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.

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,