Finding The Discipline And The Route To Wellness By Louise Applebome

By Louise Applebome

Having taught yoga for about 17 years (I was a late bloomer) one of my greatest joys is sharing what I most love and appreciate about my yoga practice with others. I like to introduce new poses, new uses for props, new sequences, variations on a theme, etc.

Some of my classes focus on a particular area of the body (i.e. hip flexors, hip rotators, shoulders) and others are more of an overall mind/body exploration. No two classes are ever exactly the same. And, as we approach every class with a Zen mind, beginner mind, even when we do repeat a pose or a sequence, it’s never just as it was the day or week before. Surprises always await.

But here’s my dilemma: 

While I’m introducing new ways to keep our minds and bodies happy and healthy, what happens to everything else we all need that I’m leaving out?

There is only so much I can pack into each class. And there’s so much more that still needs to be addressed on an ongoing basis. 

And if I taught *only* the oldies but goodies, those indispensable poses that students who have studied with me for a while have grown to know and love (well, “know” but not necessarily “love”) the students miss out on so much other cool stuff that I’ve been adding to my repertoire that will enhance fitness and function levels. 

And, especially as we age, isn’t that why we do the work required for optimal well-being? I really want everyone to enjoy a well-rounded, holistic, full mind/body yoga practice all year round. And it’s different for everyone. There is no one right way.

So I hereby deputize each and every one of you to be your own best advisor and teacher to make sure you’re incorporating the best of the old, the best of the new, and the best of all times for maximum and safe benefit. 

Again, it’s unrealistic to think that can happen in just one of my weekly classes. It requires embracing the continuing explorations, investigations, and transformations of a creative and varied yoga practice AND still making sure hamstrings, hip rotators, hip flexors, alignment, feet, spines, all organs, all joints, all muscles, all ligaments, and tendons get the attention they deserve.

It is a tall order. 

Such a commitment demands discipline and a lot of work. 

But if staying on top of a mind/body fitness routine improves your quality of life, isn’t it worth it?

Maybe Mondays are for hamstrings, Tuesdays are for hip rotators, Wednesdays are for backbends, etc., or any other system that suits you. There is no one universal prescription. But I encourage everyone to find a way to fill in the gaps.

Experienced Zoom yogis (and others) may have the props, space, and experience at home to get “to the mat” without instruction. Or maybe they increase class attendance to double or triple their time “on the mat.” Or maybe they take in-person or online classes with multiple teachers to expand wellness rituals. 

I think I feel better now. Dilemma solved.

I will continue to teach the oldies but goodies and I’ll share wonderful new stretches, poses, and ideas. I’ll gather the best combinations to the best of my abilities. And, I’ll trust that each of you will continue to curate yoga practices that include everything you need to promote and maintain a health regimen that’s best for you.

It takes a village (or an ample assortment of stretches, strengtheners, and stillness).

Namasté

Louise Applebome, 70, is a Certified Yoga Instructor in Dallas. After “retiring” from a vibrant and varied professional career, she became a yoga teacher. She teaches all her classes on Zoom right now and accepts students, young or older, from wherever they are, both geographically and in their pursuit of a yoga practice. Louise will help you stay fit and flexible, and release tension, aches & pains from the body…and the mind. Her yoga studio in Dallas is del norte yoga. You can reach out to her at [email protected].