Welcome to Sunday Round-up – a weekly class follow up e-mail that breaks down and explores in a more detail some of the concepts / alignment principles that we employ in class and on the mat.
I've shifted to teaching a 90 minute long classes several years ago - it seemed that we were forever running out of time in 75 minute classes. Friday Round Ups are a continuation
of that process: the idea here is to catch the spill over of concepts, ideas and conversations - things we can't fully cover in the class environment.
I also wanted to create another yoga touch point for you - I find it is so much easier to adhere to the practice if we have some well-spaced reminders and encouragers (I just made up a new word!) between the live classes. I hope you find them useful, too.
This is
also a great place to ask questions and express concerns - please don't ever hesitate to get in touch with me for any and all things yoga. All your feedback and ideas are extremely valuable as they help me to refine how the classes are structured so that they can serve you in the best way.
PACING YOUR YOGA JOURNEY:
First week of
classes can often feel scrambled and overwhelming, especially if you are just starting with yoga classes.
Here is the very foundation of our practice - how to PACE YOUR YOGA JOURNEY - so you can feel safe while continuing to move forward.
This concept of pacing is especially important if you are attending one of the therapeutic yoga
classes.
Understanding these basic concepts of pacing is extremely important - they are useful both on and off the mat. Learning how to pace appropriately can help us to choose the right amount of daily activity and navigate complex terrain of recovery.
Here are a few PACING IDEAS that will, hopefully, shed light on the situation.
1. Find your baseline. A
baseline is that amount of activity that you can do and know that the pain won't flare up. For some people flare up happens the next day or even later.
2. Find your progression. Be gentle on yourself and plan to increase the amount of activity very slightly, but consistently.
3. Don't flare up, but don't freak out if you do! Because the nervous system alarms are
so sensitive it is nearly impossible to completely avoid flare ups. When you flare up, it can be tempting to give up and seek some radical quick fix treatment. Don't give up - be persistent.
I know this might sound overly simplistic.
The truth is, this process is doing some pretty complex things to your brain and nervous system. It has been proven again and again that if you stick with these
simple principles you will gradually be able to overcome the pain and expand your mobility.
This weeks PAIN CARE YOGA challenge:
Finding your baseline.
In class we use the following questions to get more clarity:
"Does this feel safe?"
"Will I pay for this tomorrow?"
How can you apply the same principles to the off - the - mat
life?
Additional Info:
I have also attached "Your Brain on Yoga" printout - some curious info in
there!
