Namaste Once Again
Today I remembered how good it feels to do downward dog, to do plank, even to do lunges. I had my first post-surgery yoga class and it was a wonderful reunion with a practice I had sorely missed over the past 2 months.
It was not easy to find a teacher who was interested in taking on someone with a total hip replacement, but after talking to a chain of people, I found Sally Craig, who is dedicated to teaching “yoga for people with creaky bodies.” Hmmm... that would be me for sure.
I knew from our initial conversation this was the right person for me, especially in my current state of health. She wisely postponed our first class until after my 6-week visit with my surgeon. She asked to speak to someone who could explain the limitations I currently have to guard again hip dislocation.
I was disappointed that my surgeon opted out of briefing my yoga teacher. In truth, his interest in me seemed to end when I left the hospital. However, my dedicated physical therapist Christina was only too happy to talk to Sally and prior to my arrival today they had spoken at length.
The additional prop of a chair allowed me to modify several poses, mostly using the chair for balance. Sally had carefully thought through the traditional yoga poses, modifying even things like a sun salutation so I could do them. I breathed with that wonderful “Darth Vadar” breath for the entire hour as I remembered the powerful effect that moving my body, breathing, and meditating have on my being.
As I lay on my back for final relaxation, Sally put my socks back on and gave me a foot massage, an added treat.
I have scheduled three more one-on-one classes. Then I will plan to join one of her classes or perhaps one a little closer to home, with the thought that by that time I will be quite knowledgeable of what I must do to protect myself.
But for the next three weeks I will luxuriate in doing those many poses in the intimate setting of Sally’s home, where it’s all about me and allowing my body to experience the benefits of a yoga practice once again.
Namaste!
posted by Barbara at 9:19 PM
3 Comments:
Wow, this is great news! How wonderful to find someone who WANTS to work with you AS YOU ARE. (Sorry for the caps; I don't know how to do italics in the comment box!) That's so true to the spirit of yoga. I've been doing more yoga recently myself, and tomorrow will also be starting the 90-day sit "challenge" sponsored by Tricycle magazine (this year's sit has a Zen emphasis). Namaste, indeed!
F.
That there are people out there who take the time to do well by others is a delightful lift after all the national news of the greediness and uncaring acts by our elected officials and others we think to trust. Thanks for this post. Delighted to read of your continuing recovery.
Namaste to you, too, Barbara! Your spirits seem up again (foot massage, hmmm!), and that`s always the best. I`m trying a bit yoga on my own, but that is not the right thing, of course, even with a book.
Veri word is duckli, sounds cute, eh?
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