Daily Dharma #107: The Digital Dharma
Process addiction, spiritual disconnect, and how I’m finding my way back
Happy Wednesday from Toronto
I’ve been feeling kind of blah lately - and I’ve been writing about it a bit over on Substack. It’s like I lost my connection to the divine. The things that usually ground me - chanting, writing, reading, AA meetings - have all slipped out of my routine. Yesterday, when The-Name-Is-Habibi (Mr. Audiobook, Mr. Doesn’t Use Plane Wifi, Mr. Doesn’t Drink Coffee, Mr. Z, Mr Shakshuka, Raja Haiku, Mr. Mimpi Indah, Habibi (My Love in Arabic), The Approaching-Boyfriend (Boyfriend in Waiting), Mr. Vritti, Mr. Jack Pot, Mr. Meditation, Rocket Man, Mr. Mantra, The Meow-ditator, The Rational Mystic, Burrito Boy, the-guy-i-like-that-i-feel-safe-with, him (the crush)) asked how my day was, I said exactly that: “I feel blah, and I don’t know why.”
It doesn’t make sense on paper. I’m walking 10,000 steps a day. Doing barre workouts. Teaching online. Business is going well. I’m spending time with my family. Everything looks “good”… so why don’t I feel better?
The Click Moment in Savasana
Last night I was teaching our 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training, and two of my students were leading the practice. I love these moments - I’m observing, giving feedback, holding the space. But eventually, I relax into a flow state. I let go. I feel the yoga working through me.
And in savasana, something clicked.
The reason I’ve been feeling blah? I’m back on Instagram.
It started innocently enough. I’d just arrived in Toronto and posted a story of my niece listening to me play the harmonium. It got lots of love. Dopamine kicked in. Then I posted some time-lapse videos of my practice. Then our new business launch - Alcohol-Free Retreats. All of a sudden, I was hooked again.
Instagram: The Hidden Drain
It’s not Toronto.
It’s not culture shock.
It’s Instagram.
Sarah Millman, who’s in the YTT, said something powerful: “It’s wild how some addictions are so strong that you have to keep noticing and becoming aware of them, again and again.” That’s exactly what’s happening for me. This has been a multi-month journey of Instagram sobriety, trying to figure out if and how this platform fits into my life.
Last night I talked it over with The-Name-Is-Habibi. Should I delete it altogether? Eventually, I decided to do a 30-day detox, just like I did in January. I’ve handed full control back to Indah, my amazing social media manager. (Side note: it’s SO refreshing to have a partner who completely understands and supports lifestyle choices like this.)
Day 1: Already Lighter
Today is day one off Instagram, and already I feel better. I’m reading again. I had a super productive Mindful Life Practice meeting. I spoke to my dad on the phone. And I made a commitment to The-Name-Is-Habibi before he went to sleep: by the time you wake up, I won’t have been on Instagram. The same goes for the news - I do not need to read courtroom updates of the sexual assault case happening in Canada. And I haven’t so far today (and it’s almost 5pm!)
Some addictions are just that strong. And every time you notice it, it’s a chance to start fresh. No shame, no self-blame. Just awareness.
This mantra came to me (from ChatGPT, funnily enough):
“If I have to hurt my nervous system to grow my business, it’s not a business aligned with my dharma.”
What Are Process Addictions?
This realization brought me back to a worksheet from ITAA Ubud about process addictions - things like social media, work, sex, or love addiction. Unlike substance addictions, process addictions are behavioral. There’s no chemical you’re ingesting—but the effect on the nervous system can be just as intense.
Here’s a resource I’ve found helpful: Discovering Sobriety Worksheet – ITAA
If you’ve experienced process addictions, let me know how the worksheet goes for you. Comment on the post!
What’s New + Exciting
🌍 The Launch of Alcohol-Free Retreats
The big news is here: me and and Rory have joined forces to launch Alcohol-Free Retreats - a global sober retreat brand.
We met through our shared love of the alcohol-free lifestyle, yoga, and meditation. After years of leading our own communities and retreats, we realized: the real magic happens when you do the deep work together. These retreats are for you if you want to travel without alcohol, crave mindful community, and are ready to deepen your spiritual practice.
✨ Upcoming Retreats:
New Year’s Eve Mexico Retreat | Dec 27, 2025 – Jan 3, 2026 (2 single + 2 shared rooms left!)
United Arab Emirates Retreat | Feb 2026
India Adventure | Feb 22 – Mar 5, 2026
Bali Nyepi & Ogoh Ogoh Retreat | Mar 15 – 21, 2026
Follow us at @alcoholfreeretreats and check out alcoholfreeretreats.com for all the details.
💻 Welcoming Sarah Millman as MLPC Community Manager
With all the in-person events and travels I’ve had lately, I realized I needed support to keep our online community strong. So I’m thrilled to share that Sarah Millman is officially stepping into the role of Community Manager for The Mindful Life Practice!
Sarah has been part of the MLPC fam for years. She’s edited our magazine, supported volunteers, and even edited my book Sober Yoga Girl. She’ll now be helping with a new platform transition, coordinating upcoming free events (which we’re planning together and are so excited about!), and so much more.
My Focus on the Yoga Sutras
My heart is pulling me deeper into Yoga Sutra work, and I’m thrilled to share what’s coming:
1. Sutra Sangha Monthly Membership
A casual, heart-centered monthly space to stay connected to the Yoga Sutras.
Weekly live study + meditation calls (~60 minutes) | Sundays at 6:00am EST, Mondays at 7:30am EST, Thursdays at 8:30pm EST (Fridays 8:30am AWST).
Monthly themes like vṛttis, kleśas, samādhi
Open to all levels. Join anytime, stay as long as you like. Here’s the link to join us.
2. Yoga Sutra Recovery Program
A 12-week small-group journey blending Sutra philosophy, addiction recovery, and trauma healing.
Starts June 5, 2025 | Thursdays at 6:00am EST
Weekly 90-minute sessions
Journaling, meditation, group sharing
For women in sobriety, healing, and spiritual growth
3. Yoga Sutra Study: Chapters 1 & 2
A more academic-style deep dive into Patanjali’s teachings.
Starts August 6, 2025 | Wednesdays 7:00pm EST / Thursdays 7:00am AWST
Weekly 90-minute meetings
Detailed exploration of Samādhi Pāda and Sādhana Pāda
Study guides, journaling, optional memorization
Thank you for reading and being part of our community.
I’ll keep you updated on how the detox is going - and I hope this inspires you to reflect on your own digital dharma!
With love,
Alexandra
Retreats & Trainings Around the World
May 25–31, 2025 | Bali
Alcohol-Free Yoga & Meditation Retreat with Rory Kinsella
A week of clarity, connection, and calm. Join us in the lush jungles of Bali for yoga, meditation, and soulful community—completely alcohol-free.
July 7–27, 2025 | Bali
200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training with Jenn & Rory
Deepen your practice and become a certified yoga teacher in this transformative three-week immersion. Learn Vinyasa, Yin, philosophy, and more in the heart of Bali.
September 1–10, 2025 | Bali
Pranayama & Meditation for Mental Health with Jenn & Rory
Explore the power of the breath and mind in this 50-hour advanced YTT module. Perfect for teachers and dedicated students seeking inner calm and clarity.
September 11–18, 2025 | Bali
Adjustments & Assists Training with Jenn
Learn how to skillfully and safely support your students in asana through hands-on techniques. A 50-hour module for yoga teachers ready to refine their touch.
December 27, 2025 - January 3, 2026 | Mexico
Mexico Alcohol Free New Year’s Eve Sober Retreat with Rory Kinsella
Imagine waking up on the first morning of 2026 feeling clear, calm, and deeply connected — not hungover or burnt out, but truly alive.
Join us for an intimate and transformational New Year’s Eve sober yoga and meditation retreat in beautiful Todos Santos, Mexico. Nestled in a luxury villa just a 10-minute walk from the beach, this retreat is your opportunity to reset your body, mind, and spirit while welcoming the new year with intention.
February 22–March 5, 2026 | India
Sober Curious Yoga Adventure to India with Jane Ballard & Rory Kinsella
Celebrate Holi in India with a powerful group of ten sober people as we journey through four vibrant cities, immersing ourselves in yoga, culture, and connection. Along the way, we’ll share transformative sober circles guided by a licensed therapist. This is more than a trip—it’s a once-in-a-lifetime adventure of joy, colour, and soul-level growth.
Yay! I am SO excited to take on this new role and to help contribute more to this beautiful community ❤️!