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Yoga at Windana

To mark International Yoga Day (21 June), we caught up with Tania who teaches yoga at DWH, WYCH and the Community Clinic. Read on to learn how yoga is used at Windana and the positive ways it can support a client’s recovery

Yoga is an important and much-loved part of Windana’s services. It’s an element of withdrawal programs at DWH and WYCH, rehabilitation at GTC and MTC, plus of course an in-demand service at St Kilda’s Community Clinic.

At Windana, yoga offers many benefits to clients – both physical and mental.

“The benefits of using yoga for alcohol and other drug healing is that it teaches people to reconnect with their true self, it helps teach them to stop, take a breath and stay centred before acting on impulse when making decisions,” Tania explains.

Reducing stress, anxiety, depression and chronic pain are among the benefits. So too are improving sleeping patterns and the way someone feels inside.

“A lot of the clients that had never experienced yoga before coming to Windana have said how they hope to continue practicing yoga when they leave, because it made them feel so good within themselves.

“Students always express to me after class how glad they are that they came to class, as it made them feel relaxed and uplifted. They feel a lightness about themselves – like a weight has been lifted off their shoulders. They leave feeling happier and more positive about things.”

While a person holds poses and supports their body weight, they can also develop muscle and bone strength, while building endurance.

“[Yoga] helps improve general wellness, helps keep healthy habits in place improving mental and emotional health. Yoga helps improve quality of life.”

A typical Windana yoga session with Tania involves relaxation, breath-work and a sequence of yoga poses. Classes usually run for an hour or a little longer, and tend to have between four and 15 keen participants.

It’s so important to note that yoga needn’t intimidate people. Rather, it is an inclusive practice that welcomes all.

“Yoga is for everyone no matter of age, ability or health” Tania explains. “It doesn’t matter if you are experienced or a beginner, yoga is adaptable to everyone.”

“The important thing about yoga is that it’s about acceptance.

It’s about accepting where you’re at on the day and working with that… I always give alternatives to asanas [yoga poses] so all can practice, and if some can’t physically participate they can still come to class and work with the breathing practices. They are still practicing yoga.”

Yoga classes at Windana’s Community Clinic are open to all. If you’re interested in coming along, call 03 9529 7955 for class times and rates. Bookings are essential.

“Yoga has a way of leading you to the right practice and teacher for you,” Tania concludes.

Allow yourself to be open to it.”

Photo of a person doing a yoga pose on a beach at sunset. Quote alongside reads: International Yoga Day “It doesn’t matter if you are experienced or a beginner, yoga is adaptable to everyone.”

Yoga at Windana

To mark International Yoga Day (21 June), we caught up with Tania who teaches yoga at DWH, WYCH and the Community Clinic. Read on to learn how yoga is used at Windana and the positive ways it can support a client’s recovery

Yoga is an important and much-loved part of Windana’s services. It’s an element of withdrawal programs at DWH and WYCH, rehabilitation at GTC and MTC, plus of course an in-demand service at St Kilda’s Community Clinic.

At Windana, yoga offers many benefits to clients – both physical and mental.

“The benefits of using yoga for alcohol and other drug healing is that it teaches people to reconnect with their true self, it helps teach them to stop, take a breath and stay centred before acting on impulse when making decisions,” Tania explains.

Reducing stress, anxiety, depression and chronic pain are among the benefits. So too are improving sleeping patterns and the way someone feels inside.

“A lot of the clients that had never experienced yoga before coming to Windana have said how they hope to continue practicing yoga when they leave, because it made them feel so good within themselves.

“Students always express to me after class how glad they are that they came to class, as it made them feel relaxed and uplifted. They feel a lightness about themselves – like a weight has been lifted off their shoulders. They leave feeling happier and more positive about things.”

While a person holds poses and supports their body weight, they can also develop muscle and bone strength, while building endurance.

“[Yoga] helps improve general wellness, helps keep healthy habits in place improving mental and emotional health. Yoga helps improve quality of life.”

A typical Windana yoga session with Tania involves relaxation, breath-work and a sequence of yoga poses. Classes usually run for an hour or a little longer, and tend to have between four and 15 keen participants.

It’s so important to note that yoga needn’t intimidate people. Rather, it is an inclusive practice that welcomes all.

“Yoga is for everyone no matter of age, ability or health” Tania explains. “It doesn’t matter if you are experienced or a beginner, yoga is adaptable to everyone.”

“The important thing about yoga is that it’s about acceptance.

It’s about accepting where you’re at on the day and working with that… I always give alternatives to asanas [yoga poses] so all can practice, and if some can’t physically participate they can still come to class and work with the breathing practices. They are still practicing yoga.”

Yoga classes at Windana’s Community Clinic are open to all. If you’re interested in coming along, call 03 9529 7955 for class times and rates. Bookings are essential.

“Yoga has a way of leading you to the right practice and teacher for you,” Tania concludes.

Allow yourself to be open to it.”

Last Updated on February 1, 2023