Folding Myself Into a Paper Airplane – Take 5

Design Swan

Though my yoga time got lost in the shuffle yesterday, I finally did the last section on the 2nd DVD today called, “Overall Flow.” Like it sounds, it’s a mix of poses that, if you only have time for one thing a day, you should do.

Now that I’ve done all the sections, I’m even more impressed with the set. It’s called, “Gentle Yoga”.

The teacher is excellent. Even my husband said she wasn’t annoying. :0) The poses are chosen specifically for people 60 and older, people who have never done yoga before, people who may have issues where they’ve had surgery, people who are particularly stiff with arthritis, and those who are probably a little intimidated by trying this at all.  (My biggest problem is in getting down on the floor and then getting up again.) :0)

Some things seem pretty easy, until you ‘breathe into’ the pose. That’s when the real stretch comes. When you finish each section, you’re on your back, breathing well, and relaxing while you listen to mesmerizing music, or listening and watching a screen with beautiful water or palm trees. (The teacher is in Bali.)

The whole feeling is acceptance and that they’re pleased you’re there and trying. Whatever you can do is fine. You’ll improve with practice. They give you several alternatives if you are unable to do what they ask. Just do what you can do.

I like this SO much that I’m going to do one section for a particular area of the body, plus the overall section, each day. I can cover all the sections each week. They have sections for

• Joint Mobility
• Neck and Shoulders
• Lower Back
• Spinal Health
• Hips
• Legs
• Balance
• Overall Flow

I need ALL of these. I’m happy when I’ve done my yoga for the day. After only two weeks I’m feeling a bit ‘looser,’ and less stiff. I have a long way to go, but this is the perfect way for me to improve my flexibility, balance, and strength, plus my ability to totally relax for 5 minutes, not thinking of anything else, planning what I’ll do next, or feeling guilty. AHHHHHHH!