Just Breathe…

February 25, 2009 on 8:10 am | In yogaHOPE Boston | No Comments

The last two classes at Women’s Hope brought a few new faces to yoga class. The ladies new to class appear wide eyed, nervous, and hesitant. We start with the breath. Noticing that most breathing is shallow and short. Emphasizing that their breath is always available to them in times of stress, challenge, or worry. Slowly, sounds of the breath become louder and deeper. A few ladies giggle, and vocal expressions are shared loud and clear in the room. We then move into asana with breath. I hear, “I haven’t moved like this in years, and, “I’m definitely doing yoga when I leave here.” I hear positive, and uplifting messages. One can see the effort placed on breathing and movement. What is shared in one hour of yoga is pretty powerful. It never ceases to amaze me to hear the words of hope and wanting to get sober and well while in class.

Kat Larsen, RYT

“What can you do …?”

February 11, 2009 on 3:36 pm | In yogaHOPE Boston | No Comments

At Women’s Hope, the room we use as a yoga room is also the main living room, where their group meetings are held. Last week the large whiteboard was filled with suggestions generated at a group brainstorming session: What can you do when you have the urge to get high? I was thrilled to note that mixed in with ideas like “Talk with a friend,” “See your counselor,” “Take a walk,” “Knit,” “Cook,” etc., they had listed “Breathe,” “Yoga,” and “Meditation”! Guess something’s working!!!

Beth Reisen