Yoga and Mental Health

I attended a three hour workshop titled "Yoga for Mental Health" this Saturday.  The speaker was Eve Parker, LICSW and Yoga Teacher.

Ms. Parker provided a good overview of brain functioning, neurotransmitters, triggers, hyper and hypo responses to stress or trauma, healthy lifestyle choices, self-help and treatment options for types of mental health issues, balance, hierarchy of needs, coping skills, yoga practices suited to emotive-physical needs, yoga models, yoga breathing, etc..  She was very knowledgeable about psychology, a lively young speaker, well organized, and approachable.

She provided a 12 page handout and note taking materials.  She had set out a mat, blocks, bolster, and blanket for each of the 15 attendees.

We finished with yoga practices for 45 minutes.  Breathing techniques and postures for energizing, uplifting, and stimulating; as well as for softening, relaxing, releasing, and destressing were illustrated.

The Simply Yoga Studio has all the needed facilities, comforts, and supplies for group yoga activities.  There are many knowledgeable and experienced teachers at this Studio.

I also attended a 'Gentle Yoga' class for one hour in the morning, led by Eve Parker.  Quieting, restful, and some chair yoga movements.  A refreshing atmosphere at this Simply Yoga Studio.

I've been attending some yoga classes at three locations in Vancouver, Washington:  Simply Yoga Studio (6.1 miles) in Salmon Creek along Hwy 99; LA Fitness Gym (5.6 miles) in the Hazel Dell Market Center along 78th Street; and, the LA Fitness Gym (2.8 miles) in the Orchards Market Center along NE Fourth Plain Road.  There are numerous high quality and new fitness facilities and programs near my home in northeast Vancouver. 

I am enjoying myself, in a good mood, and trying to slowly but surely improve my physical conditioning, stamina, strength, and balance.  On the "mental health" side I want to reduce anxiety, become more fearless, and increase my self-confidence.  Reasonable goals for a fellow at 73 years of age?  Yes!

Steady Progress

Karen and I have been busy working on making our new house our home.

We have improved the back yard with new plants, trellis, pots, fencing, steps, pavers, etc.  

There are still some boxes remaining in our garage waiting to be unboxed, sorted, and moved.  We want to park one of our cars in the garage for easy loading and unloading in the garage, especially during our coming wet autumn-winter season.  With 45 inches of rain per year average, a sheltered place for our car will be useful.  

I joined the local LA Fitness gym.  It is 2.8 miles from my new home.  It has all the facilities, equipment, and amenities I will need for exercising.  It also has a very nice heated lap pool.  I will try their yoga classes.  

Walking for 30 minutes in the morning and/or evening.  Beautiful summer weather here in Vancouver for pleasant walks.  

My new (6/6/17) pacemaker seems to be working OK.  My sprained right hand and broken right ring finger are steadily healing.  I now have a team of physicians and good health care support here in Vancouver.  

I had hoped to study Tai Chi Chuan and Qigong here in Vancouver with Sifu Brian Knack. However, unfortunately, he retired and moved from the area.  I am researching Tai Chi Chuan training options in Vancouver.  There are many options in nearby Portland.  However, commuting from Vancouver to Portland and back to Vancouver is very time consuming and inefficient considering typical traffic patterns.