IT'S NICE IN NICE . . .
Vacations are a great way to rest and refresh. That’s where I’ve been for the past 10 days - on vacation.
This vacation was also an opportunity to test my yoga skills in other ways. (??? - what does that mean?)
It means that in the 8 days we were cruising the Rhone River in France, I was also being physically challenged by the excursions we signed up for.
First, there was a 2.5 hour walk in Lyon - from the river up (via tram) to the “Upside Down Elephant Basilica” (that is really its name). That part wasn’t so bad. The next part - going down - involved many (concrete) steps, resulting in sore knees and legs that ‘screamed’ at me for 2 days after.
Then, because I am a glutton for punishment, we walked up to a vantage point in Vienne - looking out at the town and the river. This was an uphill walk, but you know what they say about what goes up …
The next day involved a walk up (and down) through one of the Rhone Valley Vineyards. Challenging because of the somewhat slippery stones. The good part of this was a tasting of wines and a stop at the Valrhona Chocolate Shop (yum!)
Our day in Avignon involved two hikes - one to the Pope’s Palace from our ship, and the next was an afternoon hike to the top of the ‘Pont du Gard Aqueduct’.
Pont du Gard Aqueduct -
The Pont du Gard is an ancient Roman aqueduct bridge built in the first century AD to carry water over 50 km (31 mi) to the Roman Colony of Nemausus (Nimes).
My, My — my iWatch has never seen so many steps!
Through all of the above, friendships were formed and challenges met.
Now in Nice, we look out at the coast of the Mediterranean. Beautiful view. And we plan to take the remainder of our vacation to rest and refresh.
And, if you’re wondering, I was able to complete homework through this Sunday for my Nutrition course. I’m learning a lot, changing habits a bit, and noticing changes. Good stuff!
I DID A 'THING'
When I became Certified as a Yoga Therapist, I agreed to remain within a ‘scope of practice’. This scope offers me opportunities to work with clients as they heal from injuries, trauma, chronic disease, and as they create a ‘new normal’ as a result of these challenges. I use the tools of yoga to do this - breath work, movement, meditation.
This ‘scope’ keeps me within the lines of my training at Loyola Marymount in Los Angeles.
Over the past months, I’ve been asked by several people about weight loss and general nutritional fitness. As a result, I’ve pondered ‘what next’? I considered Ayurveda, which I love and personally try to follow. I also am aware that many of the clients who visit with me have little knowledge of yoga, much less another Eastern philosophy such as Ayurveda (the sister science to yoga). That led me to think that some knowledge of Western nutrition would be of value — but where?
Then, thanks to Facebook, a Certificate program (I love Certificates) popped up offered by UCSD (Univ. of California, San Diego). The program is one year in length (but can be completed in 5 years - that ought to have been an ominous clue as to what I was signing up for, right?) and is offered online.
So, another learning curve begins.
For a Yoga Therapist and Yoga Teacher at 73, almost 74, years of age, the technology knowledge needed for this course is a bit daunting. There is a book, and there are online short lectures. There are also assignments, quizzes, discussion to be done - with a date deadline that is unforgiving. I’m not complaining, but it is a lot.
The other day I told Howard (husband) that this class work could turn into a full-time job, to which he said “you could drop it” (the course). No way! In 10 days, I have spent hours reading, entering data to create reports, taking 2 quizzes with 2 more due by Sunday night (11:59pm), watching video lectures, writing my thoughts in response to the Instructor’s questions/comments and then reading and commenting on my classmates’ thoughts - all required.
Wish me luck!
And, if nothing else, I’ll learn things of value for my and my husband’s lives. I do hope, though, that this added knowledge is helpful for those who seek me out.