Yoga in Recovery: Reconnecting Mind, Body, and Community (Part 1)

In this first episode of our two part series on yoga and addiction, we sit down with Noelle, a trauma informed yoga teacher who leads Recovery Yoga in Iowa City. Her work brings movement, breath, and community into addiction treatment settings, creating a space where people can reconnect with their bodies and experience healing without judgment. Host Lauren, a yoga teacher of nine years, reflects on attending one of Noelle’s Tuesday night classes and witnessing firsthand how intentionally crafted the environment is. The conversation explores Noelle’s path into yoga, the experiences that shaped her interest in addiction and trauma, and the unique role yoga can play for individuals in recovery. Listeners will hear about what yoga looks like inside treatment programs, why safety and choice are essential, and how even simple practices like breathwork can begin to shift long standing patterns of disconnection. Part Two continues next week with a deeper look at trauma, healing, and long term recovery through yoga. Recovery Yoga Community Class Noelle leads a free, weekly Recovery Yoga class open to individuals in recovery from addiction. • Tuesdays, 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM • Faith United Church of Christ • 1609 Deforest Ave, Iowa City (next to Mark Twain Elementary) This class is designed to support mental and physical health in a loving, non judgmental environment. All levels are welcome. Yoga mats are available. Participants are encouraged to bring a water bottle and an open heart and mind. You can learn more or get in touch with Noelle through Instagram at @goldfinch.yoga A transcript of this episode is available at https://www.public-health.uiowa.edu/news-items/plugged-in-to-public-health-yoga-in-recovery-reconnecting-mind-body-and-community-part-1/ Have a question for our podcast crew or an idea for an episode? You can email them at [email protected] You can also support Plugged in to Public Health by sharing this episode and others with your friends, colleagues, and social networks. #publichealth #yoga #mindbodyconnection #community #trauma #healing #addiction #recovery #addictiontreatment #therapy