Introduction:
Sobriety is a journey of continuous growth, resilience, and self-discovery. Moni, a Las Vegas resident, exemplifies this journey as she celebrates over six years of sobriety in a city famous for its nightlife and excess. Her story is not just about overcoming addiction; it’s about finding joy and fulfilment through practices like yoga, which has been a cornerstone in her recovery. This blog explores how Moni has maintained her sobriety, dealt with grief and depression, and how yoga has played a transformative role in her healing process.
Background and Decision to Get Sober:
In 2018, Moni reached a pivotal moment in her life, deciding it was time to embrace sobriety. She sought help at a rehab facility in Mexico, committing herself to a three-month program that marked the beginning of her recovery journey. Moni quickly realized that sobriety had to be a personal decision, something she pursued for herself and not for others. This internal motivation has been key to her sustained sobriety, even in the challenging environment of Las Vegas.
Finding Joy in Sobriety Through Yoga:
For Moni, redefining what joy means has been central to her sobriety. Before her recovery, alcohol was a source of excitement that eventually turned into a source of pain. To replace this, Moni turned to yoga, a practice that not only offered physical benefits but also helped her find inner peace and emotional stability.
How Yoga Supports Sobriety: Yoga has been instrumental in Moni’s recovery, offering several benefits that make it an ideal practice for anyone on a similar path:
- Physical Health: Yoga provides a gentle yet effective form of exercise that helps in rebuilding the body after the toll of addiction. It strengthens muscles, improves flexibility, and enhances overall physical well-being, which is crucial for those in recovery.
- Emotional Regulation: Through breath control and mindfulness, yoga helps individuals manage their emotions, reducing anxiety and depression. This emotional regulation is essential for maintaining sobriety, as it equips individuals with tools to handle stress without resorting to substances.
- Mindfulness and Self-Awareness: Yoga encourages mindfulness, a practice of staying present in the moment. This awareness helps in recognizing triggers and developing healthier responses to stress and cravings.
- Community and Connection: Many yoga classes foster a sense of community, providing a supportive environment where individuals in recovery can connect with others who share similar goals.
- Spiritual Growth: For some, yoga also offers a spiritual dimension that can be deeply healing. It provides a space for introspection and connection to a higher power or inner self, which is often a significant aspect of recovery.
Moni was also featured as part of the “3 Sober Steps” book where she helped readers with our very own Sober On A Drunk Planet meditation – try it out to see the positive impact that correct breathing has on your nervous system!
The Impact of Stress, Depression, and Grief:
Moni’s journey hasn’t been without its challenges. The stress accumulated from her active lifestyle led to a period of depression and significant life changes. During this time, she even stopped practicing yoga for nearly three months, highlighting the importance of consistency in self-care routines.
Moni also faced profound grief after losing her father and uncle. Initially, she tried to push through her activities without allowing herself to properly grieve, which only deepened her depression. Her experience underscores the need to address grief and loss in recovery.
The Role of Therapy, Medication, and Support Groups:
To cope with her depression, Moni sought therapy and medication through the Human Behavioral Institute in Las Vegas. The combination of these treatments, along with the support from online AA and NA meetings, provided her with the tools needed to navigate her darkest times. She is also a valuable member of the Sober On A Drunk Planet Community!
Navigating Sobriety in Las Vegas:
Living in Las Vegas, a city synonymous with excess, presents unique challenges for those in recovery. However, Moni’s commitment to her sobriety has remained unwavering. She has found support through organizations like The Phoenix, which offers sober activities, and The Meeting Place, where she participates in NA and AA meetings.
You can check out all the VERY cool things, both online and in person, that the Phoenix offer to the ever growing sober community.
The Power of Self-Care and Continuous Growth:
Self-care has been a vital part of Moni’s recovery. She recognizes that life is full of ups and downs, and taking care of oneself is essential to sustain long-term sobriety. Practices like yoga, journaling, and attending therapy sessions have helped her maintain her sobriety and manage the stresses of life.
Conclusion:
Moni’s journey is a powerful reminder that sobriety is possible, even in the most challenging environments. Her story showcases the importance of finding joy in healthy activities like yoga, addressing emotional challenges head-on, and seeking support from various resources. Whether you’re in Las Vegas or anywhere else, Moni’s experience illustrates that with the right mindset and tools, a fulfilling, sober life is within reach.
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