Yoga in Recovery: Reconnecting Mind, Body, and Community (Part 2)

In Part Two of our conversation on yoga and addiction recovery, we continue our discussion with Noelle, a trauma informed yoga teacher whose work bridges holistic practice, recovery support, and community healing. This episode moves beyond introduction and into impact, exploring what healing can look like over the long term and why recovery is about far more than willpower alone. Noelle shares insights on relapse, nervous system regulation, and the challenges individuals face when transitioning out of structured treatment and back into everyday life. We discuss how yoga can support the brain and body during recovery, how somatic practices complement medical and behavioral health interventions, and why compassion, safety, and dignity are essential components of effective recovery systems. Listeners will also hear powerful reflections from individuals who participate in Recovery Yoga, offering firsthand perspectives on what it means to reconnect with the body, feel safe again, and experience moments of ease without substances. This episode is especially relevant for healthcare professionals, public health practitioners, and anyone interested in community based approaches to healing. 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 If you have not yet listened to Part One, we recommend starting there to hear Noelle’s story and the origins of Recovery Yoga before diving into this episode. 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-2/ 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 #iowacity