Healing Paths: Integrating Yoga and Mindfulness in Addiction Recovery

On Wednesday, November 6th, 2024, from 4:30pm-7:30pm, Yoga in Action will present Healing Paths: Integrating Yoga and Mindfulness in Addiction Recovery at 3S Artspace, 319 Vaughan Street, Portsmouth, NH. This is a hybrid event with options to participate in-person or via the livestream.

In recent years, the therapeutic benefits of yoga and mindfulness have gained recognition as powerful tools in addiction recovery. This panel discussion explores how these practices offer holistic support, addressing not only the physical but also the mental and emotional aspects of recovery. The event will include a keynote by trainer and speaker Nikki Myers, followed by a discussion including local experts.

This event is Part Three of Yoga In Action’s ‘Light on Mental Wellness Series’

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Join us for an inspiring conversation on how yoga and mindfulness can empower individuals on their journey to recovery from addiction. Together, let's explore the transformative power of these ancient practices in fostering healing, resilience, and inner peace.

Event Schedule

4:30pm - 5:00pm: Doors open for registration, refreshments and networking

5:00pm - 5:10pm: Welcome remarks and introduction

5:10pm - 5:40pm: Keynote by Nikki Myers, Founder Y12SR

5:40pm - 6:15pm: Panel discussion with Nikki Myers, Sandi Coyle, Leah Rothchild

6:15pm - 6:45pm: Audience Q&A

6:45pm - 7:00pm: Closing remarks and meditation

7:00pm - 7:30pm Community Connection

Event Highlights:

• Interactive Discussions: Engage with panelists through Q&A sessions and explore practical strategies for integrating yoga and mindfulness into daily recovery practices.
• Live Demonstrations: Experience firsthand the calming and grounding effects of yoga and mindfulness techniques through live demonstrations.
• Networking Opportunities: Connect with fellow attendees, panelists, and community organizations dedicated to supporting addiction recovery through holistic approaches.

Who Should Attend:

This event is ideal for healthcare professionals, addiction counselors, yoga instructors, mindfulness practitioners, individuals in recovery, and anyone interested in exploring alternative approaches to addiction treatment and recovery.

*Yoga in Action will provide a letter of attendance to participants in who may be eligible for continuing education credits in their respective fields. The event qualifies for 2 hours of Yoga Alliance CE credits for yoga teachers. Information will be provided to attendees on November 6th.

*Limited scholarships are available to those in financial need. Please contact rochelle.jewell@yogainaction.org to request financial assistance.

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About our Presenters:

Keynote Speaker: Nikki Myers

An accomplished speaker and teacher, Nikki is an MBA, E-RYT 500, Yoga Therapist, Somatic Experiencing Practitioner, Addictions Recovery Specialist, and Ayurvedic Specialist. Born from her struggles with addiction and work with countless students, Nikki is the founder of Y12SR, Yoga of 12-Step Recovery. Based on its theme ‘the issues live in the tissues’, Y12SR is a relapse prevention program that weaves the art & science of yoga with the practical tools of 12-step programs. Y12SR meetings are available internationally and the curriculum has rapidly become a feature of addiction recovery treatment centers. Nikki’s work has been featured in the New York Times, Black Enterprise, The Huffington Post, Origin Magazine, CBSnews.com and countless podcasts. She is honored to be a co-founder of the annual Yoga, Meditation and Recovery Conferences at Esalen Institute and Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health. Nikki has been featured as a keynote speaker at the International Association of Yoga Therapist (IAYT) conference and the International Conference on Integrative Medicine at Harvard Medical School. She was named a Yoga Journal Game Changer and is an honored recipient of the esteemed NUVO Cultural Visionary Award.

Additional Panelists:

Sandi Coyle

Sandi Coyle (she/her) has worked in the field of behavioral health prevention, treatment, and recovery since 2008 as a nonprofit leader, grassroots change maker, and recovery advocate throughout New Hampshire and Massachusetts, with public speaking engagements on outlets such as WMUR NH, WHEB, NHPR, NPR, and local media outlets. She holds a graduate degree in community development from SNHU and is now working to complete her master's degree in clinical mental health counseling. Sandi is a NH Union Leader’s Top 40 Under 40 (class of 2017) recognized for her efforts to inspire systemic change and reduce stigma for individuals and families impacted by substance use addiction. She began her personal healing journey in 2004, which has worked to overcome and heal the effects of addiction, mental health, intimate partner violence, and trauma by engaging in multiple-paths of recovery and a harm-reduction pathway. “Recovery is not a linear path, it’s not a one-size-fits-all, and it’s not just about staying sober. Recovery is Harm-Reduction. My path has not been one of continuous sobriety, but it has one been guided by spiritual principles and diverse communities of peers that instilled in me a hope for living purposefully and the dedication to widening the doorway of healing for others and our communities." A favorite quote and guiding principle for Sandi’s work is from Johan Hari, “The opposite of addiction isn’t sobriety, it’s connection.” Sandi has practiced and studied various aspects and styles of yoga since the age of 19, which was her first introduction and aha moment to the relationship she had with alcohol and drugs at the time (gosh did I smell bad that Saturday morning at my college gym yoga class). This set course for Sandi’s current path and passion for exploring ways to expand the harm-reduction movement through trauma-informed yoga therapy and providing safe and supportive somatic experiences for all-walks-of-life; widening the door to healing and transformation for those impacted by substance use and adverse life experiences.

Leah Rothchild

Leah Rothchild is a newly certified pediatric nurse practitioner, a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner student, and a person in long-term recovery from substance use disorder. Before pursuing nursing, Leah worked in various social service positions supporting people recovering from substance use disorders and families experiencing homelessness. Leah dreams of a world where mental health is not viewed separately from physical health and plans to combine her previous social work experience with her nursing career by incorporating more comprehensive mental health support into pediatric primary care. Leah is also passionate about expanding access to quality healthcare, both locally and globally. She has participated in nursing education partnerships in Uganda, Malawi, and India. Leah believes that global health partnerships are vital to improving health outcomes, increasing understanding of social determinants of health, and sharing knowledge to create sustainable change.

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Make a day of it! Portsmouth is a picturesque and walkable city. While in town, you might visit the art exhibit at 3S Artspace and the on-site restaurant, Barrio. Within minutes you can see historic sites, find a variety of restaurants and shopping or make your way to the waterfront Prescott Park, Strawbery Banke and more. Parking: There is metered parking on the street and in various lots and garages in Portsmouth. Learn more about parking in Portsmouth.

About Yoga in Action: Yoga in Action is a yoga service organization which helps people navigate life's challenges by providing accessible yoga programs to individuals in a wide variety of settings and circumstances. Yoga is a low cost, high impact modality that can support the mental and physical health of ANYONE. These programs are fueled by our dedicated staff, experienced teachers and the expertise of our partner organizations in the community.