Every Wednesday evening, I, along with several other yogis, breathe together. That may not seem like a lot, but in this time of COVID, many people have been reporting higher levels of anxiety than usual. The not-knowing-ness of it all can be really triggering...almost like an existential dread. We don't know what the future holds in store for us, we're mourning the cancelling of events, and we may be confined to our homes in areas of high infection rates for an indeterminate amount of time. We're scared about the virus itself, we're anxious about getting sick, or getting others sick.
These are some of the reasons that I came up with my Yoga for Anxiety online class. With all of the fear, and all of the uncertainty, this hour is like a balm for the soul. We don't talk politics, we're not wearing masks, we simply log on and breathe together. In addition to breathing together, we gently stretch our bodies, we create positive affirmations (known as sankalpa) to replace the negative rumination in our minds, and most importantly, we rest.
At the beginning of the pandemic, I began to offer this virtual class via Neva Massage and Yoga Studio in San Antonio. This class is perfect for beginners, or those who are curious about yoga, but don't want to bend their bodies into crazy shapes. I gently guide you through the class...sometimes even singing to you at the end! We don't share our videos except to check in at the beginning and end of class. This is a time for you to recharge and nourish yourself.
The class is super affordable, too. If you've never attended a class through this studio, the introductory price is $6! Every class afterwards is $8! We meet every Wednesday at 6 PM CST. I hope you can join us sometime. Think of it as an investment in yourself. Sign up here.
There are seven different ways to practice yoga with me right now.
Free Chair Yoga every Tuesday on my Buster Yoga Facebook page.
Online Yin Yoga/Yoga Nidra Wednesdays at 2 PM CST (Noon PST - in collaboration with Second Bloom Yoga in Benecia, CA). Click here to register.
Virtual Yoga for Anxiety Wednesdays at 6 PM CST (in collaboration with Neva Massage and Yoga Studio in San Antonio, TX). Click here to register.
Online Kids Yoga Fridays at 1 PM CST (11 AM PST - in collaboration with Second Bloom). Click here to register.
Virtual Gentle Yoga Saturdays at 10:30 AM CST (in collaboration with Neva Massage and Yoga). Click here to register.
Free Magik Yoga for Kids Sundays at 10 AM CST on the Magik Theatre Facebook Page
In a private yoga therapy session! If you're interested, send me a message here.
A Q&A about Yoga Therapy (continued)
Last week we discussed the difference between yoga therapy and yoga. This week, we'll focus on the efficacy of yoga therapy and how it can support your current health treatments.
Q) How can yoga therapy work with what my doctor/physical therapist/psychiatrist has prescribed?
A) Yoga therapy sessions are an opportunity to treat you as a whole person, and not just a disease or ailment. As a yoga therapist, I will honor what your doctor/physical therapist/psychiatrist has prescribed, while guiding you towards greater relaxation and well-being. By regulating stress levels, and becoming fully aware of what our bodies are capable of, the prescriptions from our providers have a greater chance of efficacy.
Q) What are some conditions that would be good for yoga therapy?
A) I personally believe that yoga therapy is good for everybody, regardless of age or fitness level. The first thing I usually focus on with a student is regulating the emotional response to stress. When the body is in fight or flight (sympathetic nervous system response), reactions such as inflammation, stomach pain, headaches, and chronic pain can manifest. By focusing first on calming the stress response in the body, we can start to uncover new opportunities for healing. I've worked with people who suffer from chronic pain, low back pain, knee pain, shoulder pain, anxiety, depression, people who are undergoing cancer treatment, people who cannot get up and down off the ground, and people who can't stand for long periods of time.
Q) What can I expect in a private yoga therapy session?
A) In a yoga therapy session, the client leads the way. I will ask you about your health, and some goals you may have in mind. We'll do some breathing exercises together, engage in some gentle movement, and end with a guided meditation for extreme relaxation. I will constantly check in with you to make sure that you are getting what you want out of the session. If you want to calibrate up into a higher intensity, we can do that. If you'd like to calibrate to a lower intensity, we can do that as well. At all times during the session, you are in charge.
Do you have a question you'd like me to answer? Send me your questions here.
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