For those familiar with any 12-Step Program, the most remarkable aspect of these is the fact that only the first of the twelve steps makes any mention of the addictive substance or act. Sobriety/abstinence is described as a “daily reprieve contingent on the maintenance of our spiritual condition”. Our opportunity for genuine spiritual fulfillment is strengthened when we weave together the ancient wisdom of Yoga and Ayurveda with the practical tools of recovery programs. Together they offer us a truly empowering personal program of recovery. 12-Step Programs also recommend an “occasional retreat from the outside world where we can quiet down for an undisturbed day or so of self-overhaul and meditation”. Yoga of Recovery offers retreats in beautiful, peaceful locations where you can relax, recover, and rejuvenate. 12-Step programs propose a spiritual remedy and do not offer much advice for the physical dimension of healing from addiction. One very important aspect of this is Hatha yoga – the asanas and breathing exercises. During the retreat you will practice yogic physical exercises – asanas (suitable for all levels) along with Pranayama (breathing exercises) and conscious relaxation. All this helps to develop not only the body, but also to broaden the mental faculties and spiritual capacities. Yoga exercises improve the health of the spine and aid the proper function of the internal organs. They also work on the nervous system and the endocrine system (glands and hormones) therefore restoring health and balance to the entire system. Yoga and recovery options for addicts and alcoholics This retreat deepens that still further with Ayurveda, the medical/holistic healing, sister science of yoga. Ayurveda works at healing and purifying the body and mind; giving practical advice on diet and lifestyle adjustments needed to live in harmony with your environment (both internal and external). In this retreat you can learn your Ayurvedic Constitution. This knowledge can be of great benefit in recognizing your addictive behaviors and the needs and vulnerabilities that underlie them. The Ayurvedic Consultation alongside the Ayurveda workshops allows you to determine what kinds of activities and changes in your lifestyle can best help you restore balance in mind and body. Simple, practical methods are taught such as proper daily and seasonal routines. You’ll learn ways to revitalize your body’s systems and boost your immune system giving you a strong foundation in health to face the challenges and stresses of daily life without resorting/relapsing into old addictive behaviors. In the Tools of Recovery we discuss the many similarities between the ethical and lifestyle foundations of Classical Yoga with those of the 12-Step Programs. Combining the Yogic psychology of how to deal with the mind and the Yogic philosophy of the Self with the practice of the principles of the 12-Steps, alongside an Ayurvedic lifestyle offers a sure path from self-destruction to Self-realization – one day at a time. During the retreat you can also participate in daily open/non-specific 12-Step Meetings, where we talk about our experience, strength and hope in regard to any addictive habit we are recovering from. It is refreshing to be in a group that has the opportunity to discuss a cross-range of addictions like this – it allows us to share in a broader way and helps us develop more openness and compassion around both our own lingering compulsions and the struggles of people with different ‘drug of choice’ than ours. Please note that we require our alcohol/chemically-dependent guests to have at least 3 months of continuous sobriety. The Yoga of Recovery retreat brings together three powerful healing modalities – Yoga, Ayurveda and 12-Step Recovery. This is the first and only retreat that offers this powerful combination. It is “the evolution of the solution”. Typical Daily Schedule includes: Meditation and Recovery for Addicts Meditation Yoga Asana & Pranayama Class for all levels, ending with Conscious Relaxation session Ayurveda workshops Open 12-Step Meetings Tools of Recovery Workshops – introduces Positive Thinking techniques, the mind and how it works and Meditation training. Vegetarian Meals Ayurvedic Consultations and Ayurvedic body treatments are also available. Book early to ensure availability of therapists. Setting The Yoga Retreat is an island paradise with crystal clear water and pure white sands… a true sanctuary of peace and natural beauty. It is located across the bay from Nassau on one of the finest beaches of the world. Five and a half acres of tropical paradise await you where you will find a heaven far from the hectic demands of everyday life. The Retreat is built around a semi-closed outdoor meditation temple. There are spacious exercise platforms facing the warm blue green water of the Caribbean. Swaying palms provide you with shade and shelter. You can stay in one of our cozy wooden cabins, or if you prefer, you may pitch a tent in the quiet coconut grove. Here is the perfect environment for you to enjoy the warm companionship of like-minded people from around the world. Pleasant, simple lodgings include a choice of semi-private rooms overlooking the ocean, or comfortable cabins clustered around an oriental-style footbridge. Tents may be pitched in a shady coconut grove. Advanced reservation is necessary. As some categories of accommodation fill quickly, we recommend you reserve early. ================================================ 7-day retreat $450 plus accommodation Web: www.sivanandabahamas.org Email: [email protected]