S1 E12 Name It To Tame It: Cindy's Story Of Healing From Grief In Sobriety
In this episode, hosts Jane and Amanda interview Cindy, a licensed therapist, yoga instructor and alcohol free advocate. Cindy shares her experiences, struggles, and pivotal moments that led her to embrace a sober lifestyle.
In sharing her story, Cindy hopes to inspire others on their own paths towards sobriety and self-discovery. Through vulnerability and perseverance, she demonstrates the transformative power of embracing change and prioritizing wellbeing and authenticity.
Here are some key takeaways from the conversation:
- Acknowledging Unnamed Grief: Cindy emphasizes the importance of recognizing and naming the grief we carry, even if it's unnamed or unrecognized for a long time. This acknowledgment can be a crucial step toward healing.
- Embracing Sobriety and Yoga: Sobriety and yoga have played significant roles in Cindy's healing journey. Sobriety has allowed her to experience life fully and authentically, while yoga has helped her connect with her body and emotions in a deeper way.
- Listening to Intuition: Cindy advises her past self to keep listening to her intuition and trusting the nudges she feels, even when the path ahead seems uncertain. This intuition has guided her toward healing and growth.
- Finding Emotional Safety: Amanda shares her practice of affirming emotional safety during challenging situations, emphasizing the importance of creating a sense of safety within oneself.
- Exploring Trauma and Healing: Cindy encourages individuals to explore their trauma and pain without relying on numbing agents, emphasizing the value of seeking healing and support to address underlying issues.
- Trying Different Approaches: Cindy suggests being open to trying various approaches to healing and recovery until finding what works best for each individual.
- Connecting and Sharing: Cindy shares her journey on social media and through her counseling practice, highlighting the importance of connection and sharing experiences to support others on similar paths.
Cindy's story underscores the power of self-awareness, self-compassion, and seeking support and connection with others along the way.
Creators and Guests
Host
Jane W Ballard
Jane Ballard, LCSW-S, CEDS, PMH-C, is a licensed psychotherapist and Alcohol Free Life coach. She is the founder of Jane Ballard Wellness, a private practice offering in-person counseling services in Dallas, TX and virtual individual and group coaching to women in the United States and beyond. After waking up to the realization that alcohol was a barrier to living her purpose, she set out to make information, support and connection more accessible to like minded women.
Guest
Cindy Payne, LPC-S, RYT 200
Cindy is a 200 Hour Yoga Teacher, Licensed Professional Counselor, and owner of Rooted Counseling Services, PLLC in Frisco, TX. Prior to opening her private practice in 2020, Cindy was a former Crisis Counselor and School Counselor. Before entering the mental health field, she taught for 10 years in public schools in both Texas and Nevada. Cindy began practicing yoga in 2003 at the recommendation of her doctor when she was struggling with infertility. She continued her practice after the birth of her first son in 2005, followed by twin boys in 2007. On April 4, 2022, Cindy made the courageous decision to become sober, and knew that yoga would need to play an integral part in her recovery. Shortly after becoming sober, she discovered the Mindful Life Practice Community online, and joined a sober yoga retreat in Bali, Indonesia, led by founder of the MLPC, Alex McRobs. It was there that she decided to pursue her 200 hour yoga teacher certification to deepen her practice and bring hope and healing to others. Cindy continues to incorporate her yoga practice into both her work and personal life. She teaches meditation to her clients and hosts Mindful Self-Compassion workshops in her community where she combines mental health content with a yoga practice. She also just led her first weekend yoga retreat for sober women. She will be joining Alex in India in March 2024 for another Sober Yoga Retreat where she continues to strengthen her connection with the sober community.