By: Howie Shareff
Once a year for the last five years, I have the privilege and pleasure to teach chair yoga to Raleigh’s Foster Grandparents. Formally called Raleigh’s AmeriCorps Seniors Foster Grandparent Program, they pair local adults aged 55 and older with children in Wake County Public Schools and child development centers for mentoring and tutoring.
The citizens are primarily from southeast Raleigh and serve nearby schools. Yoga and especially chair yoga are an unfamiliar practice for most of them. I share the foundations of practice: posture, breathing and gentle movements to be more in tune with their body and develop ways to feel better, wherever they are.
Each year, about fifteen members of the group attend the class. Some are very familiar with this special event as their tenure is well beyond five years. One student even remembers attending several YogaFest NCs before the pandemic. See my attendance sheet with their years of service noted and group picture.
Beyond the basics of chair yoga, the class theme also includes tips from my ongoing experiences with physical therapy. It is very special for me to have one class to keep me somewhat fresh as a teacher. I also greatly respect the YCTY teacher team, who keep classes fresh and engaging across Wake County and North Carolina. Thank you to all who enhance community well-being with accessible yoga practices and public service.
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