If you have decided to cease an addictive or destructive habit such as excessive alcohol use or the abusive use of some other mind altering substance, then you are undoubtably looking for more than just abstinence from the substance. Most of us are seeking a much more inspirational, productive, and enjoyable life experience free of toxic substances. Whether you have stumbled upon Kundalini yoga as a primary recovery program, or as a way to supplement a 12-Step or other program, there is a wealth of teachings that Yogi Bhajan gave to us to overcome and surpass obstacles, and train healthy habits into our routines.
Kundalini yoga is essentially a program of recovery, whether the student is attempting to overcome a vaguely bad additude or life threatening substance abuse. The exercises (kriyas) were specifically taught to build discipline, overcome conscious and unconscious blocks, and develop an overall sense of physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
There are several core or foundational Kundalini techniques that a person in recovery should focus upon including breathing techniques (pranayama), kriyas, and meditations. Mehtab Benton of Yoga Yoga Austin suggests that the practitioner keep it simple; thus, every good practice begins with a focus on breathing. Many of us have never breathed consciously before being asked to do so in yoga class, and the effects of adjusting how we breathe are immediate and revitalizing. Start by exhaling all of your air, and hold the breath out briefly - for a few seconds before inhaling. The result is that you will automatically take a full breath in - retain the breath in briefly, and take a few more sips of air in before exhaling. Repeat by holding the breath out again, and repeat several times. Do this throughout the day, regardless of the activity you are engaged in, and watch your ability to function effectively in all of those activities improve.
An energizing and cleansing Breath of Fire is essential. A 3-minute Breath of Fire will oxygenate the entire circulatory system with prana because 3 minutes is about the amount of time that it takes for the blood to circulate through the body once. Use Breath of Fire to treat substance toxicity and electromagnetic field overload. Gradually build Breath of Fire to 31 minutes at least twice a day: in the morning upon waking, and in the evening at sunset. [Editor's Note: Try starting with 1 minute of Breath of Fire twice daily if it is difficult for you. Smokers especially may find they have to strengthen their lungs and rid themselves of may toxins through this powerful pranayama.] Build in a third session at noon to tune up for the second half of the day.
Building new habits takes repetition and commitment: do it every day, and do it at the same time every day. If you have been successfully working a program of recovery already, don't replace it with Kundalini yoga-- do both; don't risk relapse by discontinuing what has been working for you already. The quality of your sobriety is directly proportional to the amount of time that you devote to building the new habit. Finally, make sure that your doctor, healer, or other medical practitioner is 100% in the loop with what you are doing! Conscious, honest transitions are the safest and most effective paths.
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Beautiful article, dear Amarpreet. I’m very grateful and will try the breathing techniques to get rid of my addiction to chocolate. The most dangerous addiction are the “easy”, widely accepted ones, such as coffee, chocolate and such.
Thank you again. Sat Nam.