TROUTMAN, N.C. — A new yoga class in Iredell County is catered to more than the standard yogis.
Yoga of 12-Step Recovery or "Y12SR" offers another type of treatment which links body, mind, and soul to sobriety.
Dr. Susan Alberto leads the class at Let it Flow Yoga in Troutman.
Anyone is allowed to take the hour-and-a-half class, which meets on Friday from 7:00-8:30 p.m. and operates on donations, so it is free for all.
"I didn't plan any of this," Dr. Alberto said of her journey that led her to become a yoga instructor.
Originally an OB-GYN, Dr. Alberto said it was her addiction to work and ultimately, substance abuse, that led her to 12-step recovery and yoga.
"We did yoga everday in recovery," Dr. Alberto remembered.
"Y12SR" weaves the wisdom of ancient yoga to the practical tools of the 12 step process.
Dr. Alberto said the combination of the two has kept her on a sober path for nearly six years.
"The disease of addiction for me is all wrapped up in self-harm," she said.
Dr. Alberto has now made it her mission to teach others.
"We say it beautifully in our twelveth step, 'I can't keep what I have unless I give it away.'"
Instead of being defined by disease, Dr. Alberto has found identity in recovery while teaching it to others.
Every person's story is different at "Y12SR" but the love of yoga remains the same.
"Yoga and the 12-steps together, they blend," said Sabine President, who also teaches yoga.
She said years ago, she was overweight and addicted to alcohol.
"I hated looking at myself in the mirror," President said.
Through the 12-steps and yoga, President and Dr. Alberto are helping others discover their purpose.
"You will be loved when you walk through the doors, unconditionally," Dr. Alberto said.
Class information
- Fridays at 7 p.m.
- Susan Alberto
- Let It Flow Yoga
- 403 N. Main St.
- Troutman, NC 28166
- (704) 508-1866 (studio number)
- info@letitflowyoga.com
- Sundays at 10:30 a.m. – women only
- Choices for Recovery
- Sabine President
- sabine.president@hercupyoga.com
- 200 Queens Rd., #102
- Charlotte, NC 28204
- Fridays at 7:45 p.m.
- Second Friday monthly
- Charlotte Family Yoga Center
- 8230 Poplar Tent Road
- Concord, NC
- Robin Simmons Blackwell
- robinblackwell4yoga@gmail.com
- (704) 458-7815