Our modern world is inundated with stress. Wildfires are burning out of control. Governments are striking out against their people. Relationships collapse and finances meltdown. People turn to whatever form of relief they can find.
Often that relief carries with it its own dangers. Drugs. Alcohol. Smoking. Toxic relationships. A craving for approval. Sometimes the cure can be even more challenging than the initial problem.
What Is Kundalini Yoga?
Kundalini Yoga is a style of yoga which focuses on the energy systems found within each of us. You might have heard of chakras, how each of us has energy flowing within us which we need to take care to nurture. Kundalini yoga focuses on this energy stream and how it allows us to fully realize our own inner spirit.
Some other forms of yoga are about stretching the body or about practising breathing techniques. With Kundalini, the focus is on energy. Internal, powerful, sacred energy.
How Does Kundalini Yoga Help with Addiction Recovery?
A core belief of Kundalini Yoga is that we have the energy within us to power every dream and goal on our list. Yes, we connect to the entire universe. Yes, we are all in this together as a global community. And, at the same time, you don’t need permission or approval from others to be who you were meant to be. You don’t have to change or alter yourself.
You simply have to tap into your core energy. You should strive to still, to become aware, and to mindfully unfold yourself like a flower. Everything is within you now. You don’t have to hide it with a haze or muddy it with smoking. You can bring it out and treasure it. Allow your energies to flow full and rich. Explore your paths and reach your full potential.
Every Day is a New Step
That’s not to say that Kundalini Yoga – or any path through addiction – is easy. It is a journey. A process. Addiction undoubtedly took a while to develop and it will take a while to ease through. It’s a healing path. It’s an acknowledgement that we are each imperfect beings who are continually learning and growing.
The key is to take that first step. To acknowledge that things need to change. To explore the energy within. To examine what today’s progress might look like – and to move forward.
Kundalini Yoga and Recovering from a Toxic Relationship
It can be so easy to fall into a relationship without much thought. Maybe you first hit it off at a social function. Maybe you shared a common interest. In the beginning, you’re often thrilled just to have someone to do things with. Someone who appreciates you. Someone who is there for you.
It’s hard to pinpoint the moment when things started to change. When the relationship went from fun to harmful. From enjoyable to toxic.
And then it can seem impossible to get out.
Challenges of a Toxic Relationship
The main challenge many have with a toxic relationship is that they get lost in the past. They remember just how good things used to be when the relationship was fresh. They figure, maybe I did something wrong to cause the problem. They think, if only I simply figure out how to fix things, or if only I don’t upset my partner, everything will be fine again. The future will be just as much a delight as the past once was.
The problem is that it rarely happens that way. Usually, the situation just deteriorates. Perhaps sometimes you threaten to leave and temporarily things improve. Your partner promises, “I’ll be better.” It lasts a few days – and then it promptly gets worse again.
It can be incredibly hard to finally draw that line. To say there is no chance of ever finding your way back to the way things once were.
Healing through Kundalini Yoga
Kundalini Yoga is about the power of the energy within you. It’s about healing and restoring yourself so you can reach your full potential. So you can find a true connection with those around you.
It’s hard to regain that energy when you’ve been hurt. When life has taught you that others cannot be trusted. When you aren’t even sure you’re worthy of love.
The key is to take small steps. Nurture yourself. Care for yourself. Invest in healthy food and solid sleep. Give your immune system and healing centres time to build up and restore. It’s hard for your spirituality and compassion to flourish when the basic components of life are in flux.
Once you are moving forward again, breathing in, breathing out, make time for the things you love. It could be a walk in the park. It could be practising art. Whatever brings you joy, make time for that. Reawaken the precious energy within you. Cleanse yourself. Revitalize yourself.
Take it one day at a time. The healing will lift you and allow you to reach out again, to rejoin the community around you.
