Yin Yoga Podcast: Yin Yoga And Sobriety with Daphne Luke

In this episode of the Yin Yoga podcast, my guest Daphne Luke and I explore the profound impact of Yin Yoga on addiction recovery and sobriety.

Daphne is a seasoned teacher with both Bernie Clarks' 50-hour Yin Yoga Training and 500 hours of Yin Yoga Training with Paul Grilley. Daphne has been practicing Yoga since the 90s and teaching yoga for two decades. Initially developed a love of yoga through Ashtanga and Yinyasa then discovered a passion for it with Yin Yoga. Daphne grew up in Canada & now lives in Auckland, New Zealand where she teaches yoga part-time, trains new Yin Yoga teachers, and manages a private alcohol rehab center.

She teaches yin yoga to recovering alcoholics as well as regular weekly community classes. She lives with her 16-year-old son and a pug named Leo. This is a brave conversation anchored in the inspiring story of Daphne Luke an experienced Yoga practitioner and a committed advocate for recovery from alcoholism. Through her story, You'll learn about the meeting of Yin Yoga and sobriety, and how this practice can act as a profound tool for recovery and personal growth.

Daphne believes this practice is more than physical exercise; it is a full mind, body, and spirit experience that cultivates a deep sense of presence and peace In this episode you'll hear about the intersection of Yin Yoga and Sobriety and how Yin Yoga has been a pivotal part of her recovery journey. As a recovering alcoholic, she found solace and grounding in the practice, which allowed her to step off the violent pendulum swing of addiction, even if only for the duration of the session.

The meditative and introspective qualities of Yin Yoga helped Daphne and continue to help many others confront and process the mental and emotional aspects of their addiction. Daphne's story is one of resilience, commitment, and transformation. She candidly shares her experiences growing up in an alcoholic family and her struggles with alcohol. Her recovery journey began with the realization that she was powerless over alcohol. She described this moment of clarity as being in a deep pit with steep sides, with no escape in sight until she sought help from the sober community. "Alcoholism is an illness of mind, body, and spirit"  Daphne explains. Recovery, therefore, must address all these facets. Through the 12-step program, community support, and her Yin Yoga practice, Daphne found a path to sobriety.

The Backbone of Recovery Daphne emphasizes the importance of community in the recovery process. Both in her Yoga practice and her sobriety journey, the power of connection and fellowship has been invaluable. She currently works at an alcohol rehab center, teaching Yin Yoga and providing operations management, where she helps others navigate their own paths to sobriety. Her story is a testament to how Yin Yoga and the sober community can complement each other, offering hope, support, and effective tools for healing.

Daphne's professional journey has also integrated her passion for Yin Yoga with her commitment to recovery. She now teaches Yoga at an alcohol rehab center, where the practice serves as a crucial component of the recovery program: the physical, mental, and spiritual healing aspects of Yin Yoga, mean patients can find a holistic approach to their rehabilitation.

Her journey underscores the transformative power of Yin Yoga on the path to sobriety. Her story offers hope and practical insights for those struggling with addiction or supporting someone who is.

To learn more about Daphne's work or to seek support in their recovery journey, you can find her on Instagram at @YinYogaNZ   / yinyoganz   or Facebook @YinYogaNZ   / yinyoganz