January 30, 2009

This morning I worked with Abigail for a half hour, and it was very interesting.

I started our half hour by asking if there was anything specific she would like to work on, and she explained that, because she is a type A person, and constantly pushing herself, she wondered if we could go more slowly.

I realized suddenly two really important things 1. She's old! and 2.  She's old!

Hahaha

I did a quick mental scan and realized I had asked her to do too much--she agreed that she would push herself, regardless of how her  body feels.  This reminded me so much of myself, I had to smile.

I talked to her about setting an intention, and how it is completely different than a goal or resolution--it entails a great deal of gentle awareness and consideration, and that, accompanied by Ahimsa, one could work toward creating positive energy around intent.

So she wanted to know how she could phrase that for herself, and I said, well how about, I will Honor My Body.

She really liked that.

I also showed her how to do a variation on a Supine Spinal Twist, so that she got a very gentle stretch, and I kept reminding her the breath will tell her how she is doing, to pay close attention.  

She said something about "disappearing in the poses", and I suggested she think in terms of "appearing with mindfulness in the poses".

I was going to take her through a few supine stretches, but she wanted to move more, so we stood in Tadasana, did a few really slow Upward Salutes, each time crossing the hands at the meridian of the lower tummy and thinking of bringing energy up through the Hara, through the arms and then dropping down through the body, rooting the body.

She was abel to take her shoes and sox off (big improvement with balance), then we worked through a few Cranes, using the wall for balance if needed.  We cocked our opposite hands, elbow tucked in, to create the Crane's bill, and she mentioned that the Crane represents babies, delivery--I was glad she noticed that, it's actually a really loving pose.

Then we tried a few Trees, again with the wall for support.  She did quite well.  Started with both feet on the floor, heel tucked in to ankle, then experimented a bit.  But I can see that she really needs to accomplish stability and awareness before she pushes on, otherwise she won't get anything out of the pose, and she may harm herself.

We ended with a very short Savasana.  Namaste!

I returned her to the fitness center 5 minutes late, and apologized  to her trainer.  That will NOT happen again!

I realized what an insult it was even to erase 5 minutes from his time.

So I bought a timer!  And I will use it next week.

I am learning so much working with her, it's amazing.