Finding Hope Through Movement: A Conversation Beyond Recovery
I love those moments when a conversation opens up something bigger than anyone expects. That’s exactly what happened when I sat down with Lisa Ardner. Lisa is a certified addiction recovery coach and founder of A Purpose for Life, bringing 27 years of personal recovery experience to her work.
We dove into what happens when you bring movement and mindfulness into recovery spaces—not just theoretically, but what actually unfolds in the room.
Lisa was there when STOP & FLOW first began at Crouse Health Addiction Treatment Services. What she shared about those early days still gives me chills. Here are some highlights from our recent podcast conversation that I hope resonate with you, whether you’re in recovery, supporting someone who is, or leading others and believe in the power of holistic healing.
The Birth of Something Beautiful
When I first introduced STOP & FLOW at Crouse Health Addiction Treatment Services, we weren’t sure what to expect. As Lisa shared in our interview, what emerged was remarkable:
"People would walk into the room, and they would almost breathe a sigh of relief. You would see their shoulders relax, you would see the smile... it was transformational."
Measuring What Matters
At Enjoy Chi, we combine mindfulness and movement through STOP & FLOW to support healing. But we don’t just believe in its power—we measure it. Lisa noticed something fascinating during those early sessions:
Using a SUD scale (Subjective Units of Distress), participants measure their pain, stress, and cravings on a scale of 0-10 before and after each session. The results speak for themselves:
"Every single time, you would see numbers going down—cravings reduced, stress levels lowered, and people’s emotional and physical pain eased."
Beyond the Session: Impacting Therapy
What makes STOP & FLOW unique isn’t just what happens during the sessions—it’s the ripple effect afterward. Lisa observed profound changes in her therapy groups that followed our work:
Participants were calmer and more centered.
Groups became more cohesive and connected.
People shared more deeply.
Support flowed naturally between members.
"The safe space that we created would carry over into that time," Lisa explained. "The women were less offended, less irritated, and more affirming."
The Evolution of Recovery Support
My conversation with Lisa also highlighted how the recovery landscape continues to evolve in meaningful ways. Three key developments stand out:
1. The Power of Peer Support
Lisa emphasized how peer recovery professionals are transforming the field:
"These credible messengers with lived experience, paired with professional training, provide a deep enhancement to recovery... They break stigma, inspire hope, and show that recovery is possible and sustainable."
2. Family Integration
Lisa shared a staggering insight:
"If every person with a substance use disorder had four people they loved, that’s like 162 million people. It’s half the population of the United States impacted by substance use."
This understanding has inspired innovative programs that embrace whole-family healing.
3. Trauma-Informed Movement
STOP & FLOW aligns beautifully with the growing focus on trauma-informed care. As Lisa noted:
"When we are truly trauma-informed, we practice trust, safety, collaboration, and voice choice."
Where Movement Meets Healing
At Enjoy Chi, STOP & FLOW blends mindfulness, movement, and modern music to create what Lisa called "magical, sacred" moments. It’s not about complex choreography or perfect form. It’s about:
Creating safe spaces for authentic expression.
Building community through shared experiences.
Finding peace in simple movements.
Discovering joy in the journey.
Hope is Always Present
Lisa’s words continue to echo in my heart:
"There is hope, there is help, for whatever you might be facing. You are not alone. No matter how dark the path may feel, there is always a way out, a way through. You matter. Tomorrow needs you."
Want to Dive Deeper?
Listen to the full interview with Lisa Ardner on the Stop and Flow with KO podcast at enjoychi.com/podcast.
Take Your Next Step with STOP & FLOW
Ready to experience the transformative power of STOP & FLOW? Here’s how you can get involved:
Bring STOP & FLOW to Your Organization
Book a discovery call to learn how STOP & FLOW can support your team.
Explore our upcoming offerings at www.enjoychi.com/events
Contact us to discuss customized CEU programs for your facility.
Share Your Story
Become a guest on the STOP and FLOW with K.O. podcast.
Suggest topics you’d like to learn more about.
Visit enjoychi.com/podcast to learn more.
Ready to Begin?
Contact us today to schedule your discovery call and learn how STOP & FLOW can transform your organization’s approach to wellness and recovery.
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