Why yoga is a great addition to your alcohol free life!
“The body is your temple. Keep it pure and clean for the soul to reside in.” - Geeta Lyengar
When someone mentions yoga the traditional association for a lot of people is getting into difficult, or often poses, that require flexibility and strength. It can be intimidating. It can be a competition. It can be who can do a headstand. Who can do the splits? (I can’t) This isn’t yoga.
At its core yoga is a union between body and soul. It is a way to connect the mind and soul to the body. It stills the mind. It can be a hard workout or pure relaxation. It is like absolutely everything else in the world – it is what you make of it. If you practice yoga regularly it can be pure magic.
If you are sober curious or already living an alcohol-free life then you are, without knowing it, already on the path of a yogi. When I stopped drinking 4 years ago the decision had nothing to do with yoga, despite having a regular practice.
One summer afternoon, reading Patanjali’s yoga sutras in preparation for starting my teacher training course I was filled with delight and surprise. I am sure you will be too: One of the commandments is not to drink intoxicants. Great, I thought. At the time I was 3 years sober. I already knew how to do that! This was one part of the yogi path that I was already familiar with. This is where you are too! Welcome ! You are one step ahead of the yogis out in the world who participate in yoga and wine, or flows with bubbles.
If you are just starting out on your alcohol free journey then yoga is something that can help, whether you are struggling or not. When those cravings hit, getting on your mat into your body and out of your head can help take those cravings away. Consistent practice builds resilience. When you start a new hobby or skill you build new pathways in your brain. The more you do something the easier it becomes. This is exactly the same when you take alcohol out of your life. Instead of reaching for that glass of wine, vodka or beer reach for your mat. Explore your feelings. Work your way through them and see the cravings fall away. They will become infrequent. You will be free.
Yoga is an opportunity to take time for you, in this mad crazy world. Where we are constantly inundated with news stories, memes, books to read, or the latest tech we cannot live without. Yoga allows you to block it out and look inward. It gives you time to be still. Be present, and eventually to be free.
I am so excited to bring yoga to Soberbuzz in 2024 and help you explore how it can help you in your journey. If you want to know more, please do reach out bronagh@soberbuzzscotland.com or @B__bythesea on Instagram.
