By Diane Jenks, The OutSPOKEn Cyclist
Most of you know me to be an expert on bicycling — and, indeed, I am. But, what you may not know is that I am also a certified yoga instructor with over 18 years of teaching experience and that my classes are geared to active seniors. (See how I got that bicycle reference in there?)
I became a yoga teacher when my mother, who at the time was in her upper 80s, made a decision that “life was not worth living.” She defied doctor’s orders to just get up out of the chair and walk — the length of the room, to the front door, to the sidewalk, and beyond. Her choice was to remain in that chair and, of course, we know the outcome. It was disheartening, scary and incredibly sad.
With her stubborn refusal to do any of it, I came to a swift decision that I would not let myself get to that point in life.
My husband bought me a yoga mat and told me to get back to the practice I had abandoned many years before. How right he was to recognize what was missing in my life!
I started taking a lot of classes and decided to enroll in a yoga teacher training program. Now, at 74, I teach (and participate in) five classes per week to students ranging in age from 30-90!
I cannot imagine what my life would be like without those hours of practice!
I hear a “but” here that usually sounds something like… “I took a yoga class once and I got hurt… I’ll never do THAT again.” Let me offer some perspective on my philosophy and experience with the practice.
The first and foremost tenet of the practice is to “do no harm” — and that means to yourself, especially. You only do what you are comfortable doing, following instructions the best as you can and modifying your position(s) to make sure you do NOT experience any pain.
I believe it is also the responsibility of the teacher to not only monitor her/his students, but to inquire as to whether you are sick or injured before class begins, while continuing to monitor what is happening throughout the practice.
Second, the five principles I advocate in yoga are strengthening, limbering, balancing, breath work, and relaxation. Combined in a single 75-minute session, you will find a renewed sense of your body, mind and spirit — and yoga is cumulative. Every time you sit down on your mat, you will be able to do a little bit more.
Eventually, you will find yourself to be more flexible and your balance — which becomes so much more an issue as we age and as we come into the cold, icy part of the year — will improve dramatically. You will learn how your breath will help to get to sleep more easily as well as get you through situations where on you might otherwise be tense, scared, or experiencing discomfort or pain.
Lastly, I always tell students to not give up on yoga but to find the right instructor; one you can trust and one you can relate to for whatever YOUR specific needs are.
While yoga is an authentic, focus-driven practice, we try to laugh and enjoy our time together on the mat. And, in my practice, 45% of my students are men!
Namaste To You!
[If you are interested in trying one of Diane’s virtual classes via the Zoom platform, please send her an email [email protected] or log on to www.dailyyogastudio.com for a link. Currently, classes are Tuesday and Wednesday evenings at 6pm EDT; Thursday mornings at 9am EDT; and Saturday mornings at 9:30am. Short, (30-40 minute) “rise-and-shine” classes begin October 2 at 7:30am on Mondays and Fridays. There is no charge. Classes are on a donation-only basis. EVERYONE IS WELCOME! No experience is necessary!]
