“Do something uncomfortable today by stepping out of your box. You don’t have to settle for what you are–you get to create who you want to become.”
I know it’s hard to believe, but I took the same beginner’s ski lesson for twenty years. I hated skiing and was fearful of falling, but I felt my now ex-husband would love me more if only I could ski. Foolish me! Mount Snow, Stowe, Okemo, Bosquet, even Steamboat Springs, Colorado. Me in the beginner class on the bunny slope, never advancing. Me, not eating meals or sleeping well, too nervous for the next morning’s ski lesson. What a relief when I gave my skis, boots and poles to my friend Elayne and allowed myself the opportunity to relax in the ski lodge, read a book, and drink hot cocoa. Oh, the mistakes I made when I was younger. Never again will I do something I hate to please a man!
Why does this come to mind and why now? Well, I want to start something new– yoga, for me, for my health, to improve my strength, balance and flexibility. I have been putting it off for awhile. What is stopping me?
Researching this topic, I found an article on point that resonated with me and addressed many of my concerns.
1. Fear of failure: Flashback to ski lessons (Penny falling off the chairlift and not being able to get up on skis to move out of the way and not get hit by the oncoming chair)! With yoga, I am fearful that I am not flexible enough or strong enough. As an advanced yoga practitioner, my daughter Jamie reminds me, that is just the reason why I need to do it! She asked me not flexible or strong compared to whom? I think of yoga as involving a progression from simple to more complex positions and success would be moving through each move. I am now learning that it is not like martial arts where your success is measured by how you progress through the belt colors. “It is a personal journey and the only important questions is what does my body, mind and soul need today”. There is no such thing as failing at yoga. Phew, that’s a relief! I can let go of that fear.
2. Fear of embarrassment: This is supposedly the most direct fear most women over sixty suffer from when it comes to gentle yoga. Women of all ages suffer from a lack of confidence regarding their bodies. Older women have the added fear of looking out of place in a room full of twenty or thirty somethings. Margaret Manning, in her article, suggests that the only way to deal with this fear is to gain confidence by exposure. She suggests her Gentle Yoga Videos to build confidence before you join a large class. She adds that eventually you will realize that everyone in the class is too busy worrying about what they are doing to pay attention to you.
3. Fear of our own emotions: At this age, we have become good at hiding certain emotions from the world–frustration, sadness, anxiety. Yoga can bring these emotions to the surface, according to the articles. As you hold a difficult pose, involving some pain or discomfort, you may feel frustrated, sad or even angry. We can embrace these natural emotions rather than hiding them.
4. Fear of pain or discomfort: These are exactly the reasons to start yoga as an older adult. Pain is only information that is telling you how far you can go in each position and where you need to focus your practice.
5. Fear of the unknown: Someone said that yoga is as deep as the ocean and means many different things. Fear of the unknown can be a catalyst for change or can chain you to the past. I am comfortable and confident when doing Zumba, because I love to dance, but need to step out of my comfort zone to try something new.
Exercise physiologists confirm that yoga meets most of the physical activity guidelines for older adults. It improves strength, flexibility and balance which is another big concern for us as older adults. ( I already have two falls with broken wrists at two different times, and do not want to go through any more).
Yoga practice can reduce hypertension and provide mental benefits as well–reduced stress and anxiety, enhanced mood and a sense of well being. Another advantage is the community that forms around it.
I realize now that everyone has unique challenges and opportunities. Yoga is about doing what you can. There is no finish line. Everyone is an individual. Because of my wrist issues, I have problems getting up to a standing position from the floor without a chair or piece of furniture. I plan to start with chair yoga to build confidence, build strength and hopefully more mobility and then proceed from there. I promise to keep you posted on my yoga journey. I’m off to start the Chair Yoga Video. XO Penny
Resources
The Ultimate Gentle Yoga Program for Older Adults 3 in 1 bundle $46.00 DVD/Online streaming 10 hours contains Chair Yoga, Gentle Yoga and Yoga Flows Go to sixtyandmeshop.com (This is what I purchased–I do not receive any compensation for plugging this)
Yoga For Seniors, The Complete Guide vivehealth.com
Five Fears That Stop Older Adults From Trying Gentle Yoga, Margaret Manning sixtyandme.com
I can relate to this so well, Penny! For me it’s golf lessons and I took them in retirement and did fine but you know what, I really DONT want to play. I don’t know how many years I have left but I don’t want to waste hours of a beautiful day trying to hit a minuscule ball into an itty bitty hole. I’d rather be walking!
But when it comes to yoga I say bravo. And guess what I. Yoga it’s fine to always stay on the bunny hill! For me yoga is more about the breathing and staying in the moment and the reward of shivasana at the end of class. But not all yoga classes/ teachers are the same. Find what/ who you’re comfortable with and listen to your body. Take it slow and enjoy it!
Good for you for trying something new! I think you will be happy you did!
Kathy, I love that I have permission to stay on the bunny hill in yoga. I love your comments and am so happy to still be in touch with you, my friend. Stay well. Penny
Great blog again Penny. Yoga scares me like many things. I’m not coordinated or good at getting up off the floor anymore. I realize lately that many of the things I used to really enjoy I don’t do anymore. I don’t know why that is but I think I better find out why. I wonder if being inside everyday and not being able to freely walk around without a mask may be part of the problem. Maybe knowing that now I can be outside past 5pm may help, but the beach is still off limits to people and I really miss that. I miss you my friend, wish we were closer to each other.
xoxo
Thanks Debby. I have trouble getting up from the floor, which is upsetting to me. I hope the yoga will help. I hope things improve soon so that you can get back to the beach you love. I will try to call you tomorrow. XO Penny
Funny, I had the same skiing experience with my husband. After my several bunny slope ski lessons he thought I should be ready to go down the hill. I was ready to when I looked down, I couldn’t see the bottom of the run, let alone what was around the corner. I said no way, I’m not going. I actually sat down in the snow and refused to move. I told him to go ahead with the rest of the family. After they left, I picked myself up, took my skis off and walked to the gondola. I met them at the bar at the bottom of the hill, happy I didn’t risk my life/body doing something I didn’t want to do.
Now for the yoga. I thought it was also something I wanted to do and I do think it was something I would have had to step out of my comfort zone to do, so I gave it a whirl. It also didn’t work out well for me. I was doing ok with the moves and positions, but I could not get my brain into it. I was bored to tears. So, I guess I’ll have to find something else I’ll feel comfortable with, actually, I think I’m into water aerobics. It seems to work for me. I still think there must be something else I should be doing.
Love your blog, Penny, it makes me feel as if I’m okay. Thanks!
Hi Shellie. At least you were smart enough to give it up sooner than me. I kept thinking it would make George love me. I love water aerobics and swimming. The pool is my happy place. We will see about yoga. To be determined! Thanks for following my blog! I love your feedback.
Wow that was unusual. I just wrote an very long comment but after I clicked submit my comment didn’t appear. Grrrr… well I’m not writing all that over again. Regardless, just wanted to say fantastic blog!
Thanks a lot!