yogaHOPE’s Teacher’s Blog

Flowing in Yoga at Women’s Hope

The last two Thursday’s at Women’s Hope have brought a new group of women to yoga class. The women are very enthusiastic about the yoga. A few arrive early to help set up the room with yoga mats and props. Also, I’ve seen during the minutes before class the women want to connect by asking questions about meditation and how yoga can help in their lives. One young lady stated she wants to get off her meds to help her sleep, and find a natural remedy through meditation and yoga. She stated she’s trying to be positive about what she’s gone through in her life and stated that the yoga classes help her so much in her recovery.

Also, one week a woman can be very upbeat in class, the next week depressed and struggling on the mat. Yesterday’s class a regular participant was so down but said she came to class hoping that it would boost her mood. The struggles of getting sober are very evident in class. The moods are up and down. I can’t help but teach a class that is full of positive upbeat messages and asanas that are fun and challenging at the same time. The times shared in class give the ladies an opportunity to flow in spirit and heart through yoga. Believe it or not there is always a request for core strengthening and  ab work! Thank you Trish and Beth for the amazing assists. Until next time,

-Kat Larsen, RYT

Breathing into our pain and finding light

Hi all,

Tonight at Hello House was a night filled with much energy.  At one point while in bodha konasana I spoke to the women about the emotional pain we often carry in our hips, and that women in particular can carry a lot of pain in this area because of experiences we’ve had.  I spoke about breathing in our pain and exhaling light and space to that situation - tonglen meditation.  The women really felt this - you could feel the energy in the room as they listened and accessed their own pain.  Most stayed with it though for one woman, she had to come out for a bit.  It was a very intense moment for all of us I think, and very bonding being that we’re all female.  It was the kind of moment where you wanted to cry and hug each other but at the same time a moment where we all were able to be in our bodies with the courage to breath through this emotional pain on our own - no escaping.  I emphasized that whatever pain we held on to was not us.  This really spoke to the women tonight and created for an evening of true connection for all.  I am grateful for the time I share with these women each week.

 Namaste,

 Amanda

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