Day 35: Building the Structure for my Sobriety
Integrating Wisdom from the Bhagavad Gita, Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, Buddha Dharma, and the 12-Step Path to Create a Balanced Recovery
This morning, I was reflecting on how setting boundaries for myself has created so much space for healing and recovery.
For years, I had a habit of running programs, even when I didn’t have the necessary registrations to make them sustainable. Once, I ran a Yoga Teacher Training with just one paid student, which cost me a lot of money in food, accommodation, and teacher fees. I thought that by continuing with the program, it would eventually pay off and help build my business. While it may have had some long-term benefits, and I absolutely LOVED running it, I found myself exhausted and overwhelmed, carrying the weight of unspoken resentments — all because I didn’t have the boundaries I needed to protect my energy.
This January, I was set to run another 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training, but I canceled the program a few months before the start date. Though I had a few interested students, no one was officially booked, and I just couldn’t see myself going through with something like that again. While some people were disapointed at the time, looking back, I see that this decision was one of the greatest gifts I gave myself. Had I gone through with the training, I wouldn’t have had the time and space to recover from my social media addiction or take care of myself, both of which were crucial for building a strong foundation for 2025.
This month, for the first time in a long while, I have established real structure for my sobriety.
The Pillars of My Sobriety: A Daily Practice of Meditation, Community, and Service
Several key practices have become the foundation of my daily routine, supporting me on this recovery journey. Every day, I make sure to:
Sit for meditation (SIT) – Two sessions daily to ground myself in stillness
Attend a meeting (SANGHA) – Most often in-person AA meetings, but occasionally I join alternative recovery communities online
Engage in yoga wisdom and addiction recovery learnings (STUDY) – Deepening my understanding of the roots of addiction and its recovery
Practice at least one Bhakti chant (SPIRIT) – To connect to God and nurture my devotional spirit
When possible, I also spend time attending yoga classes or doing a personal practice to keep my body connected to the spiritual journey. I also have other foundational building blocks: abstinence from my addictive tendencies, practicing service or seva, and self study work.
The Practice of SITTING: A Meditation of Release
Each morning, I begin with 20 minutes of meditation and repeat this practice in the afternoon. I can’t begin to express how much this has transformed my life.
Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras speak of Samskaras, the deeply ingrained patterns that shape our thoughts and behaviors. These Samskaras are often born out of trauma, and they can either be released through conscious practice or continued unconsciously. Meditation is a tool for this release, as it provides space to confront and dissolve old Samskaras and prevent new ones from forming. The first meditation of the day prevents new samskaras, and the second meditation does the deep dive into releasing old samskaras.
Before meditation, my mornings were chaotic. I would immediately reach for my phone, bombarded by the overstimulation of emails, social media, and news — all while living in Asia, where the events of the day in North America would greet me in my inbox. The rush of cortisol would set the tone for the entire day.
Now, my mornings are calm and intentional. I meditate, walk to a local coffee shop for a matcha latte, and read a book before starting my workday. The shift in my energy has been nothing short of life-changing.
The Importance of SANGHA: Community and Belonging
In Sanskrit, Sangha refers to community — and community is vital for both wellbeing and recovery. This January, I immersed myself in the local AA community because I needed a space outside of my business where I could connect with others on the same journey.
One individual I’ve met at the meetings stands out to me. From the very first time we met, he learned my name and remembered it. Every time I see him, he greets me by my name. This simple act of recognition has made me feel seen, valued, and welcomed into the group.
There’s a profound lesson here. When we call people by their names, we affirm their identity and presence. It creates a sense of belonging and connection, essential ingredients for building trust and healing. In the 12-Step program, consistent attendance and fellowship are often described as an elevator to connect with your Higher Power — a metaphor that captures the importance of community in the recovery process. Meetings are crucial - and when I launch the new recovery program an emphasis on daily meeting attendance - as well as leading meetings in an act of service - will be highlighted.
The Power of Wisdom: STUDY
Every day, I read books on yoga philosophy, Buddhist teachings, and addiction recovery. This daily practice of study has been transformative, helping me deepen my understanding of recovery and strengthening my resolve.
Previously, I struggled to sit down with a book. Social media had dulled my attention span, and I found it difficult to focus. But now, I can immerse myself in literature that feeds my soul and supports my sobriety. This shift away from digital distractions has made room for real, life-changing wisdom to take root.
SPIRIT: Bhakti Yoga
Bhakti yoga, the Yoga of Devotion, has become a cornerstone of my practice. In the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna speaks to Arjuna about the importance of devotion to the Divine. Bhakti is not about asking for help in times of crisis, but about seeking to serve and connect with the Divine in a spirit of love and surrender.
Addiction is often seen as a misguided spiritual search, and I’ve come to understand that my own addiction stemmed from a lack of true connection with a higher power. Bhakti, through chanting and devotion, provides the avenue to reconnect with the Divine. I’ve been chanting daily, and it’s become a way for me to fill my mind and heart with higher thoughts and connect deeply with the Divine presence.
In my journey, the practice of chanting is not merely a routine; it is a form of sadhana that reminds me of who I truly am — an atma, a soul, beyond the body and mind. The mantras help program my mind, bringing me closer to my true self and reconnecting me with my spiritual essence.
As I reflect on these structural aspects of my sobriety, I see how they weave together like the threads of a sacred tapestry. The discipline of meditation (SIT), the support of community (SANGHA), the wisdom of ancient texts (STUDY), and the devotion of Bhakti yoga (SPIRIT) all contribute to the solid foundation I’m building in my recovery.
I’ve been working on a new program to share with others on this journey. I know some of you have already reached out and are keen to learn more, but this is a big project I’m working on, so it’s going to take at least a few months. Stay tuned. It’s still in development, but I am excited to soon offer a comprehensive resource to help others build their own structure for recovery.
In service and gratitude,
Alexandra
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