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A Positive Escape
The week before last, I was blessed to have eight
spectacular professional women join me in Negril,
Jamaica to learn how to implement yoga and its
ancient philosophy into their respective practice
settings for eating disorder recovery. These eight
women came from all over the United Statesfrom
California to Massachusetts and New York, and from
Texas to Indiana, and from Tennessee to Ohio.
Participants worked in a variety of eating disorder
treatment settings that included private practice,
intensive outpatient program (former owner),
adolescent and residential treatment center, bariatric
surgery initiative to study emotional ramifications,
adult residential treatment center and community
spokesperson in recovery.
All brought dynamic energy and uniqueness. We
started our day with a Hatha yoga class whose
teaching set the tone for the theme of the day, followed
by learning how each chakra and limb of yoga
intertwines with recovery along with a mindful eating
experiential. A short break was held in the middle of
the day followed by an afternoon yoga practice and
then an opportunity for participant questions and
sharing.
The facility was a magical place that offered all of us,
including myself, an opportunity for self-
transformation. In addition to learning about ways to
implement yoga-based therapy into traditional practice
settings, we all learned how to slow down and let go
of expectations. We learned how to break our
attachment to our surroundings and things, while
appreciating simplicity. We also learned that we too,
like our clients, have choices and can hone the
support that we need.
From the inspiration of this retreat and its participants,
a comprehensive program was developed to continue
the training process. Part II and III has been born to
lead to a special certification in yoga therapy for eating
disorder recovery. A few details need to be solidified,
but this comprehensive training will offer eating
disorder practitioners a way to incorporate the healing
gift of yoga into their respective practice setting. Next
Part I retreat, this July in Miami, Florida!
My return was followed by Eating Disorder Awareness
Week, where I was fortunate to have the opportunity to
lead a candlelight vigil sponsored by the Delta Phi
Epsilon (Alpha Mu Chapter) at the University of
Michigan-Dearborn in conjunction with Darlene, a
community recovery spokesperson. The members of
this sorority have amazing hearts and fortitude in this
cause that often remains silent and unheard.
Have a great month! Spring is just around the corner.
"When life knocks you down you have two choices-
stay down or get up." --Tom Krause
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Inner Door Center Yoga-Based Eating
Disorder Treatment Programs
Located in the eclectic and trendy town of Royal Oak,
MI. Ask about housing for those who live out of the
area.
We participate with several health/managed care
plans.
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