In The Circle

133. If I Know The Steps To Sobriety, Why Do I Keep Struggling To Take Them?

On this week’s episode of In The Circle, we’re joined by Karen, who asks us such a relevant question in the recovery space: I know what to do to get sober, but why can’t I seem to do it? Recovery requires a mystical collaboration; we take consistent steps, but the true unfolding comes from surrendering outcomes to a higher power. Like farmers planting seeds, our role is to prepare, plant, and tend, while trusting growth to something greater. Avoiding pain or shadow work by clinging to spiritual identities or ideas does us no benefit in the long run. Real transformation requires facing the harder truths of ego, fear, and past wounds with humility and honesty, rather than skipping ahead to the light. Transformation doesn’t come from quick fixes, but from steady, consistent action and a willingness to show up in the present moment, again and again. Tommy discusses * Information vs transformation * Growth in recovery is like farming * What is a spiritual bypass? * Daily practices matter * Real recovery happens only in the present moment Further Links & Resources * Catch a Meeting. [http://r20.com/meetings] We offer 40+ Live Online Recovery meetings every week. Come and find your community here. Meetings are always free. * Free beginner’s yoga class - Spinal Tune-Up: https://r20.com/tuneup/ [https://r20.com/tuneup/] * Want ongoing recovery insights and inspiration delivered to your inbox? Subscribe to the Uplift [http://r20.com/] * Join our Recovery 2.0 Community [http://r20.com/welcome]: access your authentic power, connect with others on a similar path, and thrive in life beyond addiction * Subscribe to The Recovery Channel [https://www.youtube.com/c/Recovery20] on YouTube * Visit our website [http://r20.com/] * Come and experience an in-person event or retreat: r20.com/events [https://r20.com/events/] Addiction is part of everyone’s journey, but recovery is not. The Recovery 2.0 Membership is a place where you can explore the topics that interest you, find community, and connect with Tommy Rosen on a personal level. It’s here that we’ll dig into spirituality and union of the mind, body, and spirit, and transform from the inside out. You will learn and grow alongside a community of supportive, conscious, compassionate, and vibrant individuals, like you! * Join us at r20.com/welcome [http://r20.com/welcome] to explore how to move beyond addiction and thrive in your life. Connect with Tommy * Instagram [https://instagram.com/tommyrosen] * Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/TommyRosenOfficial/] * TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@recovery2point0] Recovery 2.0 * @Recovery2Point0 on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/recovery2point0/] * Recovery 2.0 Facebook Group [https://www.facebook.com/groups/r20community] In The Circle is produced by Lovemore Media.

132. How Can We Break Old Patterns And Habits That No Longer Serve Us?

On this week’s episode of In The Circle, Katya came forward with a deeply relatable question: How Can We Break Old Patterns And Habits That No Longer Serve Us?  Katya is self-aware enough to notice the moment when she could choose recovery, but often still opts for old patterns. This honesty is powerful as it highlights the universal human struggle: knowing what’s good for us, yet resisting it. For those in recovery, that challenge is magnified by the belief that consistency isn’t possible. We need to put our full hearts into simple, daily practices, just as addicts once put their full creativity into finding their drug of choice.  Fluctuation between old and new is natural; new consciousness doesn’t “stick” immediately. The key is to return to the higher state again and again, more often than you return to the old one. Surrounding yourself with teachers, community, and environments that reinforce recovery is essential because consciousness is contagious.  Ultimately, the way forward is simple but not easy: practice with your whole heart, release attachment to outcomes, and stay close to community. This is how resistance softens, self-doubt diminishes, and new patterns crystallize into lasting freedom and joy. Tommy discusses * Awareness is only step 1 * Fluctuation is normal * Consciousness is contagious * Community and support are crucial in long-term recovery  Further Links & Resources * Catch a Meeting. [http://r20.com/meetings] We offer 40+ Live Online Recovery meetings every week. Come and find your community here. Meetings are always free. * Free beginner’s yoga class - Spinal Tune-Up: https://r20.com/tuneup/ [https://r20.com/tuneup/] * Want ongoing recovery insights and inspiration delivered to your inbox? Subscribe to the Uplift [http://r20.com/] * Join our Recovery 2.0 Community [http://r20.com/welcome]: access your authentic power, connect with others on a similar path, and thrive in life beyond addiction * Subscribe to The Recovery Channel [https://www.youtube.com/c/Recovery20] on YouTube * Visit our website [http://r20.com/] * Come and experience an in-person event or retreat: r20.com/events [https://r20.com/events/] Addiction is part of everyone’s journey, but recovery is not. The Recovery 2.0 Membership is a place where you can explore the topics that interest you, find community, and connect with Tommy Rosen on a personal level. It’s here that we’ll dig into spirituality and union of the mind, body, and spirit, and transform from the inside out. You will learn and grow alongside a community of supportive, conscious, compassionate, and vibrant individuals, like you! * Join us at r20.com/welcome [http://r20.com/welcome] to explore how to move beyond addiction and thrive in your life. Connect with Tommy * Instagram [https://instagram.com/tommyrosen] * Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/TommyRosenOfficial/] * TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@recovery2point0] Recovery 2.0 * @Recovery2Point0 on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/recovery2point0/] * Recovery 2.0 Facebook Group [https://www.facebook.com/groups/r20community] In The Circle is produced by Lovemore Media.

131. Why Is Meditation So Important For People In Recovery?

On this week’s episode of In The Circle, we’re joined by Jen, who inquires: Why is meditation so important for people in recovery, and am I doing the practice correctly? I used to believe I could never meditate; my mind was too busy, my body too restless. For more than 30 years, I explained to people why it was impossible for me. Everything shifted when I learned about kriya practices: sets of breathwork, movement, and mudras designed to move energy. Different kriyas serve different purposes; some calm the mind, others activate or energize, but all of them create the conditions for meditation. My biggest breakthrough was realizing that meditation isn’t about stopping thoughts. Meditation is about witnessing, watching, and acknowledging that you are not those thoughts. That separation is powerful; it restores choice. Instead of being dragged around by the mind, I can return to presence: breath, body, awareness.  So, how do you know if you are meditating properly? Every time you sit and witness, you are. Progress isn’t measured by fewer thoughts but by more love, clarity, and freedom in your life. Tommy discusses * Meditation isn’t about stopping thoughts * Stillness is possible through challenge * Meditation transforms life * We’re not defined by thoughts and emotions Further Links & Resources * Catch a Meeting. [http://r20.com/meetings] We offer 40+ Live Online Recovery meetings every week. Come and find your community here. Meetings are always free. * Free beginner’s yoga class - Spinal Tune-Up: https://r20.com/tuneup/ [https://r20.com/tuneup/] * Want ongoing recovery insights and inspiration delivered to your inbox? Subscribe to the Uplift [http://r20.com/] * Join our Recovery 2.0 Community [http://r20.com/welcome]: access your authentic power, connect with others on a similar path, and thrive in life beyond addiction * Subscribe to The Recovery Channel [https://www.youtube.com/c/Recovery20] on YouTube * Visit our website [http://r20.com/] * Come and experience an in-person event or retreat: r20.com/events [https://r20.com/events/] Addiction is part of everyone’s journey, but recovery is not. The Recovery 2.0 Membership is a place where you can explore the topics that interest you, find community, and connect with Tommy Rosen on a personal level. It’s here that we’ll dig into spirituality and union of the mind, body, and spirit, and transform from the inside out. You will learn and grow alongside a community of supportive, conscious, compassionate, and vibrant individuals, like you! * Join us at r20.com/welcome [http://r20.com/welcome] to explore how to move beyond addiction and thrive in your life. Connect with Tommy * Instagram [https://instagram.com/tommyrosen] * Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/TommyRosenOfficial/] * TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@recovery2point0] Recovery 2.0 * @Recovery2Point0 on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/recovery2point0/] * Recovery 2.0 Facebook Group [https://www.facebook.com/groups/r20community] In The Circle is produced by Lovemore Media.

130. Am I addicted to sugar?

On this week’s episode of In The Circle, Nicole is here with us, bringing an inquiry about what I call the real gateway drug. Of course, I'm speaking about sugar. Nicole asks: Am I addicted to sugar? Should I abstain completely, or is there a place for moderation? Now, I believe that addressing one's relationship with food and sugar in particular is a central part of recovery for everyone. In Nicole's case, she let go of alcohol several years ago and wants to take her recovery journey to the next level by addressing her relationship with food.  I've seen countless people stuck in the frequency of addiction because they stay in old addictive patterns when it comes to food. This is one of the most important inquiries when it comes to true recovery, as we need to be present in our minds and bodies to address the underlying reasons for our food cravings.  Tommy discusses * Changing your relationship with food * What is the root cause of your cravings? * Does our microbiome affect the foods we crave? * Learning to be conscious of our food choices * Why the food we eat can make a huge impact on recovery Further Links & Resources * Catch a Meeting. [http://r20.com/meetings] We offer 40+ Live Online Recovery meetings every week. Come and find your community here. Meetings are always free. * Want ongoing recovery insights and inspiration delivered to your inbox? Subscribe to the Uplift [http://r20.com/] * Join our Recovery 2.0 Community [http://r20.com/welcome]: access your authentic power, connect with others on a similar path, and thrive in life beyond addiction * Subscribe to The Recovery Channel [https://www.youtube.com/c/Recovery20] on YouTube * Visit our website [http://r20.com/] * Come and experience an in-person event or retreat: r20.com/events [https://r20.com/events/] Addiction is part of everyone’s journey, but recovery is not. The Recovery 2.0 Membership is a place where you can explore the topics that interest you, find community, and connect with Tommy Rosen on a personal level. It’s here that we’ll dig into spirituality and union of the mind, body, and spirit, and transform from the inside out. You will learn and grow alongside a community of supportive, conscious, compassionate, and vibrant individuals, like you! * Join us at r20.com/welcome [http://r20.com/welcome] to explore how to move beyond addiction and thrive in your life. Connect with Tommy * Instagram [https://instagram.com/tommyrosen] * Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/TommyRosenOfficial/] * TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@recovery2point0] Recovery 2.0 * @Recovery2Point0 on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/recovery2point0/] * Recovery 2.0 Facebook Group [https://www.facebook.com/groups/r20community] In The Circle is produced by Lovemore Media.

129. Can I Rise Above Trauma Brought On By Sexual Abuse?

On this episode of In The Circle, I address a deep and personal question from Annesa: Can I recover from a lifelong struggle with food and body dysmorphia resulting from sexual abuse? This inquiry sheds light on the intricate relationship between trauma, self-view, and the longing for healing in a society where many women undergo sexual assault.  For us to discover true healing, we need to confront and question our deep-seated identities and beliefs and reconnect with our emotional and spiritual essence. Practicing techniques like Kundalini Yoga and mindfulness can play a huge part in helping us achieve our ultimate goal of peace and freedom.  We need to be striving daily to discover our truths, discard detrimental self-beliefs, and embrace self-love and acceptance, especially when confronted with societal challenges and personal traumas. Not only does this guide us to experience true healing and recovery, it extends a beacon of hope to those on a similar healing journey. Tommy discusses * The importance of discovering one's true self beyond trauma and stories * Why recovery is about realizing the divinity within and coming to the truth of who you are * How trauma keeps you in a story that distances you from your true self * The multiple benefits of practicing yoga and mindfulness * How to create an identity filled with love, compassion, and presence. Further Links & Resources * Catch a Meeting. [http://r20.com/meetings] We offer 40+ Live Online Recovery meetings every week. Come and find your community here. Meetings are always free. * Want ongoing recovery insights and inspiration delivered to your inbox? Subscribe to the Uplift [http://r20.com/] * Join our Recovery 2.0 Community [http://r20.com/welcome]: access your authentic power, connect with others on a similar path, and thrive in life beyond addiction * Subscribe to The Recovery Channel [https://www.youtube.com/c/Recovery20] on YouTube * Visit our website [http://r20.com/] * Come and experience an in-person event or retreat: r20.com/events [https://r20.com/events/] Addiction is part of everyone’s journey, but recovery is not. The Recovery 2.0 Membership is a place where you can explore the topics that interest you, find community, and connect with Tommy Rosen on a personal level. It’s here that we’ll dig into spirituality and union of the mind, body, and spirit, and transform from the inside out. You will learn and grow alongside a community of supportive, conscious, compassionate, and vibrant individuals, like you! * Join us at r20.com/welcome [http://r20.com/welcome] to explore how to move beyond addiction and thrive in your life. Connect with Tommy * Instagram [https://instagram.com/tommyrosen] * Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/TommyRosenOfficial/] * TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@recovery2point0] Recovery 2.0 * @Recovery2Point0 on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/recovery2point0/] * Recovery 2.0 Facebook Group [https://www.facebook.com/groups/r20community] In The Circle is produced by Lovemore Media.