THE NEXT STEP TOWARDS OFFERING HEALTH & WELLBEING

I have a feeling that all I’ve learned is not enough - there is more that I would like to bring into my field of knowledge as Yoga Therapist and Yoga Teacher.

But, what is the next step in journey working with clients who desire to be healthier, to have a greater sense of wellness, to age gracefully?

Perhaps I’m waiting for a sign.

In the field of Yoga Therapy (and due of my Certification as a Yoga Therapist), one (of many) word(s) stands out: Scope. For example, to remain within my scope of practice, I do not offer people advice about their nutrition, I do not diagnose the cause of a pain, I am not a stand-in for someone’s psychologist (or psychiatrist), etc. I could go on, but I hope you get the point.

Now, I can work with clients like this instead:

1. I’m able to share that I’ve lost weight by putting my fork down between each bite (sharing my experience, but not advising).

2. I can observe a person and determine the state of their nervous system (are they in ‘fight, flight or freeze” - sympathetic; or are they in ‘rest and digest’ - parasympathetic). Once that happens, I am able to offer tools to balance their emotions, such as breath work, slow (or fast) movement, meditation, etc.

3. I maintain the boundaries that keep me and my client’s ‘safe’ from my offering psychiatric advice. I am a good listener and I’ve been told I keep my judgments and advice to myself.

As in all of our lives and yoga practice, I find staying within my ‘scope’ as a Yoga Therapist is finding balance. And, often when they (the client) finds a similar balance the quality of their life, their wellness (wellbeing), their aging process — all of that makes a positive shift.

But, I still would like to do more. So I am debating — do I pursue

1. more nutrition education,

2. more Ayurveda training,

3. more meditation avenues?

Notice, there’s nothing in there about learning more about psychiatry - I’m good with that.

I do know this about myself - I will always be a lifelong learner. And, that’s a good thing.

Until next time,

LONGEVITY: THE ART OF AGING GRACEFULLY

What is ‘longevity’?

There is a term people are throwing around these days, ‘longevity’. Longevity, according to the dictionaries, means: long duration of life or long existence or service. I would rather use the term ‘aging gracefully’, which to me indicates how we live longer. Do I enjoy my long life - am I content? do I feel safe? do I function independently? am I energetic, mobile, strong?

At 73, almost 74, this is something I think about a lot and am so grateful that my yoga practice offers me a pathway to greater longevity and aging with grace.

Here is my view of how yoga contributes to longevity or aging gracefully.

1. I feel flexible,

2. My balance is good, and

3. I feel strong.

These 3 contribute to my agility — my ability to move through a longer life with ease.

Why is agility important - it comes in very handy should I stumble, it helps me manage challenging tasks (like crawling under the bathroom vanity to retrieve an errant lid), it adds to my reaction time in certain situations like driving, etc., etc. Additionally, it:

• Improves flexibility, balance, and control.

• Helps the body to maintain proper alignment and posture during movement.

• Encourages the body to learn how to maintain correct body placement.

• Increases balance, control and flexibility, allowing the body to maintain proper posture and alignment during movement.

• Enhances physical conditions such as coordination, strength, balance, reflexes and speed.

For me, one of the most challenging moments in this process of aging is looking at my hands and arms that are now wrinkled. And, fortunately (or unfortunately), I have them and they are especially apparent in certain yoga poses. I guess you could say I am fortunate to see wrinkles, unfortunately I see wrinkles. (BTW, these aren’t my arms pictured - someone else’s without said wrinkles.)

Kind of a conundrum, isn’t it? As in practice yoga, feel great (but maybe see some wrinkles I could have otherwise ignored); don’t practice, what might happen?

Lots to think about.

p.s. If you have time, check out my new ‘Resources’ page on this website (created by me!!!). It contains several items that may be of interest and it is my intent to add to it as relevant topics appear.