Tuesday TeaThyme 1/29

Tuesday’s TeaThyme           

Your weekly wisdom and inspiration!

Aging gracefully and youthfully in the practice of yoga.

Are there poses and modifications that you should be aware of....Absolutely.

Here are 5 ways to modify your Yoga practice as you age (of course not everyone...but at least good to know)

So you say your are in great health because you are still doing (or started) yoga.  Hooray for you.
No physical issues to really complain about....but as we age...we certainly can not and should not treat our bodies as a 20 year old.   Our bodies are not twenty anymore.  So treat it with that respect.

Less Physical stress....the same joyful practice.

1.  Know the difference between yin and yang stretching.
 Extend your warm up, stretching period a little bit longer.  Add extended forward fold, (standing and seated), knee and hip rotations, neck and shoulder stretches...Complete warm up and check in

2.  Remember your restorative poses.
Letting go of the clutter in your mind and decompress from the stress.  As we age, our stresses are so very different than our 30 year old friends.  Legs up the Wall and child's pose should be staple poses for your practice.

3.    Neck and shoulder stretches.
As you practice these important stretches bring awareness to the back of your neck and never compress the back side of your neck.
Any time your head is tilted back the carotid arteries in the neck become flat and the flow of blood to the brain is restricted.  Never restrict the blood flow completely.
I do not tilt my head back without my hands behind my neck to protect and elongate the neck.

4.  Chaturanga with my knees hard at work
I may attempt one full plank pose to the floor, but after that...knees to the floor!
I put less weight on my back and shoulders and arms as I let myself down to the mat.  I can still feel strong, still lengthen my spine, still pull my stomach in and use my core. 
No added physical stress.

5.  Always ...and keep reminding yourself...
Savasana is the most important pose.
Allow yourself to let go, and gain acceptance as you end this practice and bring the benefits with you throughout your day (and the next)

Know your limits and your strengths.
be kind and gentle to yourself as you practice yoga
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Janine is a Yoga Instructor and Ayurveda Wellness Counselor, practicing from her home studio in Massachusetts and Ogunquit, Maine. Janine's work includes recovery from illness, trauma and stresses (physical and emotional) caused by everyday living.   She teaches and coaches a style of yoga called integral or classical yoga, which uses the four paths of yoga to reach full awareness and complete balance of mind, body and spirit.
 Janine's yoga practice has tremendous therapeutic effect on your body. Not only does it work your physical body, it works on better breathing, vitality, concentration, healing and relaxation.   As an Ayurveda and Yoga Wellness Counselor, she will provide guidance on ayurvedic and yogic lifestyle change to bring about greater health and harmony.          

Call for more information   207-251-9577

Janine Robichaud