What happens in a yoga class for cancer survivors?
Joanna Cashman, RN, E-RYTChances are you have seen a yoga class, whether it be on television, in a photograph, or even walking past a studio. But at Wild Grace Arts a yoga class for anyone living with cancer, survivors and caregivers is just a little bit different.
First, we sit in a circle. I’ve found that this arrangement creates a unification throughout the class and encourages the feeling of belonging and community cohesion. While traditional yoga classes begin with silence and self-reflection we take the time to chat and check-in with each other. It’s this time when students can talk about how they are doing, what treatments they’re currently undergoing, what fears they may have, really anything on their mind. We also use this time to provide feedback. Maybe a fellow student has already been through the same treatment or feels exactly the same way. In this manner my yoga class is very much like a support group setting. Over the years I am continually reminded how therapeutic it is to be able to tell your story to a sensitive listener.
Of course, we practice yoga too! And again, don’t worry if you have never done yoga before. We are very skilled at adapting yoga poses to meet the needs of any health or fitness level. This class is gentle, designed to release stress and optimize immune system function.
We also work to improve our relationship with our bodies. It’s about expressing gratitude to the body that we have in the present moment. Self observation without judgment is an important part of our practice. In a yoga class for cancer survivors (remember, survivorship begins the day you are diagnosed) we don’t dwell on who you were before your diagnosis. Instead we move forward and think about who you are now.
If you are interested in joining the group I would invite you to come and check it out. The first class is free. We meet every Tuesday from 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. at Wild Grace Arts located at 507 Cherry St. SE in downtown Olympia. An 8 class card costs $80.00. Family, supporting friends and caregivers are also invited to participate. Give yourself the gift of a therapeutic yoga class. You deserve it! I look forward to meeting you on the mat.
Editor's Note: Yoga Loft located at 219 Legion Way SE, Suite 202, is also part of the Providence Integrative Cancer Care Program. Taught by Maureen Oar, RYT, classes are every Thursday from 5:30-7:30 p.m. You can register for either class by calling 360.412.8951.
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