I teach a gentle yoga class 3 mornings a week. It’s by far my most regularly attended class, averaging 8-15 participants a day. We sometimes joke that we’re going to grow out of our space, though I keep reassuring them there is plenty of room for whoever may come. Mostly it’s the local senior population who take advantage of this particular slow, gentle flow class, but everyone is welcome. The sense of community in this class is such that it’s like walking into a big open armed grandma hug 3 mornings a week. I adore these people.
Because of the population that frequents this class, there’s often a bit more I have to consider when planning what we’re going to work of for the day. We have people with “new” parts (hips and knees). We have people with significantly decreased range of motion in their spine, their hips, their shoulders. We have people who have special balance concerns. And they find comfort in having somewhat of a regular routine. Any one who has ever taught a yoga class geared towards the senior population knows what I’m talking about. It’s a challenge, but at the same time it is such a gift to be able to serve this population.
Today in class one of my gals whose been having some problems with her elbow was having a really rough day. I’ve worked with her to show her some modifications and different options so that she doesn’t have to do poses that require her to bear weight on her arm, but today I could see the pain and frustration in her eyes as she moved her arm extra slow, sometimes cradling it against her trunk when it hurt. So I decided, as I was putting the group into final relaxation, that I would take a little time to offer up a gentle forearm massage to help her find a little extra relaxation. She was open to the offer and within 30 seconds of me cradling her arm in one hand so that I could gently massage the muscles of her forearm with my other, little tears started to form at the corner of her gently closed eyes. I felt her release her arm into my care and her breath deepen as she relaxed. I gently, oh so gently, massaged her tight, tired muscles and breathed slow, deep breaths myself. On my part it was a small, simple gesture. But one that I’m glad I took the time to make. For a few minutes her pain was relieved. And the gift she gave in return, trusting me to help ease her discomfort, has filled my heart with joy today.
It’s brief moments like this that I’m reminded just how powerful touch can be in times of pain and need. Why my girls ask to snuggle when they are sad, or tired, or worried. Why my dogs want to be as close as possible, preferably touching someone, as they sleep. Why as I go to sleep at night I find comfort in the warmth my husbands body at my side.
I hope you too have the chance to regularly reach out and touch (or be touched by) someone!
namaste
JMavin Massage 
What a lovely gift to give her! Thanks for the reminder of the power of touch. Some people get very little physical contact in their daily lives.
So true!On Saturday, I was walking around my class giving people a little push in child’s pose. A woman was looking around, so I told her she could come out if she wanted to. Nope, she was just afraid I was not going to get to her! Great post.