Anthony with Inclusive Yoga on Healing from Addiction through Yoga

Welcome to a journey of healing and self-discovery with Anthony of Inclusive Yoga and Mandi Gardner, a trauma-informed yoga teacher and DBT skills coach. In this interview, Anthony shares his personal story of overcoming addiction through the transformative power of yoga while Mandi provides insightful commentary and guidance for those on similar paths.

Anthony’s Journey

Anthony’s story begins with a life-changing car accident at the age of 23 that left him with significant pain and led to a dependence on pain medication. As he recounts, the turning point came when he saw the possibility for change while in rehab. This triggered a shift in his mindset, helping him understand the power of choice over his thoughts.

The Role of Yoga in Recovery

While yoga was not initially part of Anthony's recovery plan, it became integral in his journey toward self-inquiry and healing. Initially drawn to yoga for physical benefits like weight loss and pain relief, Anthony discovered the deeper emotional healing yoga offered. By practicing yoga, particularly the eight limbs of yoga, he found a way to take ownership of his internal landscape.

Emotional and Physical Healing through Yoga

Anthony highlights how emotions play a crucial role in addiction recovery. Through yoga, he learned to navigate emotions and manage impulsive behaviors. He shares how yoga helped in emotional wellness, which he identifies as the root of his addiction. Through practices like meditation, breathing exercises, and physical postures, he experienced significant emotional breakthroughs.

Finding the Right Yoga Practice

Anthony emphasizes the importance of finding a yoga practice that suits individual needs and encourages listeners to heed their body's signals. He personally experienced many significant breakthroughs through home practice and adapting yoga postures to his body’s requirements. For Anthony, this flexibility in practice extended to adapting chair yoga, which he originally developed for his students with physical limitations.

Practical Advice for Overcoming Triggers and Promoting Self-Care

The discussion covers techniques such as breathwork and mindful inquiry to manage cravings and stress. Mandi and Anthony discuss the importance of environment, relationships, and maintaining a routine that incorporates self-care. Mandi notes how pre-planning her day and scheduling self-care activities contributed to her own recovery from addiction.

Building an Inclusive Yoga Practice

Anthony talks about his gentle, inclusive approach to teaching yoga, making adjustments for individuals with injuries or physical limitations. His experiences led him to develop chair yoga practices that cater to a wide range of abilities, encouraging gradual progression in participants.

Upcoming Opportunities

Anthony shares details about his Inclusive Yoga YouTube channel, which offers various classes from chair yoga to gentle yoga on the mat. In addition, he announces his plans for a chair yoga teacher training course in the coming year, aimed at expanding the accessibility of yoga.

Conclusion

Both Anthony and Mandi underscore the importance of patience and self-compassion in the recovery process. Anthony shares the wisdom that every saint has a past, and every sinner has a future, urging readers to embrace their journey without the burden of perfection.

Connect with Anthony and Mandi

To explore more about Anthony's practices or join the upcoming training, visit his YouTube channel, Inclusive Yoga with Anthony, or his website, AnthonySerpiello.com. For more from Mandi, check out HolisticEvolutionShala.com. This conversation sheds light on the transformative power of yoga in healing from addiction, highlighting the profound interconnectedness of the mind, body, and emotions.

Listen to the FULL PODCAST HERE.