A Little Prop Work

Although my yoga classes are geared specifically for the senior set, there's no reason why they can't be fun, too! Today I brought an assortment of ties with me to help with our warm-ups and stretches. We used the ties to begin the warming of our arms and shoulders. Once they were well stretched, we did the cow-face pose. Of course, the image of the cow-face brought lots of laughter into the class.

Using the ties for props enabled the class to go just a little bit further in the poses but I could tell that, for some, this was a bit of a challenge. So, once we put the ties away, I suggested "partner" massage. The timing seemed to be just right and it was obvious from the murmured sounds of oohs and aahs, that this was indeed welcome. Loved the feedback!!!!

An Oldie but a Goodie

A friend had recommended The American Yoga Association's books to me and I purchased Easy Does It Yoga and the Beginner's Manual by Alice Christensen. Although the books were originally published over 30 years ago, there is some valuable information for the practicing yogi and/or teacher.

The author provides a step-by-step yoga "warm-up" sequence that I have found particular helpful with my "seniors" class. For example, in the section on neck stretches, she gives 3 bullets describing the benefits (limbers neck and improves circulation throughout neck region; reduces tension in neck muscles; and limbers cervical spine). She then lists several options for arm positions while doing the exercise. She shows 7 pictures of each neck position and offers several variations of the pose. She completes the instruction with suggested reminders: breathe normally; do not lift your shoulders; move slowly, etc.

The attention to details and the emphasis on being safe and careful make this book a great addition to my yoga library.

Ask and you shall receive...

Since completing my yoga training with Peggy Cappy, I have been volunteering my yoga practice at a local senior center. I've been fortunate to have found a really nice location with wonderful students who come to class on a regular basis. The only problem for me is that it is quite a distance from home. And, this year with skyrocketing gas prices, I considered dropping this class and looking for something a little closer. But, then I thought I would approach the council on aging about being reimbursed for my gas costs. I just asked. And, lo and behold, they have a "friends" group who graciously offered to reimburse me.

The universe provides. I have heard this before...but now was witness to it first-hand.

Smile...

Did I mention my dental surgery in my last post???? Oh, of course I did!!!! Anyway, I am feeling fine and doing well...but do have a swollen right cheek and am a little black and blue around the mouth and chin area. Eeek!



But, I managed to soldier on and taught my Take it Easy Yoga class today in Topsfield. In spite of not being 100%, I could pretty much do everything today...with the exception of that one last "pose". We finished our warm-ups, completed the standing sequence, did a couple of balance postures, and then enjoyed a nice long relaxation. We're seated and our hands are in the "namaste" position. And, now I turn to each one and say..."turn up the corners of your mouth..."

Whoops....June is almost over...

...and I haven't posted anything here yet! Well, I have been busy attending yoga classes and teaching my regular class at the Little Brook Village complex to seniors. Classes are going well and although I am not practicing daily, I am practicing regularly.

But today's post is all about taking it easy. Yes, that's the theme of this blog but there are times when I find myself pushing the envelope. Not today! I had some dental surgery yesterday that left me a little bit weary and a lot swollen. So I decided to put "take it easy yoga" to the test.

My screened-in porch looks out to a beautiful garden. I began by taking a few deep breaths in and out while looking at the flowers in bloom, the small fish pond, and then noticing the squirrels and chipmunks at play. In a few short moments, I was completely relaxed. With hands at the heart, I began to synchronize my breath with movement. The hands push out on inhale, release and open wide on exhale. Close the hands on the next inhale and bring hands to heart on the exhale. From here, I moved into "namaste" circles...going very slowly...noticing my breathing. After a few minutes, I returned to my living room and sat in my little "recliner" for some relaxation/meditation.

Yes, it was just a few hand and arm movements, a little breathing, observing, awareness...but to me, that is what yoga is all about. It's something you can always do - if you have an hour or a few minutes - if you are feeling fit as a fiddle or a little under the weather. Remember, take it easy!

Tim Thomas Does Yoga

Oustanding goalie for the Boston Bruins, Tim Thomas is noted for his flexibility at the net. And, I learned today that he practices yoga to stay on top of his game!!!!

In the summer of 2007, Tim began a yoga-based conditioning program to increase his flexibility and strength. He has said that it "helps balance out your body" - and looking at his recent performance in the Stanley Cup playoffs, we surely agree!

Take a look at Tim's yoga practice:

http://video.nhl.com/videocenter/console?id=25330

Go Bruins!!!!!

Ashtanga Yoga Flow Class

Studion 191 is a very spacious, clean beautiful studio. The music is soft and low. The room is hot!!!! Ceiling fans were on but the room is heated for this particular style of yoga. The instructor, Bill, is very knowledgeable and gave assists where needed.

How did I come to this class, you ask? Well, my son, Brendan and I have taken some yoga classes together and he invited me to this one - along with my daughter, Katie. I believe I was the oldest person in the room!!!!! That being said, I was pretty much able to keep up with the flow but found it really challenging. Because the room is heated, and you are moving quickly, you will sweat. Although I had a towel, I found my hands and my feet slipping so I needed to be really careful.

Yes, this was challenge for me but sometimes you really need to give yourself a little push. I wasn't doing a headstand - Brendan was - but I was pretty darn close. And I can think of no better way to spend a Saturday than with my 2 wonderful kids. We were in the moment - together.