Yoga Supergran

This morning's class had the usual post-menopause group of ladies.  Most of them are in their 50's, and they flock together before class to discuss what to eat for breakfast, think of breakfast during class, and are the first to roll up their mats and head off to the  coffee shop for a bowl of steaming, hot curry laksa after class.  Don't get me wrong... I love their enthusiasm on the mat (which matches their enthusiasm for food, food and more glorious food, which Malaysia is famous for).


As I led them into Bakasana (an asana that they've attempted in previous classes), the usual moans could be heard.  "I'm too old for this.... I'll fall on my face.... I have knee pain... my wrists are too weak... can aunties do this pose?"


And since nobody reported any injuries prior to class, I pooh-pooh'd at their moans and tried to put on my sternest face, as I guided them step-by-step into Bakasana.


And what do you know?  Everyone managed to come up to Bakasana, held on for at least 3 seconds before letting go.  With a huge grin, to match their wide, happy smiles, I said, "You all had it in you. Age is just a number".


Which brings to mind an article I read sometime ago, about the Yoga Supergran in Australia.... who's just an ordinary, dedicated yoga practitioner (and not like the Yoga Masters in the likes of B.K.S Iyengar and Krishnamacharya).


Yoga instructor, Bette Calman from Williamstown, Victoria, is 85 today, but is living proof that 40 years of a dedicated yoga practice keeps the body and mind supple and nimble.  She still teaches about 11 classes a week, and has the flexibility and strength in some of the gravity defying postures, that will put many a youngster to shame.  And as the bendy granny sums it, "You're NEVER too old. The body is a remarkable instrument.  If you keep at it, you'll get there eventually".


And it's this inspiring spirit, that makes her a legend.  


Here's Bette and her infamous pink jumpsuit, demonstrating some of her favourite asanas.

Bakasana (Crow Pose)

So, can Aunties do this pose?
Heck, yeah...even Grannies can!


Happy Weekend, everyone.
  

Time of Change

Most women I know (almost) always heave a sigh or two when the dreaded "M" word is mentioned.

Menopause.

While few women breeze through this time of fluctuating hormones, treating it as nothing more than a (short) phase of hiccups, most women battle perimenopausal symptoms up to as long as 6 years!  It's almost as if we are mourning the end of youth itself!

It is during this time that fluctuating estrogen and progresterone levels play havoc to our bodies and minds, triggering a myriad of less than desirable symptoms :

     ♥   hot flashes

     ♥   insomnia

     ♥   mood swings

     ♥   anxiety attacks

     ♥   depression

     ♥   memory lapses

     ♥   erratic periods

Depending on the severity of these symptoms, some doctors would prescribe menopausal women with HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy) drugs to cope better during this stage in life.  However, many studies (although not definitive) have shown that HRT can be linked to increased risk of breast cancer, stroke or heart diseases.

So, if HRT is not preferable, perhaps a Naturopath or Traditional Chinese Doctor could help with a more holistic solution? 
Would yoga also be a non-evasive option to keep these unpleasant symptoms under control?

Although it is not meant to be a cure-all, having a regular yoga practice can help menopausal women adjust better and more comfortably during this hormonal roller-coaster ride.  Restorative asanas have a natural and direct effect in relaxing the thyroid and pituitary glands, stimulate the parasympathetic system, thus allowing women to live happier, find solace and inner peace instead of being (helplessly) overwhelmed by these uncontrollable symptoms.

With the help of props like yoga blocks, bolsters, pillows and blankets, a calming, restorative yoga practice for menopausal women can include asanas like :

• Baddha Konasana / Supta Baddha Konasana
• Paschimottasana (over a bolster)
• Janu Sirsasana
• Adho Mukha Svanasana (with head on block)
• Vrksasana (for calmness and stillness in the mind)
• Viparita Karani
• Supta Virasana
• Setu Bandhasana
• Ardha Salamba Sarvangasana
• Ardha Halasana (with legs on a chair)
• Gentle backbends like supported Ustrasana
• Matsyasana (to release tension in the heart)

While having a regular yoga practice prior to menopause would make a world of difference, it is never too late to start your practice.  Yoga has its roots in lifelong rewards when one practises to bring harmony to the body and mind. 

The Chinese believe, that a woman's reproductive system is the centre of her creativity.  Why not take this time to learn a new craft, take up yoga or line dancing, or join friends for early morning tai-chi sessions, followed by a hearty, healthy breakfast?

Support from family and loved ones are also crucial at this particular point in life.  Try to be extra patient and understanding if you're living with someone going through menopause. 

May all women find that calm in life to remain happy and grounded during the "Big M" stage.

Forever Young

I had the pleasure of teaching yoga to a 63 year old lady this morning. She was German, understood very little English, and spoke even less. Any nervousness at the challenge ahead soon disappeared the moment we stepped onto the mat, and proceeded slowly to our first Surya Namaskar.

Her enthusiasm and focus was amazing! Fully aware of her limitations and her prevailing health conditions, she immersed herself into the morning practice, resting in Balasana in-between, while waiting for her breath to slow down to its natural rhythm before rejoining the class. She patiently waited for me to demonstrate a variation to Vrksasana.... smiled her understanding, before proceeding to the asana. I glanced at her face when she was in Utkatasana, and saw a mixture of curious observation and lightness. Her energy was beautiful.

Most of us settle for the "life is this way or that way" mentality especially when we get older. This lady has taught me, that age is just a number, and certainly, you're NEVER too old to start practising yoga. Her practice may be slow to the outer eye, but I believe, there's plenty going on deep inside.

Today, I learnt quiet listening. I learnt letting students speak up in a manner that is beyond verbal. I learnt that the fountain of youth has a lot to do with the spirit.

Namaste.