By Michelle Arington

Image by AHTmedia from Pixabay

Addiction of all kinds creates separation and suffering, disconnecting us from ourselves, our loved ones, our community, and our purpose.

In my yoga therapy sessions for recovery support, I integrate the practical tools of Yoga of 12-Step Recovery (Y12SR), founded by Nikki Myers, MBA, E-RYT 500, C-IAYT, with the 7 Spiritual Laws of Yoga, adapted from the work of Deepak Chopra, MD. This combination of ancient yoga philosophy with modern recovery tools honors the whole person and offers a trauma-informed, somatic approach to sustainable sobriety.

Y12SR is a holistic relapse-prevention program designed to address the physical, mental, and spiritual dis-ease of addiction. It unites the wisdom of yoga with cognitive recovery models like 12 steps, cognitive behavioral therapy, and harm reduction. Informed by neuroscience and trauma research, and rooted in the Yoga Sutras (“Future suffering can be avoided” 2.16), Y12SR recognizes that our “issues live in the tissues.”

Multifaceted sessions for multifaceted healing

By combining Y12SR with the 7 Spiritual Laws of Yoga, clients can learn to recognize early warning signs of relapse and build a practical, personal, and transformational framework for living in recovery.

In my practice, each yoga therapy session weaves together intention, breathwork (pranayama), physical postures (asana), somatic movement, mantra, mudra, and meditation. These tools help to regulate the nervous system, release deeply held tension, rewire negative thought patterns, and reconnect us with inner stability and wisdom.

Spiritual laws in practice

The 7 Spiritual Laws guide this work and serve as a roadmap for personal reflection, hope, and healing:

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  Image by Hans from Pixabay

  The Law of Pure Potentiality reminds us that beneath addiction lies a field of pure awareness and infinite possibility. Breathwork and meditation can help to illuminate the true Self—who we are beyond roles, mistakes, pain and addiction—and tune in to our unlimited potential.

• The Law of Giving and Receiving teaches the importance of flow. We affirm that the universe operates in a dynamic exchange of breath, energy, love, and compassion. Heart-opening poses (think backbends) and loving-kindness meditations are intended to nurture this cosmic flow.
• The Law of Karma invites self-inquiry and conscious choice. We examine our actions, our patterns, and their impact using journaling, mindful movement, and meditation to align with our values.
• The Law of Least Effort encourages surrender and regulation. Restorative poses and somatic practices help us to release the need to push and control. We breathe into resistance, accept limitations, and honor the wisdom of “less is more.”
• The Law of Intention and Desire reminds us that what we focus on grows. Through meditation and visualization, we clarify our intentions and align our attention with what we wish to cultivate.
• The Law of Detachment supports our ability to let go and trust the process. We practice nonattachment (called aparigraha in yoga) to outcomes and make peace with uncertainty.
• The Law of Dharma guides us back to our purpose. Addiction often robs us of our creative expression. This law encourages us to rediscover our gifts and use them in service of others.

Addiction distorts our inner truth. Yoga renews our sense of self-worth, joy, and purpose and helps us remember who we truly are.

Michelle Arington, NBC-HWC, C-IAYT, is also a Chopra Certified Yoga Teacher and Coach as well as a Y12SR Support Guide. She’s the creator of Core Integrity Yoga and owner of Elevate Online Studio in Athens, Ga., offering online trauma-informed yoga, somatic movement, and coaching for recovery, empowerment, and well-being.