Agewell Yoga

Ahimsa

Helpful excercise for people suffering from Positional Vertigo

Creating a sequence.

I have long been aware of the need to make Yoga accessible to people of every ability and have especially included practices for older learners and learners with learning difficulties and disabilities.
Whilst we are currently in lockdown here in the UK due to the Covid19 virus it would be a good time to empower ourselves using the wisdom we have accrued to date and the time we now have available to us to create our own unique sequences and home practices.
We did something similar in classes some time ago when we split into small groups in order to create a sequence. It was interesting to see the end results and to see the level of diversity in the selected practices.
Whilst we have traditional classical sequences in Yoga such as Surya Namaskar and Chandra Namaskar, these are not necessarily accessible to those who have disabilities or who find the twelve asanas too challenging for whatever reason. I always insist that Yoga is for everyone but sometimes it needs adapting and modifying.
It is also possible to create a sequence for chair yoga as we have done in our disabilities classes for those in wheelchairs. I am intending to make a video available for chair sequence options shortly.
As we always acknowledge the limitless qualities of Yoga practice, and apply the classical teachings in class we will continue to do the same here.
Let’s start by selecting a theme from the Yamas and Niyamas.

Go to the front page and select Classical Yoga/ meditation. You will find a brief explanation of the Yamas and Niyamas that we work with in class. Select one for your theme and use it to create a sequence that upholds that specific principle. Make it fun. If you prefer you can select your own theme.

Now you have selected your theme, you can begin to create your personal sequence by clicking on the videos below. Please share your feedback with me and always feel free to question and pull me up on anything I may have omitted.
I am deeply grateful to everyone of you who forever inspire me and make this shared journey so worthwhile. Love and maitri. Liz

Creating Sequence 1

Creating Sequence 2

Creating Sequence 3

Simple Sequence

Owing to the closure of classes and the need for self isolation I am hoping to encourage everyone to continue with their Yoga practice. Please remember that you may need to modify the practices to suit your needs. As we are mostly elders we should be comfortable and excercie patience and compassion in our home practice just as we do in class. Please remember that the NHS is under massive stress so please avoid any injuries. I know I can trust you all to recognize your limitations. There will be more posts in the next few days. Stay well. With love and Maitri.

Please click on the link below

This is a continuation of our seated practice this term. Before you start, remember to adjust the sit bones so that they are nicely connected to gravity and giving your spine the support it needs. Some of you will need to use blocks or a firm cushion to support you and give your body the release it needs for a firm foundation. Remeber to get into position and wait patiently for your body to adapt to the seated posture. Observe the natural curves of the spine and notice how they support your upright position. Sit for a while and observe the subtle sensations you are witnessing as you prepare for practice. Be patient and develop an attitude of compassion for yourself and your practice. Bring your mind into focus as you gradually let go of all the thoughts that preoccupy you and rest in a state of Samatha/ calm abiding. Then begin your movements maintaining your focus.

Balance Practice

Balance is only possible when we are well connected to Earth and gravity. In class we always start by observing the connection between the feet and the ground and tuning into the sensations that we experience. A focused mind brings our attention to sensations that we normally take for granted. The solidity of the ground beneath us informs us that we have stability, the hardness or softness of the ground will influence how confident we feel in balance. If the ground is too hard we will often find that we are protective in our balance and possible a little tense. The temperature of the ground allows us to connect to the Earth and open the feet out. The texture informs us that there are no sharp or dangerous obstacles to our practice. Texture offers a sensory experience that invites us to take pelasure in the practice. When you are fully aware of your feet begin the balance. after you have completed on one leg begin on the other side but release all the tension you are holdin first and bring your focus back to sensing through the feet.

Sequence

This sequence is a version of the one we have been practising this term. Mostly you have all learnt it well by now but I know the memory side of practices can be challenging for us all. As we get older memory becomes a vital part of the practices because we identify with and orientate ourselves around the memories of our lives. Since Yoga is a holistic practice we cannot neglect memory in class. Although I see anxst in your faces as I step aside and watch you carry out the sequence on your own, I know that for many of you it is reassuring to realize that you have memorised the practice by the end of the sequence. It is interesting too that those who have had diagnosis of memory related health concerns are often the ones who amaze me at your accuracy and ability to connect to that part of the brain. Memory requires attention. Do not expect to have good memory if you are mentally multi tasking. It simply will not work. Clear your mind and focus. Find how best to commit something to memory. The method will be different for each one of us. In class we share our thoughts. When you have finished reflect on this for a moment.

Alternative Sequence

Now an alternative sequence. Some of the movements may be modified or even avoided to suit your needs. I know that I can trust you all to respect your bodies and recognize their limitations without being judgemental or critical. We are all getting older but I observe that many of you have more grace and flexibility than some of the youngsters I used to teach.

https://www.mixcloud.com/AgewellYoga/summer-term-2018/

As promised, In lieu of summer Classes this year. I uploaded the summer term class for you to follow. This includes a modified version of the 5 Tibetan Rites, with altered sequencing for ease of practice. Options for setting individual challenges and balancing practices to work on during the holidays

This class' age ranges from 50-90 years of age and therefore includes plenty of modifications to include all within the practice. The theme is Daya (compassion) and the final Yoga Nidra incorporates Maitri (Loving Kindness/friendship)

Hope you all enjoy continued practice throughout the summer recess

We will resume classes in september

Looking forward to welcoming you all
With love and Maitri