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AdvancedGentleYogaTeacherTrainingManual

©Copyright 2013, YogaJP.com and YogaVistaAcademy.com

CHAIR YOGA FOR EVERYONE TRAINING MANUAL – 3RD EDITION

IllustratedandAnnotatedManualforYogaTeachersandPractitionersWithSherryZakMorris,E‐RYT;

EducationalResourceforYogaTeacherandPractitioners.100'sofYogaposesandsequences,fullyillustratedwithaudience‐specificconceptsandterminologywithTherapeuticModifications.

CHAPTERS: Anatomy of Aging: Our Structure ‐ Learn the changes our anatomical structure goes through as we age to

help better understand and meet the needs of your Senior Yoga students. Recommended movement guidelines are provided for common Senior anatomical health issues.

Senior Chair Yoga ‐ Class Framework ‐ Understand the whys and hows of creating a safe and effective class for Seniors and people with limited mobility. Indepth anatomy using student photo observation will help you tune your observational skills. Learn therapeutic modifications for 100's of poses.

Gentle and Chair Yoga Adaptations ‐ Common set of alignment issues, injuries and/or physical limitations that require an adaptation of some of the traditional Yoga poses and sequences

Chair Yoga Basics – Concepts and Guidelines for teaching Chair Yoga to a variety of student populations

Chair Yoga Sequence and Script for Deskworkers ‐ Specific sequences to meet the needs of people who work at the computer or who are sedentary for extended periods of time

Chair Yoga Sequence and Script for Seniors – Sequences that address the unique needs of Seniors, includes both seated and standing poses.

Chair Yoga Sequence and Script for Wheelchair Students – Simple yet effective yoga sequences for people with limited mobility in the upper and/or lower body

Chair Yoga Sequence and Script for Mixed Mat and Chair Students ‐ More active poses and sequences for mixed level classes

BONUS: Senior Chair Yoga with Paula Montalvo, 79 yrs young – Full seated and standing practice for seniors from a senior!

FOR MORE INFORMATION Gentle Yoga Teacher Resources, Trainings, Workshops and teacher discounts, visit

www.YogaVistaAcademy.com

ANATOMY OFAGING: OURSTRUCTURE

ANATOMY OF AGING: STRUCTURE Chair Yoga with Sherry Zak Morris

2 ©Copyright 2014, YogaJP.com and YogaVistaAcademy.com

ANATOMY OF AGING: Our Structure .............................................................................................................................. 5

Aging Muscles ............................................................................................................................... .......................... 7

Muscle Mass and Strength............................................................................................................................... ... 7

Muscle Stiffness ............................................................................................................................... ................... 8

Movement Guidelines for Healthy Muscles............................................................................................................ 8

Strength............................................................................................................................... ................................ 8

Key Learning Point: ............................................................................................................................... .......... 8

Namaste Hands ............................................................................................................................... ................ 8

Cactus Alternates ............................................................................................................................... ............. 8

Chair Pose........................................................................................................................... ............................. 8

Goddess............................................................................................................................... ............................ 8

Flexibility ............................................................................................................................... .............................. 9

Tray........................................................................................................................... ....................................... 9

Arm Pulls ............................................................................................................................... .......................... 9

Hula ............................................................................................................................... .................................. 9

Twist ............................................................................................................................... ................................. 9

Aging Bones............................................................................................................................... ................................ 10

Posture and Stature ............................................................................................................................... ............... 10

Osteopenia ............................................................................................................................... ............................. 10

Osteoporosis ............................................................................................................................... .......................... 11

Bone Mass Measurement ............................................................................................................................... .. 11

Vertebral compression fractures (VCFs) ............................................................................................................... 12

Kyphosis ............................................................................................................................... ................................. 13

Dowager's Hump............................................................................................................................... ................ 13

Movement Guidelines for Healthy Bones............................................................................................................. 15

Specific Actions When Working with Osteoporosis and Severe/Established Osteoporosis............................. 15

Axial Extension ............................................................................................................................... ................... 15

Alternate Arms ............................................................................................................................... ............... 15

Warrior I ............................................................................................................................... ......................... 15

Up Dog............................................................................................................................... ............................ 15

Sunbird ............................................................................................................................... ........................... 15

Weight Bearing Poses ............................................................................................................................... ........ 16

Bend and Salute ............................................................................................................................... ............. 16

Chair Pose........................................................................................................................... ........................... 16

Chair Yoga with Sherry Zak Morris ANATOMY OF AGING: STRUCTURE

©Copyright 2014, YogaJP.com and YogaVistaAcademy.com 3

Falling Star............................................................................................................................... ...................... 16

Tree ............................................................................................................................... ................................ 16

Non Weight Bearing Poses ............................................................................................................................... 16

Chest Expanders............................................................................................................................... ............. 16

Flex and Hold............................................................................................................................... ...................... 17

Stop Sign Stretch ............................................................................................................................... ............ 17

Feet Point and Flex............................................................................................................................... ......... 17

Supta Hasta Padangusthasana...................................................................................................................... 17

Twists ............................................................................................................................... ................................. 17

Postural Corrections............................................................................................................................... ........... 18

Cautionary Progression............................................................................................................................... ...... 19

Bends............................................................................................................................... .............................. 19

Twists ............................................................................................................................... ............................. 20

Aging Joints ............................................................................................................................... ................................ 21

The Structure of a Joint............................................................................................................................... .......... 21

Osteoarthritis ............................................................................................................................... ......................... 21

Joint Inflammation ............................................................................................................................... ................. 23

Weekend Warrior Syndrome ............................................................................................................................ 23

Movement Guidelines for Healthy Joints ............................................................................................................. 24

Circular movements ............................................................................................................................... ........... 24

Hip circles ............................................................................................................................... ....................... 24

Swim Strokes............................................................................................................................... .................. 24

Ankle Rolls ............................................................................................................................... ...................... 24

Repetitive Movements............................................................................................................................... ....... 25

Warrior I ............................................................................................................................... ......................... 25

Goddess/Star............................................................................................................................... .................. 25

Flexibility and Stretching lengthens the joint, making space to help ease pain............................................. 25

Falling Star............................................................................................................................... ...................... 25

Climb the Rope............................................................................................................................... ............... 25

"L" for Love............................................................................................................................... ..................... 25

Fascia............................................................................................................................... .......................................... 26

Overview ............................................................................................................................... ................................ 26

Fascia Facts.......................................................................................................................... .................................. 27

Fascia and Yoga ............................................................................................................................... ...................... 27

ANATOMY OF AGING: STRUCTURE Chair Yoga with Sherry Zak Morris

4 ©Copyright 2014, YogaJP.com and YogaVistaAcademy.com

Linear vs. Multi Dimensional Movements ............................................................................................................ 29

Diagonal Reach............................................................................................................................... ................... 29

Hip Crossover ............................................................................................................................... ..................... 29

Arthritis Buster............................................................................................................................... ................... 29

Windshield Wipers ............................................................................................................................... ............. 29

Counteracting the Effects of Aging ........................................................................................................................... 30

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ADAPTATIONS Gentle and Chair Yoga with Sherry Zak Morris

4 ©Copyright 2013, Sherry Zak Morris and YogaVistaAcademy.com

Gentle & Chair Yoga Adaptive Poses and Modifications

A Gentle and/or Chair Yoga class is a mix of people of varying ages, abilities, energy levels and Yoga experience. Therefore, teaching a Gentle or Chair Yoga class requires certain skills and knowledge in order to create a safe, effective and enjoyable class. In the thousands of yoga classes I have taught, I see a common set of alignment issues, injuries and/or physical limitations that require an adaptation of some of the traditional Yoga poses and sequences. My hope is to bring to your attention these issues so that you can create a class to support your students in a safe and fun way. For the various issues we will cover, we will:

• Identify the issues and the needs for an adaptation. • Describe the adjustment and/or modification to better support the pose. • Guide you through the movement so you can have your own experience.

Most of the poses and sequences we will cover are common across a typical yoga class. No matter if you are teaching a group Gentle Yoga class, a Chair Yoga class, a Corporate Yoga Class or an Adaptive Yoga class to Seniors and/or the wheelchair‐bound; you will learn the basic fundamentals of what defines the word “gentle” in Gentle Yoga.

STUDENT ANATOMY OBSERVATION In a Group Yoga class, we may or may not know what specific injuries, illnesses, congenital issues or accidents caused a student’s limited mobility or anatomical structure, but we can see it with our own eyes when we observe them in various yoga poses.

In this section, we are going to look at photos of different people, of different ages and shapes, and discuss what we can glean from how they hold their bodies. We will not try to come to any conclusion about their physical state, but rather we will use this time to understand how we can and need to offer modifications to yoga poses to make them accessible to most of our students in our group classes.

It is very important to remember that as a Group Class Yoga Teacher we cannot be knowledgeable about every single person in the room, and accommodate them specifically at all times. So many of the concepts I am sharing are for the general Gentle, Senior and Chair population that I encounter in my group yoga teaching.

I am fortunate to have a Certified Yoga Therapist on my staff at the studio, and when I see students that are in pain, struggling physically or who really need some one‐on‐one attention that I cannot give, I recommend they work with Justine Shelton, E‐RYT and AVI‐Certified Viniyoga Therapist, for a private session. I highly suggest you investigate a similar relationship with a highly qualified and certified Yoga Therapist as this is one of the best professional partnerships you can have as a Gentle and Chair Yoga teacher.

Gentle and Chair Yoga with Sherry Zak Morris ADAPTATIONS


GROUP YOGA CLASSES I thought I would give you a peek into the typical Group Yoga Classes that I teach throughout my week. On average, I teach at least one class per day, and sometimes up to 3. I would say my main demographic is 45 years to 85 years old, and most of my students have some sort of physical issue and/or limitation. And as I have said previously, many times I don’t know specifically what their issues are as I look out at the faces looking back at me. Now imagine yourself in these settings and keep that in mind as we explore this topic a bit further.

This is my Library Senior Chair Yoga Class which has been ongoing bi‐monthly since 2007. The class size averages 40‐50 seniors, and I ALWAYS have new seniors coming in. Most of them have had NO experience with yoga.

This is my Gentle Yoga Class in my ORNS (One Room Neighborhood Studio) in downtown Vista, California. You can catch a few students with props, modifications and perhaps significant limitations if you look close.

This is my Assisted Living/Wheelchair Group Yoga Class. The size of this class keep growing. We started at 2 and now it is up to 15 once the word got out that Yoga is FUN!

This is my Corporate Lunchtime Yoga Class. And yes we are all standing right next to their workstations. Average age is 25‐40 for this 30‐min “stretch break”.

Chair Yoga with Sherry Zak Morris BASICS


Chair Yoga Basics ................................................................................................................................................................. 4

Centering and Find Your Seat ............................................................................................................................................. 4

Preparation for Practice .................................................................................................................................................. 4

Breathing ......................................................................................................................................................................... 5

Warm Up and De‐Stress ...................................................................................................................................................... 6

Neck and Shoulder Stretches .......................................................................................................................................... 6

Neck with Arm Stretch ................................................................................................................................................ 6

Neck Rolls .................................................................................................................................................................... 6

Nodding Yes ................................................................................................................................................................ 7

Neck Lengthening ........................................................................................................................................................ 8

Therapeutic Modification........................................................................................................................................ 8

Thumb Lift ................................................................................................................................................................... 8

Axial Extension Reaches .................................................................................................................................................. 9

Arm Pulls ..................................................................................................................................................................... 9

Climb the Rope ............................................................................................................................................................ 9

Utthita Arms ................................................................................................................................................................ 9

Arm/Leg Extension ...................................................................................................................................................... 9

Life Force Reach ........................................................................................................................................................ 11

Samson Stretch ......................................................................................................................................................... 11

Eyes ............................................................................................................................................................................... 12

Thumb Focus ............................................................................................................................................................. 12

Prana Eye Bath .......................................................................................................................................................... 12

Hands and Fingers ......................................................................................................................................................... 12

Just Joints .................................................................................................................................................................. 12

Namaste Hands ......................................................................................................................................................... 13

Chest Openers and Side Stretches ................................................................................................................................ 15

Side Bends ................................................................................................................................................................. 15

Therapeutic Modification...................................................................................................................................... 15

Arm Reaches ............................................................................................................................................................. 16


Miss Sassy Pants ........................................................................................................................................................ 17


Pat’s Pose .................................................................................................................................................................. 18

Shoulder Shrugs ........................................................................................................................................................ 18

Eagle .......................................................................................................................................................................... 18

Seated Back Series ........................................................................................................................................................ 19

BASICS Chair Yoga with Sherry Zak Morris


Seated Cat/Cow ........................................................................................................................................................ 19

Twists – No Arm Rests ............................................................................................................................................... 19

Twists – with Arm Rests ............................................................................................................................................ 19


Cardio Fun ......................................................................................................................................................................... 20

Sun Salutations .............................................................................................................................................................. 20

Sun Salutations – Cactus Series ................................................................................................................................. 20

Sun Salutations – Basic Series ................................................................................................................................... 21

Sun Salutations – Twist I Series ................................................................................................................................. 21


Sun Salutations – Twist II Series ................................................................................................................................ 22

Sun Salutations – Leg Series ...................................................................................................................................... 23

Balance and Strength ........................................................................................................................................................ 24

Standing and Balancing Poses ....................................................................................................................................... 24

Standing Cat/Cow ..................................................................................................................................................... 24

Sunbird Flow with Crunches ..................................................................................................................................... 24

Hip Movements ......................................................................................................................................................... 24


WAG the Tail ............................................................................................................................................................. 25

Standing Chair Pose .................................................................................................................................................. 25

Warrior I .................................................................................................................................................................... 26

Warrior I with Pushup ........................................................................................................................................... 26

Warrior I with Twist .............................................................................................................................................. 26

Warrior II ................................................................................................................................................................... 27


Warrior II with side bend .......................................................................................................................................... 27

Warrior III .................................................................................................................................................................. 28

Half Moon – Fear Factor ........................................................................................................................................... 29

Triangle ..................................................................................................................................................................... 30


Tree ........................................................................................................................................................................... 31

Stretch and Cool Down Poses ........................................................................................................................................... 32

Leg Belt Stretch – Supta Hasta Pada Guthsasana ..................................................................................................... 32


Seated Forward Bend ................................................................................................................................................ 33

Seated Straddle Forward Bend ................................................................................................................................. 33



Hip Openers .................................................................................................................................................................. 34

Pigeon ....................................................................................................................................................................... 34

Pigeon with a Forward Tilt ........................................................................................................................................ 35


Pigeon with a Twist ................................................................................................................................................... 36

Hip Circles .................................................................................................................................................................. 36

Hip Swings ................................................................................................................................................................. 37

Hip Open/Closers ...................................................................................................................................................... 37

Feet and Toes ................................................................................................................................................................ 38


Point and Flex ............................................................................................................................................................ 38

Foot Stomp ................................................................................................................................................................ 39

Svasana ......................................................................................................................................................................... 39

Namaste! ....................................................................................................................................................................... 39



MISS SASSY PANTS We all can benefit from a little more stretch to the front of the shoulders. This pose came about when I suggested to the Senior Chair Yoga class that they should walk around the house holding this pose a few times a day. And then we got to laughing that it looked like we were being sassy… and there you go. A new Yoga pose name.

What a fun way to counteract rounded, slumped shoulders.

There are so many arms and hand options to try. Start with one, and then try others as the shoulders and chest start to open.

THERAPEUTIC MODIFICATION Norma has kyphosis, so this pose is especially good for her, but her range of motion is currently quite limited. But, she still can be sassy!

BASICS Chair Yoga with Sherry Zak Morris


PAT’S POSE SHOULDER SHRUGS

Pat is in her mid 70’s and she said she started working on this pose when she was in her 50’s. It’s never too late!

A simple shrug up and back helps broaden the collar bone, drop the shoulders and squeeze the shoulder blades together all at the same time. Make sure to do this a few times!

EAGLE There are so many variations of Eagle arms ‐ from a simple hug, to the full wrap. Give it a try on both sides and notice the difference.

For seniors, I try not to hold the breath for too long as this is not optimal for people with un‐medicated hypertension. But for a class of deskworkers, I offer up a big inhale while holding the pose in the forward fold position. This helps to increase lung capacity while “cleaning out” the lungs as the exhale releases more stale air.

CHAIR YOGA FOR EVERYONE

WITH

SHERRY ZAK MORRIS

Chair Yoga with Sherry Zak Morris SENIORS

©Copyright 2012, Sherry Zak Morris and YogaVistaAcademy.com i

SENIOR CHAIR ................................................................................................................................................. 1

Know your Audience .................................................................................................................................................... 1

Centering and Breathing .............................................................................................................................................. 1

Upper Body .................................................................................................................................................................. 2

Neck – Side/Side with Open/Close Hands ......................................................................................................................... 2

Neck – Self Massage .......................................................................................................................................................... 2

Neck – Basket Weave ......................................................................................................................................................... 3

Eyes –Staying Alive ............................................................................................................................................................ 3

Shoulders – Shrug and Release .......................................................................................................................................... 4

Chest Opener – Cactus with Eagle ..................................................................................................................................... 4

Arms – Life Force with Wrist Stretches .............................................................................................................................. 5

Hands/Fingers‐ Just Joints ................................................................................................................................................. 6

The Hula ........................................................................................................................................................................ 6

The Wave ...................................................................................................................................................................... 6

Hands/Fingers – Energy Shake ........................................................................................................................................... 7

Energy Bath ........................................................................................................................................................................ 7

Axial Extensions ‐ Alternates ............................................................................................................................................. 8

Side Bends – with Elbow Reach and Grab ......................................................................................................................... 9

Power Poses ............................................................................................................................................................... 10

Seated Sun Salutations .................................................................................................................................................... 10

Arm Lift ....................................................................................................................................................................... 11

Twist ........................................................................................................................................................................... 11

Strong Legs ................................................................................................................................................................. 12

Back – Down Dog and Up Dog ......................................................................................................................................... 12

Back – Cat/Cow ................................................................................................................................................................ 13

Bend and Salute .......................................................................................................................................................... 14

Crunch ......................................................................................................................................................................... 14

Warrior I ........................................................................................................................................................................... 15

Push‐Up ...................................................................................................................................................................... 15

Chair ................................................................................................................................................................................. 16

Tree .................................................................................................................................................................................. 17

Lower Body ................................................................................................................................................................ 18

Hips – Windshield Wipers ................................................................................................................................................ 18

Legs – Supta Hasta Padangusthasana .............................................................................................................................. 19

Pigeon .............................................................................................................................................................................. 20

SENIORS Chair Yoga with Sherry Zak Morris

ii ©Copyright 2012, Sherry Zak Morris and YogaVistaAcademy.com

Twist ................................................................................................................................................................................. 21

Ankle Stretches ................................................................................................................................................................ 21

Rolly Polly ......................................................................................................................................................................... 22

Svasana – Relaxation ....................................................................................................................................................... 22

WHEELCHAIR ................................................................................................................................................ 23

Know your Audience .................................................................................................................................................. 23

Centering and Breathing ............................................................................................................................................ 23

Upper Body ................................................................................................................................................................ 24

Neck – Yes, No and Maybe .............................................................................................................................................. 24

Eyes –Up/Down and Side/Side ........................................................................................................................................ 24

Shoulders – One at a Time ............................................................................................................................................... 25

Arms – Life Force ............................................................................................................................................................. 25

Hands/Fingers – Open/Close ........................................................................................................................................... 26

Fingers‐ One at a Time ..................................................................................................................................................... 26

Hands/Fingers – Energy Shake ......................................................................................................................................... 27

Energy Bath ...................................................................................................................................................................... 27

Chest Opener – Cactus Lean Back .................................................................................................................................... 27

Chest Opener – Eagle Hug ............................................................................................................................................... 28

Cactus ‐ Opposites ........................................................................................................................................................... 28

Side Bends ........................................................................................................................................................................ 29

Diagonal Reach ................................................................................................................................................................ 30

Back – Cat/Cow ................................................................................................................................................................ 30

Power Poses ............................................................................................................................................................... 31

Sun Circles ........................................................................................................................................................................ 31

Sun Salutations ‐ Arm Lift ................................................................................................................................................ 31

Sun Salutations – Cactus Arms......................................................................................................................................... 32

Lower Body ................................................................................................................................................................ 33

Twist – Look Who is Behind You ...................................................................................................................................... 33

Hips – Door Hinge ............................................................................................................................................................ 33

Legs – Up and Down ........................................................................................................................................................ 34

Foot Stomp ...................................................................................................................................................................... 34

Ankle Stretches ................................................................................................................................................................ 35

Rolly Polly ......................................................................................................................................................................... 35


DESK WORKERS ............................................................................................................................................ 36

Chair Yoga with Sherry Zak Morris SENIORS

©Copyright 2012, Sherry Zak Morris and YogaVistaAcademy.com iii

Know your Audience .................................................................................................................................................. 36

Centering and Breathing ............................................................................................................................................ 36

Upper Body ................................................................................................................................................................ 37

Neck ‐ Nodding Yes .......................................................................................................................................................... 37

Neck ‐ Neck Release with Thumb Lift .............................................................................................................................. 38

Shoulders ‐ Rolls............................................................................................................................................................... 38

Shoulders ‐ Swim Strokes ................................................................................................................................................ 39

Shoulder – Elbow Stretch ................................................................................................................................................ 40

Chest Opener – Cactus Hug ............................................................................................................................................. 40

Back Opener ‐ Eagle ......................................................................................................................................................... 41

Arms ‐ Wrist & Forearm Stretch ...................................................................................................................................... 42

Arms ‐ Elbow Flick Stretches ............................................................................................................................................ 43

Hands/Fingers – Namaste Hands ..................................................................................................................................... 44

Eyes – Arthritis and Eye Strain Buster ............................................................................................................................. 45

Side Bends – with Diagonal and Arm Circles ................................................................................................................... 46

Reaches – Forward and Backward ................................................................................................................................... 47

Lower Body ................................................................................................................................................................ 48

Back and Hips – Seated Pigeon ........................................................................................................................................ 48

Back – Down Dog and Up Dog ......................................................................................................................................... 49

Back – Cat/Cow ................................................................................................................................................................ 49

Hips – Circles .................................................................................................................................................................... 50

Hips – Crossover .............................................................................................................................................................. 50

Twist – Wag the Tail ......................................................................................................................................................... 51

Power and Balance ..................................................................................................................................................... 52

Sun Salutations – Seated Option ..................................................................................................................................... 52

Sun Salutations – Standing with Toes/Heels Option ....................................................................................................... 53

Warrior I ........................................................................................................................................................................... 54

Tree .................................................................................................................................................................................. 55


Chair Yoga with Sherry Zak Morris DESKWORKERS


ARMS ‐ ELBOW FLICK STRETCHES I learned this sequence when I was researching carpal tunnel exercises for one of my corporate clients. The concept being to release the elbow joint so that the nerves can run freely up and down. All the small micro movements of computer work tense up the arm and often times the nerves get pinched in the process. Any tingling sensation in the elbow wrists and fingers indicate nerve issues. Move, stretch and release those areas throughout the work day.

Bend the arm at a 90 degree angle and place the palm of the opposite hand under the upper arm for support. Spread the fingers wide and then quickly extend the arm straight down and forward.

I call this motion “Flicking” because it is a quick movement. Repeat this flick 2‐3 times on each side.

Hold the arm at a 90 degree angle, but parallel to the body. Support the arm with the opposite hand.

This flicking motion is like a karate chop sideways. Draw the arm in towards the body and then flick it away. Repeat 2‐3 times on each side.

Chair Yoga with Sherry Zak Morris WHEELCHAIR


KNOW YOUR AUDIENCE Teaching to people in wheelchairs can be very intimidating for yoga teachers. The fear comes from not wanting to hurt anyone because of the perception that they are frail, weak and limited. The most important advice I can give to any teacher wanting to teach to physically or mentally limited students is… remember they are perfect souls inside. That is why I start the class encouraging the students to close their eyes. Because when our eyes are closed, we don’t know the color of our skin, the age of our bodies, or the judgment/pity in the eyes of people around us. Inside we are light, bright spirits that can still experience that spark that is life. That is where you want to encourage your students to visit…. As often as they can.

As Seniors are living longer, there will be a growing need for chair yoga in assisted living centers, community centers and extended care facilities. Add to that equation the multitude of people of all ages who have had accidents, strokes or have been born with physical limitations that confine their physical being to a wheelchair. They can benefit from yoga just like everyone else on this planet.

They will feel your presence when you walk into the room, and they will know if you are fearful or if you are glad to be there. If there was one personality trait you need to succeed at teaching to this community of students – it is joy. Your joy for life will be effervescent for them. They need that energy of joy to take them to a different part of themselves. I always say that a yoga teacher is simply a guide – help them to explore and enjoy the sensations they can. Always focusing on what they can do today, not want they cannot do. Love conquers all! Do not fear.

CENTERING AND BREATHING I believe that people forget how to really breathe. I see it when I teach to the deskworkers and I see it especially in the assisted living centers I teach at. Shallow breathing deprives the body of needed oxygen that is so important for all of our physical and healing processes. And let’s not forget the life force that we sip in with every breath. I use this Belly Breathing sequence often to remind students how it feels to breathe deeply and slowly. Even a few rounds of this slow, mindful breath will relax the nervous system and calm the mind.

Begin the class by asking the students to close their eyes. Invite them to bring their palms together at the heart for a breath or two.

Place the right hand on the chest and the left hand on the belly. Encourage them to notice the movement of their hands as they breathe. As they become more comfortable noticing, then ask them to bring more breath into their bottom hand as the belly expands with breath.

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