Episode 39: Healer Kelvin Young’s Guide to Sobriety Through Holistic Healing for BIPOC- You Have to Feel to Heal
In this episode of Stack'n'Days, host Ray Donovan interviews Kelvin Young, a recovery coach and entrepreneur, about his path to sobriety. Kelvin's story highlights transformation and liberation from addiction, emphasizing the importance of community support and holistic approaches to healing.
Kelvin’s sobriety toolkit
Drug treatment program: Kelvin participated in a drug treatment program while in prison, which helped him understand addiction and its impact on his life.
Yoga: Kelvin practiced yoga as a way to connect with his body and find inner peace. He initially had misconceptions about yoga but found it to be a powerful tool for healing. Meditation: Kelvin started practicing meditation to calm his mind and go within. It allowed him to process his emotions and find a sense of calmness, even in a restrictive environment like prison.
Sound healing: Kelvin utilized sound healing, specifically crystal singing bowls and Himalayan singing bowls, to open up his emotions and release suppressed feelings. Sound healing helped him connect with his inner self and find a sense of relief from emotional distress.
Creative expressive arts: Kelvin engaged in creative expressive arts like poetry and journaling to process his emotions and experiences. Writing poetry was particularly therapeutic for him.
Sobriety support: Kelvin sought support from recovery coaches and organizations like Access to Recovery and Connecticut Community for Addiction Recovery. These support systems provided him with guidance, resources, and a sense of community during his reentry into society. Reevaluating language and identity: Kelvin shifted his mindset and language around addiction. Instead of identifying as an addict or alcoholic, he focused on his identity as a person in recovery.
Building sober community: Kelvin connected with other sober individuals, particularly Black men, to create a support network. These connections allowed for open conversations about addiction, trauma, and healing within the Black community. Addressing root causes: Kelvin emphasized the importance of addressing the root causes of addiction, such as trauma and emotional distress.
Kelvin's Background
Kelvin grew up in a strict religious household, struggling with mental health issues and low self-esteem. He turned to alcohol and drugs to cope with his pain and fit in with his peers. Initially social drinking, Kelvin's addiction escalated to cocaine, heroin and other drugs as he faced more challenges and traumas. Multiple incarcerations made him realize the harm his addiction caused, especially to his daughter.
Holistic Healing in Prison
In prison, Kelvin underwent a transformative drug treatment program, discovering holistic practices like yoga and meditation. These tools helped him confront suppressed emotions and connect with his inner self.
Reentry Challenges and Community Support
After release, Kelvin navigated reentering society with support from organizations like Access to Recovery. He formed Sober Black Men, a support group fostering open dialogue about sobriety in the Black community.
The Power of Sound Healing
Kelvin found solace in sound healing, using singing bowls to facilitate emotional release and inner connection. This practice remains a cornerstone of his journey and advocacy for holistic healing.
Resources
Kelvin’s Details Website:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesobersoundhealer/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuva2PHsgY_nTulv71W7mMQ
https://www.samhsa.gov/
https://www.joinreframeapp.com/
https://www.theluckiestclub.com/
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