I was hesitant. I felt a little nervous about jumping into something new, especially as that something new was in person. Would I be able to see and understand the instructor? Would he give enough verbal cues so that I would be able to follow directions without actually being able to see? How would I feel about walking into a room where I didn’t know the set up? Would I even be able to find a chair without tripping? I already knew that I wouldn’t want to draw attention to myself by walking with my white cane over the flat floor surface of the auditorium. The final consideration was COVID. Basically, Lyle and I haven’t been anywhere with a group of people in the last nearly two years. We are both double vaccinated and have had our booster shots, but would I feel safe in this new setting?
In the end, I decided to give it a try and last week I attended my first session. Darlene was great. She introduced me to the instructor and I explained that I had limited sight. At this point, Darlene and Chris made sure that I had the chair closest to the instructor – although still maintaining the six feet apart ruling. The lights had been dimmed on the outside of the circle of chairs. I was a little intimidated by this but felt more secure once I was seated.
I was glad that Chris started the session with breathing exercises. This beginning really helped to calm my anxiety and by the time he segued into the first exercise I was able to concentrate on the various movements. The movements were aimed at strengthening the different body parts and improving balance. This might sound very basic to those of you who have taken yoga before, but it was all new for me.
As for my questions! Well, I did feel safe in this in person setting. Darlene guided me to a chair and Chris gave excellent verbal directions. I did have some trouble understanding one exercise which involved some sort of foot roll, but otherwise, I think that I did okay. At the end of the one-hour session I felt quite relaxed and more confident about fitting in with the rest of the class participants.
This past Friday I attended my second session. It is exciting to be looking forward to something new and I am grateful to Chris for his excellent directions and to Darlene for encouraging me to move out of my comfort zone.
There is a picture with this post. Darlene and I are standing in the beginning of a yoga tree pose – at least I think that is what Chris called it. We are standing with our feet slightly apart. Our feet and upper torsos are turned slightly to the side. Our arms are stretched out to the side. I learned yesterday that my arms can get quite heavy if I hold them out for any stretch of time. From my initial experience, I think that yoga can be a good work out. I think I will go back again!
 |
| Darlene and Sue in tree pose |
No comments:
Post a Comment