Breath of Fresh Air

A post it notes with the words, "Take a deep breath"

Written By, Jules M.

While meditating one day, I had a realization… I wasn’t craving cannabis, I was really craving a deep breath and the relief that accompanies it. In active using, I was constantly doing breathing practices. I would take the biggest inhale I could, hold in my breath, take a couple more sips of air, retain the breath as long as I could, and all the worries would slip away on the exhale.
I understand the value of intentional breathing practices as a yoga teacher and student of yoga therapy. As a person in recovery, I deeply honor our 11th Step practices of conscious contact with powers greater than ourselves along with prayer and meditation. I made a recording of the sound bath with meditation that I offer. Please feel free to bookmark and use it any time! The link is: https://drive.google.com/file/d/19ksEKEQNLwoGx5nErO1Zfi0pVp9Ih2kF/view?usp=sharing

Published By A New Leaf – January 2026

More Articles

  • Heard in a Meeting

    “Relapse is just part of the learning process. It teaches you what not to do next time. You’ve found the trigger and are better prepared for the future.” – Anonymous Published in A New Leaf – March 2025

    Heard in a Meeting
  • Depression

    By Danielle D. A blanket of grey covers the skyVitamin D in low supplyThe TV is on, my ass on the couchI really need to fix my awful slouchThis time of year is always toughIf I were a man, I’d surely have scruffFrom days stuck in thoughtAnd a lack of self careWho knows if I’ve…

    Depression
  • Forgetting

    By Remy C. I have a problem. I can’t eat, sleep, or smile. I’m not smoking yet. I just have untreated depression and anxiety and can’t afford therapy. When I find access to marijuana, I think my problem is solved. I can eat. I can sleep. I can smile. I can at least until I…

    Forgetting
  • My Recovery!

    By Ernest W. I smoked cannabis (marijuana) for 20 years. I went into a partial hospitalization program, attended a few hours a day of a 12-step structured program with other support classes, and received education about addiction, and confessed my problem. I got a referral to Marijuana Anonymous. I had thought smoking several times a…

    My Recovery!
  • A Third Step Prayer

    By Anonymous Source, I devote myself to all that is, and offer my lifeforce essence in heartfelt desire to the betterment of myself and those around me in solidarity and oneness—for I am my siblings, and we are all one people. Allow my hardships, successes, and my life on your terms, to be a testament…

    A Third Step Prayer
  • Becoming a Sponsor

    By, Ras M. I have really come to embrace being a Sponsor. It was only a year and a half ago that the idea gave me the heebeegeebees. I’d already had a few not so great experiences with newcomers who would reach out in inappropriate ways. It’s been a journey of fortifying my own boundaries,…

    Becoming a Sponsor