refer to a certain part of a course? Even the best note takers miss a point every so often. With the transcripts of the sessions, you can go back and refer to particularly important passages or clarify sections you were in doubt about.
