Playing and Yoga and Getting Older
Laughter, playfulness, and touch and breath. I am very fortunate to be able to teach yoga to a super group of seniors every week. These four magical elements make the class fun for all. 18 or so mostly women and a couple of gentlemen come out to the shared room in a social housing complex in Toronto's north west corner. This group is supported by Black Creek Community Health Centre, which really looks after Seniors in the area very well. These folks from their fifties to their eighties are from all over the world. Some understand my English, others not so much. Their energy is uplifting and I love sharing yoga with them.
At first I was serious as I was new to the group and new to teaching yoga to seniors. I worried about the varying abilities and interests of the group. Did they like my class? Was it too hard? Too easy? Too weird? Could they hear my voice if I played music? Is the floor too cold? I think it was during the second week when we were doing hip circles that one woman called out with a mischievous grin, "Come on everyone, shake what your mama gave you!" We all laughed and shook whatever was left of what our mamas gave us. Now we crack off about our jiggly bits and where they used to be or are now. We move to the Beatles and remember younger days, smiling as we lower our blood pressure and increase our flexibility. Laughing is breathing deeper.
As I am trained in Rainbow Kids Yoga, I introduce some of the fun touch/partner yoga with the seniors. "Rooftops", facing each other, palms pressing into each others palms over head brings out a strength contest, and smiles of satisfaction. Balance can be a challenge but when four of the women raise their hands and balance as a row or circle of trees, we have beauty and support and a wonderful exchange of energy. Seniors do a lot on their own, but together watch out! They make a strong forest.
We breathe deeply and infuse Qi Gong into the yoga. We breathe and relax and listen to music by a Mohawk composer or Snatum Kaur, or the a little Nessun Dorma!
Oming is optional but most folks do. During savasana, everyone gets a little neck or foot rub. When you live alone, a little touch can be a wonderful thing. In giving I receive. So wonderful. Is it time to go back yet?
