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

  • Can I truly live a life without marijuana?

    Written By, Kat L. At almost 11 months clean and sober, it is hard to imagine a life completely without marijuana. I smoked pot for over 30 years and tried to quit many, many times to no avail. I lived and breathed marijuana. It was what I lived for on a daily basis. I planned…

    Can I truly live a life without marijuana?
  • Coming Out of Fog

    Written by, JoyceAnne I didn’t arrive here with a dramatic crash. No one dragged me into a meeting. No one waved empty a pipe in my face. No one ever said, “You ruined my life with your using.” I just used enough to muffle the edges. Enough to stuff things down. Enough to crawl into…

    Coming Out of Fog
  • Lost in The Clouds

    Written by, Fe J Did they just say my name? My head hurts. My brain is foggy, hazy, still filled with smoke. “Fe, would you like to introduce yourself?” Oh, God. That’s my name. Suddenly it feels like the AC isn’t working. I straighten my posture sitting on my bed, hot and uncomfortable. Can I…

    Lost in The Clouds
  • Faith Can Be Slippery

    Written by, Susan C. I didn’t know what trust was when I got into recovery. I had no faith. Pot had been my higher power for more than 15 years. When people said their higher power was keeping them clean and sober, I was confused. How come I used so much longer than I wanted…

    Faith Can Be Slippery
  • Buh-Bye, MJ

    Written by, Jen B. Dear MJ, Goodbye. I have decided that I am better off without you. Kicking you off my porch and out of my car felt freeing today. I don’t need you to enjoy my walk — it’s more peaceful without you. I don’t want you clouding my judgment ever again. You are…

    Buh-Bye, MJ
  • How We Grow

    Written by, District 29 – Ireland Much gratitude from District 29 Ireland to you for inviting us to celebrate Irish Heritage Month with you. For those of you who may not be familiar with D29, we are a small but growing district, officially born in 2024 thanks to the dedicated service of a handful of…

    How We Grow