“The point is that we are willing to grow along spiritual lines.” – Alcoholics Anonymous
At Cirque Lodge, the 12-step program is at the heart of our treatment offering, and the core of any 12-step recovery program is the importance of spiritual growth. This does not need to be a religion per se, but a spiritual component that gives you a greater perspective and understanding in your life.
“Cirque Lodge gave me the opportunity to dig down deep and figure out what was going on inside of me and why I was doing the things I was doing.” ~ Anon.
Yoga is an ancient form of exercise that focuses on poses, breathing techniques, and meditation to promote physical and mental well-being. There is a lasting impact when you establish a yoga practice during the first few weeks of recovery.
Yoga has numerous physical and mental benefits, all of which support our clients journey to wellness, including:
- Building strength
- Increasing flexibility
- Encouraging better breathwork
- Supporting heart health
- Reducing stress, anxiety, depression, and chronic pain
- Improving sleep
Our clients often come to Cirque Lodge disconnected from their bodies. Yoga therapy sessions are a brilliant way to slowly introduce someone to physical sensation and listen to what their body is telling them. Yoga is also a relaxing, grounding activity that helps navigate stresses and anxieties which may arise during detox.
There are many styles and ways of practicing yoga, ranging from relaxing to meditative to aerobic. They include:
- Vinyasa yoga – commonly referred to as “flow” yoga, is characterized by stringing poses together so that you move from one to another seamlessly, using breath.
- Hatha yoga – is the most commonly taught style of yoga and incorporates physicality, strength work, and breathwork.
- Iyengar yoga – this type focuses on the structural alignment of the physical body through the practice of asanas.
- Kundalini yoga – kundalini involves chanting, singing, breathing exercises, and repetitive poses.
- Ashtanga yoga – this style is energetic, synchronizing breath with movement.
- Bikram yoga – is practiced in a hot room.
- Yin yoga – is slow and meditative, targeting your deep connective tissues, like your fascia, ligaments, joints, and bones.
- Restorative yoga – focuses on slowing down and opening your body through passive stretching.
We take an individualized approach to yoga therapy, taking into account experience levels, abilities, confidence, and comfort. The goal is for the activity to be relaxing and pleasurable rather than hard work.