Give Yourself Grace

Do you feel like your head’s been in the clouds? Like you’ve been trying to numb the pain inside you and drown out the noise coming from all directions by smoking, drinking, eating, or maybe all of the above? With everything that’s going on in the world today, you might be feeling a little overwhelmed, like you need something to take the edge off just so you can relax.

If this sounds like you, you’re not alone.

According to the United Nations, about 158 million people around the globe use marijuana, 107 million people are estimated to have an alcohol use disorder, and 9% of the population admit to having eating disorders worldwide. That doesn’t include the people who suffer in silence.

Hello viewers, and welcome to my channel Kerrville Yoga, my name is Mae and today, we’re doing T-Break Yoga! Part one of two.

This is a free class for any of my friends who want to regain control of their physical, mental, and spiritual well-being without the use of any legal or illegal substances.

Regardless of what addictions or attachments you have, no matter how small, taking a break from them is not an easy task. That’s why I’m here to help guide you through the motions when the going gets tough.

When we take a tolerance or “T” break, the ego pulls out all the stops. The part of us that has cravings feels like it’s under attack, using every excuse, tantrum, and technique in the book to get what it wants.

It’s up to us to STOP the monkey mind from jumping from desire to unfulfilled desire and feel whole and complete, exactly as we are. There is no substitute for settling into a comfortable seated position to observe the chaos from a calm and collected state.

This free, liberating yoga flow is a step by step practice that can compliment your 24hr, two day, or two week tolerance break. One of the secrets to having a successful break is to have something to replace the thing you’re trying to distance yourself from.

Make a commitment to yourself to transform the fog into focus.

Schedule a time to do this, to do the inner work, and get some exercise on the mat. Tell your friends. Get excited about taking control of your life! The insight and clarity you will gain from this time you take to be sober with yourself is invaluable. Trust me, you won’t regret it.

Easy Pose

Let’s get started by setting an intention in a seated, upright, and comfortable position. You can begin in a chair or on the floor in a cross legged position.

Bring your hands together at your heart center and set an intention to create space for yourself to feel whatever sensations pop up.

Notice if you feel uncomfortable, agitated, or like you want to throw in the towel already.

Give yourself grace to feel these things and then let them go.

Imagine what it would feel like to let go of your addiction.

What would it feel like to be free, happy, and at peace?

Set an intention to pursue sobriety for your health and well-being.

On an inhale, offer your intention up to GOD, lifting your palms in the air.

As you exhale, bring your hands down and around back to your heart.

Alternate Nostril Breath

Now for some controlled breathing or pranayama. Prana means life force energy, yama means restraint. If controlling your breathing makes you anxious at any time, return to your normal breath. Let it be your guide. Do not restrain your breathing if you’re not ready or if it isn’t right for you at this time. While alternate nostril breath is a great way to clear the mind of uncomfy thoughts and cravings, always be listening to your body.

Using the right ring finger, cover the left nostril and inhale through the right nostril for 4 seconds

1, 2, 3, 4

Alternate by covering the right nostril with the thumb as you exhale out the left nostril for the same amount of time

4, 3, 2, 1

Inhale through the same side

1, 2, 3, 4

Alternate, and exhale

4, 3, 2, 1

Inhale through the same side

1, 2, 3, 4

Alternate, and exhale

4, 3, 2, 1

Now change hands.

Using the left ring finger to cover the right nostril and inhale for 4 seconds through the left nostril

1, 2, 3, 4

Alternate by covering the left nostril with the thumb as you exhale out the right nostril for the same amount of time

4, 3, 2, 1

Inhale through the same side

1, 2, 3, 4

Alternate, and exhale

4, 3, 2, 1

Inhale through the same side

1, 2, 3, 4

Alternate, and exhale

4, 3, 2, 1

Great job! If you are sitting cross legged, change whichever shin is in front as we tend to sit the same way every time.

It’s normal to feel light headed after giving your brain so much oxygen, so breathe normally in your easy pose to let everything settle down after our alternate nostril breathing.

Meditation Mantra

According to Merriam-Webster, a mantra is “a word or phrase that is repeated often or that expresses someone’s basic beliefs.” It originally comes from two Sanskrit words: “man,” meaning mind; and “tra,” meaning vehicle or instrument – a tool to transport the mind from a state of activity to one of stillness and silence. Mantras are often associated with praying or meditating so they’re best suited for positive self-talk.

Our Mantra Today: I am COMPLETE

I am COMPLETE

You can repeat this as many times as you need to banish any negative energy that’s trying to pull you under. Remind yourself that you are healing, you are whole, and you are perfect amidst the chaos . You have everything you need.

You are complete.

Say it one more time with me?

I AM COMPLETE!!!

Sending lots of love to you, dear!

Love,

Mae <3