My yoga practice has been a crucial part of my recovery for the last six months. I started yoga after working the fourth step and acknowledging that I’d been neglecting to take care of my body while focusing so acutely on my husband. Before discovering my husband’s struggle with addiction, I’d always been something of a health nut, enjoying taking care of my body and the profound ways my physical health improved my mental health. From the moment I found syringes in my house for the first time, however, until working on my neglect of self-care in the fourth step inventory, I’d really begun to let myself go. I’d gained weight. I hardly slept. I stopped dressing nicely or wearing make-up. My mind and body both were a mess.

I started my yoga practice after a friend had a great experience with a yoga class and recommended it to me. Yoga was something I’d always meant to do a lot of, some day, at some point in the future. I was attracted to any physical activity that contained a strong spiritual component, from martial arts to solo sports like running…but yoga has truly been a blessing in my recovery. My body is stronger than it’s ever been, and the healing aspects of the practice, the spiritual influence of my teachers, and the serene, healthy environment have become something I value as much as my step work.

My husband came with me to a yoga class this morning. It was his first practice. His not-so-carefully laid plans for heading out to a medical detox to get off methadone before turning himself in fell through, and he asked if I’d mind if he came with me. I thought it was a great idea…a little deep breathing and intense sweating never hurt anyone having a bad day.

I loved having him there with me. I love the idea of having a partner as excited to take care of himself as I am. We sweated and Om’d and Namaste’d together, and we went home ruddy and happy. He called a counselor who had offered to help him find a place to detox, and he’s spent the afternoon trying to formulate a new, better plan. I am trying not to get too hopeful about the healing power of yoga, but I know what good it’s done my mind and body…and I can only imagine what it could do for him if he’d really embrace it.

OK, I’ll stop gushing now.