On this episode of In The Circle, I join Anand Mehrotra from the Sattva Yoga Academy in Rishikesh, India, to discuss a topic I strongly believe in—addiction and recovery through the Yoga-Vedantic approach. Anand Mehrotra is a world-renowned visionary master, evolutionary thought leader, and entrepreneurial and social change trailblazer. He is the founder and master teacher of Sattva Yoga and Sattva Yoga Academy. 

Amazing things take place whenever we get a chance to look at addiction through the lens of yoga.

I have found it profoundly necessary in our modern approach to addiction to start to bring in some of these new perspectives. We allow ourselves to gain further knowledge by working to expand our understanding of addiction and bring to light the innate quest for bliss and connection that is the drive of the human experience. 

Tommy discusses

• The integration of Yoga and Recovery
• Human nature and its role in addiction
• The power of sharing personal experiences and transformation
• The need for humans to give a form to God
• The need for continual adaptation and innovation in recovery practices

SPECIAL LIMITED TIME OFFER: Join Tommy Rosen for The 8-hour Awakening, a live, online, transformational journey beginning December 9, 2023. Only $108 (Regular price $347). Find out more and grab your spot here: R20.com/8hourawakening 

Further Links & Resources

• Catch a Meeting. We offer 30+ Universal Recovery meetings every week. Meetings are always free.
• Want ongoing recovery insights and inspiration delivered to your inbox? Subscribe to the Uplift
• Join our Recovery 2.0 Community: access your authentic power, connect with others on a similar path, and thrive in a life beyond addiction
• Subscribe to The Recovery Channel on Youtube
• Visit our website
• Come and experience an in-person event or retreat: r20.com/events

Addiction is part of everyone’s journey, but recovery is not. The Recovery 2.0 Membership is a place where you can explore the topics that interest you, find community, and connect with Tommy Rosen on a personal level. It’s here that we’ll dig into spirituality and union of the mind, body, and spirit, and transform from the inside out. You will learn and grow alongside a community of supportive, conscious, compassionate, and vibrant individuals, like you!

• Join us at r20.com/welcome to explore how to move beyond addiction and thrive in your life.

Connect with Tommy

• Instagram
• Facebook
• TikTok

Recovery 2.0

• @Recovery2Point0 on Instagram
• Recovery 2.0 Facebook Group

In The Circle is produced by Lovemore Media.

On this episode of In The Circle, we explore deep into the heart of recovery and self-discovery, guided by a compelling inquiry from Tim—How can I change my response when confronting people, places, and things that trigger frustration and irritability? This question is not just relevant but essential for those of us on the path of recovery, as it touches on the core issue of dealing with our reactions when we no longer hide behind addictive behaviors.

The externally focused mind highlights the common trap of seeking satisfaction from outside sources, which often leads to frustration, anger, and a sense of failure when things don’t align the way that “we” want them to. We must look inward and understand that true peace and alignment come from within, not from the external world. 

This internal focus shifts the emphasis from external validation to internal peace and self-awareness. Recovery is not just about abstaining from addictive behaviors, but also about elevating our consciousness and living a life of presence, kindness, and compassion.

Tommy discusses

• Shifting our focus from external validation to internal peace
• Why we all need self-reflection and inner focus
• The benefits of developing a ‘neutral mind’ 
• How to stay centered during difficult times
• The true nature of addiction 

SPECIAL LIMITED TIME OFFER: Join Tommy Rosen for The 8-hour Awakening, a live, online, transformational journey beginning December 9, 2023. Only $108 (Regular price $347). Find out more and grab your spot here: R20.com/8hourawakening 

Further Links & Resources

• Catch a Meeting. We offer 30+ Universal Recovery meetings every week. Meetings are always free.
• Want ongoing recovery insights and inspiration delivered to your inbox? Subscribe to the Uplift
• Join our Recovery 2.0 Community: access your authentic power, connect with others on a similar path, and thrive in a life beyond addiction
• Subscribe to The Recovery Channel on Youtube
• Visit our website
• Come and experience an in-person event or retreat: r20.com/events

Addiction is part of everyone’s journey, but recovery is not. The Recovery 2.0 Membership is a place where you can explore the topics that interest you, find community, and connect with Tommy Rosen on a personal level. It’s here that we’ll dig into spirituality and union of the mind, body, and spirit, and transform from the inside out. You will learn and grow alongside a community of supportive, conscious, compassionate, and vibrant individuals, like you!

• Join us at r20.com/welcome to explore how to move beyond addiction and thrive in your life.

Connect with Tommy

• Instagram
• Facebook
• TikTok

Recovery 2.0

• @Recovery2Point0 on Instagram
• Recovery 2.0 Facebook Group

In The Circle is produced by Lovemore Media.

In this episode of In The Circle, I delve into the complex and often debated topic: Is addiction a disease? We explore how society interprets addiction and the implications these interpretations have on treatment approaches. What are the motivations behind defining addiction as a disease? If addiction isn't seen as a disease, how do we understand and “fix” it?

We also take a look at the characterization of addiction as a disease of the brain and nervous system, focusing on remission rather than cure. This has led to an increased reliance on pharmacological treatments in addiction recovery. While these are important tools and can be effective for short-term withdrawal relief, their prolonged use might lead to additional dependencies and impede full emotional and mental recovery. 

The holistic approach to recovery is still, in my opinion, the best and most effective long-term recovery plan—by taking abstinence-based approaches and following the transformative power of 12-step programs, yoga, meditation, and breathwork. 

Tommy discusses

• Whether or not addiction is a disease
• The effects of prolonged use of addiction medications
• Are we treating the symptom or the root of addiction?
• Why does humankind fall for addictive substances?
• Why the holistic approach to addiction recovery is the most effective 

Further Links & Resources

• Catch a Meeting. We offer 30+ Universal Recovery meetings every week. Meetings are always free.
• Want ongoing recovery insights and inspiration delivered to your inbox? Subscribe to the Uplift
• Join our Recovery 2.0 Community: access your authentic power, connect with others on a similar path, and thrive in a life beyond addiction
• Subscribe to The Recovery Channel on Youtube
• Visit our website
• Come and experience an in-person event or retreat: r20.com/events

Addiction is part of everyone’s journey, but recovery is not. The Recovery 2.0 Membership is a place where you can explore the topics that interest you, find community, and connect with Tommy Rosen on a personal level. It’s here that we’ll dig into spirituality and union of the mind, body, and spirit, and transform from the inside out. You will learn and grow alongside a community of supportive, conscious, compassionate, and vibrant individuals, like you!

• Join us at r20.com/welcome to explore how to move beyond addiction and thrive in your life.

Connect with Tommy

• Instagram
• Facebook
• TikTok

Recovery 2.0

• @Recovery2Point0 on Instagram
• Recovery 2.0 Facebook Group

In The Circle is produced by Lovemore Media.

In this episode of In the Circle, we explore the profound impact of emotions and the healing journey through recovery. Our guest, David, shares his heartfelt story, grappling with immense grief and the complexities of addiction, opening up a conversation about the significance of men supporting one another in recovery.

We need to allow our emotions to flow — stifling them, especially among men due to societal expectations, can lead to a confined reality of emotional and physical blockages. This suppression often leads to various forms of addiction as we attempt to escape from reality.

Each individual, regardless of gender, needs to undergo self-discovery. There is immense power in meditation and the development of a meditative mind to face, rather than flee from, the full spectrum of our emotional experiences. Coming face-to-face with our emotions can eventually dissolve loneliness and fear, as we recognize the non-veracity of these passing states. This journey is not about avoiding our emotions, but rather about understanding the nature of our attachments and healing on all levels to experience true contentment and freedom.

Tommy discusses

• The developmental tools required to handle trauma and emotional pain
• How addiction can be a form of avoidance for many people
• The importance of male support and men's circles during recovery for some individuals
• How self-discovery and internal work such as meditation and yoga will help the healing process
• The value of stillness and presence 

Further Links & Resources

• Catch a Meeting. We offer 30+ Universal Recovery meetings every week. Meetings are always free.
• Want ongoing recovery insights and inspiration delivered to your inbox? Subscribe to the Uplift
• Join our Recovery 2.0 Community: access your authentic power, connect with others on a similar path, and thrive in a life beyond addiction
• Subscribe to The Recovery Channel on Youtube
• Visit our website
• Come and experience an in-person event or retreat: r20.com/events

Addiction is part of everyone’s journey, but recovery is not. The Recovery 2.0 Membership is a place where you can explore the topics that interest you, find community, and connect with Tommy Rosen on a personal level. It’s here that we’ll dig into spirituality and union of the mind, body, and spirit, and transform from the inside out. You will learn and grow alongside a community of supportive, conscious, compassionate, and vibrant individuals, like you!

• Join us at r20.com/welcome to explore how to move beyond addiction and thrive in your life.

Connect with Tommy

• Instagram
• Facebook
• TikTok

Recovery 2.0

• @Recovery2Point0 on Instagram
• Recovery 2.0 Facebook Group

In The Circle is produced by Lovemore Media.

On this episode of In the Circle, I go deep into the intricate web of family dynamics and the often misunderstood concept of addiction. With Lynn bringing forth a compelling inquiry about helping families grasp the true nature of alcoholism, it’s important to remember that addiction is not an isolated issue, but something that families experience together.

This conversation shines a light on the profound revelation that addiction originates from trauma and is deeply rooted in codependency. I believe that while addiction might be a universal human experience, the journey to recovery is not. Many belief systems can keep us trapped in the cycle of addiction. Yet, when families embark on the recovery journey together, the results are extraordinary.

In the midst of a mental health crisis, remember that no one has to walk the path to healing alone. Find solace, understanding, and a community that resonates with your journey. There's always a way forward. Stay connected, ask for help, and believe that breakthroughs can, and do, exist.

Tommy discusses:

• How to navigate family dynamics during recovery
• 
  
• Why addiction is a human experience, yet recovery is not
• 
  
• Why addiction is deeply rooted in codependency, trauma, and relationships
• 
  
• The reason we need to be open and vulnerable with our families
• 
  
• The value of experiencing recovery meetings firsthand

Further Links & Resources

• Catch a Meeting. We offer 30+ Universal Recovery meetings every week. Meetings are always free.
• Want ongoing recovery insights and inspiration delivered to your inbox? Subscribe to the Uplift
• Join our Recovery 2.0 Community: access your authentic power, connect with others on a similar path, and thrive in a life beyond addiction
• Subscribe to The Recovery Channel on Youtube
• Visit our website
• Come and experience an in-person event or retreat: r20.com/events

Addiction is part of everyone’s journey, but recovery is not. The Recovery 2.0 Membership is a place where you can explore the topics that interest you, find community, and connect with Tommy Rosen on a personal level. It’s here that we’ll dig into spirituality and union of the mind, body and spirit, and transform from the inside out. You will learn and grow alongside a community of supportive, conscious, compassionate and vibrant individuals, like you!

• Join us at r20.com/welcome to explore how to move beyond addiction and thrive in your life.

Connect with Tommy

• Instagram
• Facebook
• TikTok

Recovery 2.0

• @Recovery2Point0 on Instagram
• Recovery 2.0 Facebook Group

In The Circle is produced by Lovemore Media.

On this episode of In the Circle we delve into a profound question brought up by James—Why do we, as humans, engage in behaviors we know are harmful? It's clear that being human is challenging, and to cope, we sometimes find ourselves trapped in patterns of behavior that once served a purpose but eventually brought negative consequences. 

Our five senses allow us to experience unparalleled joys, from the music we hear to the food we taste. This pursuit of heightened experiences often causes imbalances, making us prone to addictions and unhealthy patterns. It's essential to recognize that we're driven by our body's inner chemistry. By understanding our hormonal and nervous systems, we can identify the underpinnings of our cravings, whether they stem from sugar imbalances or other impactful sensations.

Addiction, as I see it, is any behavior that continues despite its detrimental effects. The solution lies in altering our nervous system's patterning, realigning with our body's inherent intelligence, and uncovering joy in ordinary moments.

Tommy discusses:

• Why we crave dangerous and thrilling behaviors
• How we can change our nervous system patterning
• Are any of us really, truly, broken?
• How the food we consume greatly impacts our recovery journeys
• Why we need to be content with life and find joy in the subtle things
• How the endocrine and nervous system affects our bodies

Further Links & Resources

• Catch a Meeting. We offer 30+ Universal Recovery meetings every week. Meetings are always free.
• Want ongoing recovery insights and inspiration delivered to your inbox? Subscribe to the Uplift
• Join our Recovery 2.0 Community: access your authentic power, connect with others on a similar path, and thrive in a life beyond addiction
• Subscribe to The Recovery Channel on Youtube
• Visit our website
• Come and experience an in-person event or retreat: r20.com/events

Addiction is part of everyone’s journey, but recovery is not. The Recovery 2.0 Membership is a place where you can explore the topics that interest you, find community, and connect with Tommy Rosen on a personal level. It’s here that we’ll dig into spirituality and union of the mind, body and spirit, and transform from the inside out. You will learn and grow alongside a community of supportive, conscious, compassionate and vibrant individuals, like you!

• Join us at r20.com/welcome to explore how to move beyond addiction and thrive in your life.

Connect with Tommy

• Instagram
• Facebook
• TikTok

Recovery 2.0

• @Recovery2Point0 on Instagram
• Recovery 2.0 Facebook Group

In The Circle is produced by Lovemore Media.

On this episode of In the Circle, we explore the delve into the self-doubt that often obscures our inherent worth and divine nature. At our core, we are all beings of radiant light and awareness, yet external influences can cloud this realization, leading us to seek validation from the outside world. 

As we navigate the modern world, distractions and external pressures can lead us into cycles of addiction or obsession, detaching us further from our inner truths. But hope is not lost; ancient teachings offer potent tools to help still the mind and reignite our foundational brilliance. By channeling our focus inward, we can rise above these distractions, unveiling clarity and reconnecting with our profound purpose.

Yet, it's not just about introspection. Actively serving others, driven by authentic love and compassion, becomes an essential step on this path of self-realization. Through selfless service, we not only uplift those around us but also enhance our personal growth, gradually understanding that the love and light we hold within are powerful catalysts for positive change.

Tommy discusses:

• How to recognize self-doubt as a baseless story we tell ourselves
• 
  
• The fundamental belief that we are divine and perfect
• 
  
• How to overcome external influences and internal stories
• 
  
• Why addiction detaches us from our truths 
• 
  
• Why we use yoga and meditation practices to connect with our true selves

Further Links & Resources

• Catch a Meeting. We offer 30+ Universal Recovery meetings every week. Meetings are always free.
• Want ongoing recovery insights and inspiration delivered to your inbox? Subscribe to the Uplift
• Join our Recovery 2.0 Community: access your authentic power, connect with others on a similar path, and thrive in a life beyond addiction
• Subscribe to The Recovery Channel on Youtube
• Visit our website
• Come and experience an in-person event or retreat: r20.com/events

Addiction is part of everyone’s journey, but recovery is not. The Recovery 2.0 Membership is a place where you can explore the topics that interest you, find community, and connect with Tommy Rosen on a personal level. It’s here that we’ll dig into spirituality and union of the mind, body and spirit, and transform from the inside out. You will learn and grow alongside a community of supportive, conscious, compassionate and vibrant individuals, like you!

• Join us at r20.com/welcome to explore how to move beyond addiction and thrive in your life.

Connect with Tommy

• Instagram
• Facebook
• TikTok

Recovery 2.0

• @Recovery2Point0 on Instagram
• Recovery 2.0 Facebook Group

In The Circle is produced by Lovemore Media.

On this episode of In the Circle, we revisit the profound concept of mind-body connection as we delve into Patty’s inquiry—How can we resolve trauma and be free? This topic heavily emphasizes the psychosomatic connection, elucidating that traumas, regardless of their nature or intensity, can mentally and physically affect individuals. 

Awareness will become a vital tool in understanding the traumas we carry within and how to release them. The world of Kriya practices, encompassing breathwork, yoga, and meditation, stand as powerful tools to aid individuals in releasing trapped energy, facilitating a wholesome healing process, and giving us space to still the mind.

Our body inherently desires to release and be free from trauma. It’s an ongoing journey of seeking personal growth, underpinned by love, compassion, and open communication. 

You're going to hear this again and again, week after week, time after time, but for those who are hesitating or who have prejudice, or who have preconceived notions about what yoga is, cast those aside and get onto a mat with a great teacher and begin your practice, it will lead to the resolution of trauma from the mind and body.

Tommy discusses:

• How can we resolve trauma and be free?
• The world of Kriya practices
• The significance of the mind-body connection 
• The lingering effects of childhood trauma
• Why self-awareness is the first step in healing 
• How trauma can have a ripple effect across generations

Further Links & Resources

• Catch a Meeting. We offer 30+ Universal Recovery meetings every week. Meetings are always free.
• Want ongoing recovery insights and inspiration delivered to your inbox? Subscribe to the Uplift
• Join our Recovery 2.0 Community: access your authentic power, connect with others on a similar path, and thrive in a life beyond addiction
• Subscribe to The Recovery Channel on Youtube
• Visit our website
• Come and experience an in-person event or retreat: r20.com/events

Addiction is part of everyone’s journey, but recovery is not. The Recovery 2.0 Membership is a place where you can explore the topics that interest you, find community, and connect with Tommy Rosen on a personal level. It’s here that we’ll dig into spirituality and union of the mind, body and spirit, and transform from the inside out. You will learn and grow alongside a community of supportive, conscious, compassionate and vibrant individuals, like you!

• Join us at r20.com/welcome to explore how to move beyond addiction and thrive in your life.

Connect with Tommy

• Instagram
• Facebook
• TikTok

Recovery 2.0

• @Recovery2Point0 on Instagram
• Recovery 2.0 Facebook Group

In The Circle is produced by Lovemore Media.

On this episode of In The Circle, we have the honor of sitting with Amy Elizabeth, who is posing a very profound question for us—How can I tell the difference between my will and God's will for me, and how can I know the difference between pushing forward with my ego versus pushing forward as a call to my purpose?

These are important questions for anybody on a path of recovery, and naturally, this is going to be a profoundly spiritual inquiry, which is critically important to the human experience. In the reality where there is a higher power we can tap into, where does this higher power begin and where do we end? We need to remember that this higher power is not a distant force, but one that is deeply intertwined with our very being. 

It’s when we align with this divine energy that we can usher in a sense of flow, even if life remains punctuated with challenges. That being said, there's much to be learned, not only from our moments of success when we feel aligned, but also in times of grief and sadness. We must introspect on these insights and consider how they might apply to our own lives.

Tommy discusses:

• The complexities of understanding and differentiating between personal will (our desires and actions) and divine will (a higher power's intention)
• Why recovery starts as a discipline
• Why therapy is not just for those who can't figure out their relationships but for anyone seeking growth
• The reason turning inward for self-inquiry can help align with a greater intelligence
• The idea that God is not separate from us but is part of us and everything else

Connect with Tommy

• Instagram
• Facebook
• TikTok

Addiction is part of everyone’s journey, but recovery is not. The Recovery 2.0 Membership is a place where you can explore the topics that interest you, find community, and connect with Tommy Rosen on a personal level. It’s here that we’ll dig into spirituality and union of the mind, body and spirit, and transform from the inside out. You will learn and grow alongside a community of supportive, conscious, compassionate and vibrant individuals, like you!

• Come and experience an in-person event or retreat: r20.com/events
• @Recovery2Point0 on Instagram
• Recovery 2.0 Facebook Group

In The Circle is produced by Lovemore Media.

On this episode of In the Circle, I had the privilege of engaging with Brien, who bravely shares the challenges he is currently facing, from past traumas and medical malpractice to deep-seated religious concerns. He inquires—How can you manage when too many elements from the past and present slam into you all at once?

This is an inquiry that is relevant to us all. When we are struck with moments like these, it is crucial to anchor ourselves in the present moment and focus on the transformative roles of meditation and yoga by calming the mind, spirit, and body. 

It's essential to understand that moving from a place of feeling overwhelmed and victimized requires one to take control and let go of past narratives. This is vital on our journey towards self-awareness, authenticity, and understanding our personal narratives.

Tommy discusses:

• The importance of anchoring oneself in the present moment
• Why we need to set healthy boundaries 
• Why many in the recovery process feel overwhelmed and out of control
• How to embrace a life of freedom and presence
• Why authenticity, self-awareness, and self-reflection are key components in the recovery process
• Why you need to challenge and evaluate the stories you tell yourself 

Connect with Tommy

• Instagram
• Facebook
• TikTok

Addiction is part of everyone’s journey, but recovery is not. The Recovery 2.0 Membership is a place where you can explore the topics that interest you, find community, and connect with Tommy Rosen on a personal level. It’s here that we’ll dig into spirituality and union of the mind, body and spirit, and transform from the inside out. You will learn and grow alongside a community of supportive, conscious, compassionate and vibrant individuals, like you!

• Come and experience an in-person event or retreat: r20.com/events
• @Recovery2Point0 on Instagram
• Recovery 2.0 Facebook Group

In The Circle is produced by Lovemore Media.