“Health is a state of complete harmony of the body, mind and spirit. When one is free from physical disabilities and mental distractions, the gates of the soul open.”
– BKS Iyengar
Attended Leslie Howard’s workshop at last ! A senior veteran teacher, again another highly endorsed teacher from my Yoga Therapy Program’s director. The studio was packed with women of all ages but especially recent postpartum moms … and some appeared to be Yoga/Pilates teachers or a PT, simply there to learn to better help others. Did you know one out of three women throughout different life stages in their lives suffer from issues related to our Apana – “down-there” region? Leslie suspects the actual rate to be as high as 50% because that 1/3 data comes from what’s been reported. She believes so many cases tend to remain unreported as women (& men too!) quietly do so well what they quietly do, i.e., …suffer. Many of us are well trained in the art of … enduring. We endure … Why endure? Fix it.
Went over the anatomy …to much greater detail. Rather amazed at the depth of expertise she has on this matter. Then onto self-diagnostic tools, yoga poses specific to what we are trying to alleviate or strengthen and more. Once again impressed by the therapeutic power of yoga when applied to ways to bring about comfort and ease in our lives. It does not mean that the practice is not challenging – it’s challenging – but effective and worthwhile. Isn’t feelings of liberation from discomforts worthwhile?
It’s pretty crazy that we know so little about ourselves. It’s like we are driving around this car we don’t know anything about the mechanics of … only we are much much more complex, we have this body, the mind and this energy … a spirit. At one point with this “ah-ha” facial expressions, few of us exclaimed – how come no one taught us this!? Really. Why don’t we know this stuff? It’s so vital to our wellbeing. Convinced from this workshop that knowledge holds the key, the power in our self-care protocol. It’s empowering to find out how unique and independent we each are, and yet, paradoxically, how connected and communal we are meant to be.
She also provides referrals to PTs so she’s all about collaborative care. Can’t wait to get my hands on her book due out soon:)
“Yoga teaches us to cure what need not be endured and
endure what cannot be cured.”
– BKS Iyengar