Ep 187. The Spiritual Thread Between Recovery and Yoga, with Mark Purser

My guest this week is Mark Purser, a yoga teacher, meditation guide, and founder of the Yogic Meditation Institute, based in Byron Bay. With over 20 years of study across almost every major yoga tradition, Mark brings a rare depth of knowledge to his teaching. But behind all of that wisdom is a story of years spent swinging between intense spiritual practice and alcohol, trying to find a way out that didn't involve fully surrendering.In this conversation, Mark shares the moment his last drink became his last, alone in a national park on his birthday with no phone reception and a choice to make. He and Ash explore the relationship between yoga philosophy and 12-step recovery, the power of stillness as a daily practice, and why Yoga Nidra remains the one tool he would never give up. This is a conversation for anyone looking to understand what it really takes to build a life rooted in meaning, community, and presence.Episode chapters:00:00 Introducing Mark Purser03:29 Life in Byron Bay: Surfing, Tango, and Sadhana07:04 How Tango Became a Moving Meditation10:00 Scent of a Woman and the Seed That Was Planted12:07 The Photo: Hiding Behind the Smile in Byron Bay15:15 Yoga Without the Inner Work18:31 The Tango Class, the Pub, and the Night It All Unravelled21:28 Being a Dad and the Shame of a Blackout26:29 The Last Drink: Alone in the Bush on His Birthday29:44 Choosing Sydney Over the Pub31:49 The Balance Between Horror and Hope33:05 A Cousin 35 Years Sober and the Power of Living Proof35:29 Why Ash Resisted AA and What Changed37:13 The Gift of Desperation45:00 Where Yoga Philosophy and the 12 Steps Meet51:48 Why He Still Needs Help After 15 Years53:44 The Stillness Practice and Why It Changes Everything57:45 Yoga Nidra: The One Tool He Would Never Give Up59:39 Three Non-Negotiables for a Happy, Authentic LifeConnect with Mark below:www.bambooyogabyron.com InstagramPodcast: The Gentle RevolutionJoin Ash’s community newsletter! Click the link here to join.Upcoming Workshops:The Renewal Ritual | September 13th | Buy Tickets HereFollow and connect with Ash on: ⁠Instagram⁠ @ashbutterssTikTok @behindthesmilewithashbWebsite⁠ www.ashbutterss.comWatch Ash’s TEDx Talk here! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.