I hope this isn't too dramatic

Community Welcome New Members
#1

This is like my first step into an ocean that I’ve been studying for years. I had a debilitating injury in 2003(Shattered my left arm), and had congestive heart failure in 2008. Did I mention I’m 42, which is much to young for CHF?

I went through a major spiritual shift soon after shattering my arm. In just a few weeks the paradigm that I had been living in since childhood shattered, and was replaced by one where prejudice and hate didn’t belong.

What I realize now is that I developed out of balance, the spirit developing past the physical. But what could I do? I wasn’t able to develop my body with it as broken as it was. So now I feel…I know…that I’m profusely out of balance. To make matters worse I live in a place where, when you mention Yoga, people think your referring to “that fancy ice cream that you get at the TCBY in New Orleans”. The closest Yoga Instructor is literally miles, probably more than a hundred miles, away.

When the time is right I plan to move somewhere where I can get personalized instruction. But until then, I will take assistance from anyone who will give it. I would appreciate it if everyone who reads this would think back to when they were beginning and try to steer me in the direction that they would have wanted to be steered.

Thanks…
WEHALL
(Willis Earl Hall)

#2

In the beginning I read a book about Kum Nye Yoga. Books are not a bad place to start.

Meggie

#3

Yoga is for everyone. I highly suggest beginning to search online, just Googling, terms such as “yoga for the disabled”, “yoga to heal injuries”, etc. Just see what comes up, read some articles (one of the first I found was this: http://www.yogawiz.com/blog/yoga-benefits/yoga-poses-and-postures-handicapped.html), then think of other terms that those articles might give you. You may find the perfect path to exactly what you need.

It is best to have a teacher when you have injuries, I strongly believe, but in that absence, research is your best bet, to lead you to the book or even person online who might be able to help you. Who knows where this journey will take you?

Best of luck.

#4

Not too dramatic at all! Welcome to the forums and thank you for sharing your story.

#5

I cringe to admit it, but I started out with a beginner’s book from yoga journal. I checked out their website, just to see if it is something I could recommend. The downside is that it’s really geared toward women, but there is a lot of material on the site, so if you have some time to browse, you might find something you can use.

Some of the material is free, including some podcasts, and some you have to pay for. I found a podcast I liked with a really good female instructor. I liked it because it reminded me of the calisthenics they used to make us do in the Marine Corps. Bends and thrusts forever!

#6

One book which I used regularly in the early days (and still keep to hand now) is Yoga for Dummies. It contains recommended routines and guidance on developing your own routine, as well as going through a comprehensive description of many different postures. It’s written by Georg Feuerstein and Larry Payne.

I also like the old Lyn Marshall books, such as Wake Up To Yoga, as she focuses on gentle, slow stretches. She may appeal more to females though.

#7

This is a site that I have no problem recommending to anyone Ashtanga.info. You definitely should look at the sequences for Surya Namaskara, at least. You may need to modify the basic positions to suit your level of conditioning, but you will see variations of this sequence in many other instructional videos.

#8

Have you read “Bringing Yoga to Life” by Donna Farhi?

Also The Wisdom of no Escape by Penna Chodren?

Yoga is so many things, you can practice without the use of postures, or you can use simple and effective postures. I think it’s definantly good to start reading and contemplating the subject. Good luck moving closer to a more suitable area.

Have you thought about spending some time in an Ashram, maybe a short break? Imbibing yoga from an ashram will show the diversity that yoga has to offer.

Good luck, I wish you the best!

#9

Thanks for all the direction. I’ve began with stretches and the Five Tibetan Rites…or at least an awkward, comical variation of them. I do plan to get professional instruction soon, but I’ll be very hesitant to join most Yoga classes because I wouldn’t want to be that creepy man who, because of his obvious lack of knowledge, might just be there to stare at the women.

I’m actually acquainted with a Tibetan Monk. I met him when I participated in an anti-Chinese occupation march at a university and I buy his dinner every time I get the chance. I plan to seek his advice also. I’ll post his recommendations. I’m open to most anything.

Thanks again for all the direction. i’m really enjoying browsing the forums. I’m learning a lot.

#10

Wehall,
I live in a city where yoga is available, but have almost not extra cash for it. Realising that absolutely do not want to live without yoga, i began looking for instructional videos online and found a great great web sight. The basic membership is only ten dollars a month and provides unlimited access to their yoga, meditation, and explanatory videos. The web sight is myyogaonline.com
I hope it helps :slight_smile:

Yana

#11

i have stated doing yoga classes on skype. my clients love the detail i can help them with. i love technology!
Rachel

#12

I do plan to get professional instruction soon, but I’ll be very hesitant to join most Yoga classes because I wouldn’t want to be that creepy man who, because of his obvious lack of knowledge, might just be there to stare at the women.

Tallhorseman,
now, you know better than that. You know that you would not just sit there :D.
Everyone in any yoga class was new once. some were less sure of themselves than others. You are not the wierd guy by any means. :stuck_out_tongue:
may I suggest that you DO plan to attend a class, but ask ahead of time if you will be able to visit with the instructor for a few minutes before hand. Perhaps choose a class just after lunch so the instructor is available, for example. Then the instructor knows that a new student wishes to speak to them before hand, and will be ready to answer questions or concerns you may have. Then you will feel more at ease in the class, having addressed your concerns. The instructor, I guarantee, will help alleviate some of your worries in that little talk at the beginning. Instructors do appreciate knowing what their students expect or hope from the class, and also appreciate being able to give you modifications to address your specific situation and body.
So take the plunge, and walk tall. you are taking steps to bring yourself to health!
Namaste` :slight_smile:

#13

Oopsy. I just took time to re-read your first post. sorry, I didnt catch the bit about being so far from a yoga instructor!

My advice to you (and I have to type quickly as I have to leave, lucky you! lol) is to go slow, listen carefully to your body. Find some online videos that focus on Iyengar yoga, which will help you focus on alignment. Breathe steadily and deeply through all movements and poses. Don’t do anything that hurts. Explore what you can, and you can discover where your strengths and weaknesses are.
By doing the videos at yogatoday.com I learned a lot of little things along the way, little “aha!” moments - when the instructor would remind us to focus on sliding the shoulders down the back in a pose where my mind was focused on completely different body parts - always reminding me that it is a whole body practice, not just “this pose focuses on the hips” for example.
Go carefully, and listen. Your “guide” will come to you as you keep an open mind and heart about wanting to truly learn to practice yoga fully.

#14

Hello
I am Richard.
I am new here and i have serious passion about traveling and too much conscious about my health.
Very excited to exchange our experiences:p

#15

Hi Wehall,

There is a wonderful book called :
Asana Pranayama Mudra Bandha

it not only started me on my yoga path, but it has accompanied me ever since.
At the beginning of the book are a couple of sections of very simple exercises that prepare the body for the serious stuff to come. Each technique in the book has diagrams, descriptions, benefits listed, counter-indications, and much more.

good luck,
Ben

#16

Welcome to the journey…

Best with Blessings,
Nancy

#17

42 is the best time to start!!! Check this out! She started at her 40s as well
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/worldnews/article-1172810/The-yoga-supergran-bend-backwards-age-83.html

#18

CityMonk, thank you so much for sharing that!
It’s one thing to see a yoga master who is in his 80’s doing complicated maneuvers, but another thing entirely, in the realm of inspiration, to see “Yogagran” in her pearl earrings and perfect hair doing positions that you would think an 80 year old woman would not have the strength to do. Thank you so much. :slight_smile:
Maybe I too will be a yogagran, if I start NOW, at 47!

#19

Fantastic, a good does of imspiration and motivation right there!

#20

Everything is possible!