A Community of Wellness at Pine Acres
Yoga at Pine Acres Community Center is about community and celebrating what our bodies can do at every age.
A Journey That Began with My Mother
I began teaching chair yoga as a way to help my 87-year-old mother and her neighbors in a senior living community. The transformation within the group was tremendous as they rediscovered their strength.
At times,the group acted as if the world had forgotten them. I wouldn’t allow that. They thought they couldn’t do anything but sit and stare. With gentle modifications, it didn’t take long before the class went from sitting to standing, and with the assistance of chairs for balance, they were holding beautiful Warrior II poses.
A Warm Welcome in Fuquay-Varina
I was ready to expand my teaching to a new group. At the end of a short road in Fuquay-Varina sits a one-story, small community center with a large heart. Twice a month, I enter the fellowship hall. Often, I’m greeted by an elderly gentleman with kind eyes and a beautiful voice “Welcome, welcome,” he says while opening the door. This warms my heart and lifts my spirit..
Building the Circle
I arrange the room and then sit and wait, facing the door and wondering who will join the circle on this rainy morning when some folks might prefer to sleep in. Slowly, one by one, residents enter the room and greet me. We move our chairs to widen the circle as new women enter the room. With sharp focus, the group follows my lead of three oms followed by a pranayama. Often, someone will begin to laugh after the breathing exercise. It’s wonderful to see the positive energy released throughout the circle.
A Tight-Knit Community
It didn’t take long to realize people at the Pine Acres Community Center are tightly connected. They’ve known each other from years of celebrating community. It’s an honor to work with them as they share the struggles that often accompany aging.
I watch their faces carefully and caution them not to do any moves that may cause pain. Some can no longer lift their arms over their head, while others can no longer cross their legs. They accept the modifications I offer and continue on, never giving up. I’m so inspired by them.
Redefining Yoga
Some believe that if you can’t put your foot behind your head, you can’t do yoga. Well, I don’t think that, and neither do my students. I believe yoga is a way of life, a journey towards meditation and calming the mind, helping us to live our best lives.
Poses strengthen their balance, fortify their lungs, and enhance their well-being. At the beginning of class, folks share their happy moments, skirting the negative with the knowledge that where their mind goes, their energy flows.
Last month, I took a camping trip to Wyoming. In my first class back, they immediately asked me how the trip was. They truly wanted to hear about the triumphs and challenges of the trip. In sharing my adventures with them before class, I felt a deep sense of belonging with this group of ladies, which filled a hole in me I didn’t even know I had.
Wellness Has No Age Limit
Happiness is rooted in wellness. It’s never too late to be happy, no matter what age a person might be or the health complexity a person might be suffering through. With careful instruction and modifications where needed, yoga is for everyone.
After class, the chairs are moved to a large round table where the ladies begin to gather before lunch. There is laughter amidst the sound of the chairs scraping against the floor. I reluctantly leave the room. The kind gentleman holds the door as I go and wishes me a safe trip. As I walk to my car, I don’t even notice the rain because yoga creates wellness not just within my students, but the wellness it creates surrounds me.
Laurie Bishop, E-RYT 200, RYT 500, YACEP, MAT, is a yoga and meditation instructor based in Holly Springs, NC. She believes wellness is for every body and every age. Discover her classes and reflections at thehappybishop.com.