In a recent Globe newspaper interview an instructor says, “tai chi is the only thing you can do for the rest of your life.” Not true!
Yoga that respects your current health and fitness levels is a practice that spans a lifetime: An intelligent yoga practice adjusts with you and with the challenges that life throws your way. Yoga can work powerfully when done according to your body and breath: it does not require great strength or flexibility… but it can build those for you.
Traditionally, a yoga practice is developed for each individual - for their specific health and fitness levels and taking into account any other circumstances. For someone who is prepared to regularly set aside time to include yoga in their day, a practice developed for their concern is the most effective.
We are much more familiar with group classes however, and indeed a group could provide the encouragement when things tug you away from taking good care of yourself. Having a small number of participants in a regular yoga class makes a big difference too… and to some extent, the make-up of that group should dictate the yoga content.
Pain, and any aggravation at all in a yoga practice means that it’s actually not yoga. A yoga practice works within the boundaries of limitations and, by respecting the body’s messages, it can very gradually move our boundaries.
Also, we learn to leave our demanding / ambitious / competitive spirit at the door and we bring to the practice as much of our mind’s focus that we can. Then, a good yoga session helps the mind to focus so that the seemingly unceasing thoughts abate… and we can find equanimity for a little while. Over time, that equanimity builds in the practice and outside of the practice.
We don’t always know if and when we will need more strength or balance, yet if we practice appropriate yoga for our circumstances, we are building those potentials well. And since yoga can be adapted for any stage of life, we can always be empowered to make a difference for ourselves.
See current yoga class schedule
