Milton Viana Jr.

Milton Viana Jr. remembers the day he stepped foot into Om Sweet Om, as it was the day that he feels he officially began his recovery. Milton’s father passed away several years before and alcohol was a vehicle for numbing his pain. Milton’s friend Lisa brought him to class the day after they completed a 5K run. Milton remembers so much about that experience. The way he felt that day brought him back to his mat, again and again. Milton had thought about taking yoga before, and had tried class at another yoga studio and at a gym, it didn’t stick, but something that day shifted in Milton; “The teacher was so supportive, and understanding, I felt I could come back and would be accepted.” Milton also loved the endorphin rush that he got from the practice. Milton used to think yoga was just for girls, but after a dedicated practice, he feels close to having six-pack abs!

Yoga has been the perfect compliment to Milton’s recovery. He remembers all the set backs that he had along the way, he remembers showing up to class, and thinking that the teacher would know he was hung over. He also remembers thinking that the practice of yoga is so sacred to him and he could not believe that he showed up on his mat that way. For Milton, yoga has provided a solid foundation and played a central part throughout his recovery process.

Milton signed up for the new student special and came regularly for the month, then tried the 10 class series, but soon realized that to get the most practice in for his money his best bet was the monthly unlimited. Milton tries to fit yoga into his busy work schedule, and is really excited by the early morning classes that have enabled him to get more classes into his week. He feels that this practice helped him lower his anxiety level tremendously. Milton used to have trouble breathing properly and has learned how to manage that through the practice of yoga. Milton says that although never diagnosed with ADD, he’s pretty sure he has it, and yoga has helped him to focus better. Milton feels that yoga has a spiritual aspect that is not religious but universal, and he loves that about the practice; “It’s a physical meditation.”

Milton loves Om Sweet Om. He is comfortable here and feels that all the teachers are non-judgmental, open, patient and supportive.  He loves the closely knit yoga community. Milton has introduced many people to Om Sweet Om, and continues to introduce people to the studio and practice. Milton has also taken advantage of the Reiki circles that take place at Om Sweet Om, and that has been a part of his healing as well.