We’ve heard the connection and success yoga has had in improving the lives of people with addictions. This is the first time we can say we’ve seen it.
‘Addiction, Recovery and Yoga’ is a documentary film that takes a realistic approach to telling the stories of recovered addicts, through 12 steps and other outreach programs and the practice of Yoga. This is big, important, deep stuff, folks and for some it’s life-saving.
The filmmaker is none other than Lindsey Clennell a a senior Iyengar Yoga teacher at the New York Iyengar Institute, who is himself a yoga therapist, and as it says in his bio, has trained “16 times in India with B. K. S. Iyengar, his primary teacher, and the Iyengar family.” (read more about Mr. Clennell the filmmaker)
It goes without saying this is difficult and delicate subject matter. We have enormous heaps of gratitude and admiration for Mr. Clennell for this invaluable work, a ‘not-for-profit, free information, public service venture,’ and for the participants of the film who courageously share their stories so that they may help and inspire others. This is what we’re talking about when we say Yoga Heroes. Namaste.
We encourage you to view the whole film we’ve posted here or in segments (listed below). We have to warn you that it may be overwhelming for some or could perhaps hit too close to home.
film website: www.adyo.org
Parts on YouTube:
1. Introduction
2. Addiction problems
3. Rock bottom and
first twelve-step meeting
4. Stopping
5. Truth and inspiration
6. Chances of success
7. Twelve steps
8. Denial
9. Restoring sane thoughts
10. Surrender to a higher power
11. Facing the truth
12. Yoga in depth
13. Meditation
14. Sobriety: one day at a time
15. Emotional stability
16. Real life changes
17. Epilogue
About Lindsey Clennell the filmmaker (from IYAGNY)
Originally a medical student in England, he became a documentary filmmaker and writer, producing and directing more than 200 music videos, concert series, and specials. Among his subjects were Muhammad Ali and Mikhail Gorbachev, and he was nominated for an award for Outstanding Contribution to British Cinema by the British Film Academy.
Reflecting on one of his last film projects—which led to the release of 30 American hostages before the first Gulf War—Lindsey cites a favorite quote from Sri Aurobindo: “All life is yoga.” This concept would have been unobtainable for him without Iyengar’s teaching, which gave him the stamina to endure creative demands and stress.
Earlier…Yoga Activism: New Missions in Great Work for Good Cause, Yoga for Everybody
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Dear Dork:
Thank you for posting the information about this documentary. I find I count on you to troll the internet for great yoga information and you never disappoint. Thanks again for being a great resource.
This is great. I love how frank everyone was. I have yet to find resources on specific asana sequences for helping people through recovery and dealing with addiction. Most of what I have seen refers to the Twelve Steps, which is fine. But I want to see more about yoga and addiction…any ideas?
Thanks for posting this!
It works if you work it. ( we are all yoga addicts .com ). CEO extraadspace.com
It works having a addition problem for 30 years ? No shrink no pills just yoga ! Namasta
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