Back to NewsYoga has been around for thousands of years, providing numerous health benefits to people of all physical abilities. When done on a regular basis, some of the benefits of yoga include improved flexibility, increased muscle tone and assisting with meditation and relaxation.
Wanting to involve everyone, no matter their physical ability level, the Aberdeen congregation began offering chair yoga for our sisters. Chair yoga is a form of yoga that can be done sitting on a chair and is very beneficial for people with limited mobility.
For the past six months, a group of sisters and invited guests meet with an instructor on a weekly basis. For 45 minutes, the class learns to let go of all outside concerns by going through a series of deep breathing and stretching exercises, getting in tune to their body. The last 15 minutes of class is focused on relaxation, scripture and mudras. Explained by the Yoga Journal, “Mudra means “seal,” “gesture,” or “mark.” Yoga mudras are symbolic gestures often practiced with the hands and fingers. They facilitate the flow of energy in the subtle body and enhance one’s journey within.”
Sister Mary Lou Geraets is a faithful participant in yoga class. She says, “I like knowing that I am joining many across the world and centuries in this practice of yoga (yoking) of mind, body and spirit. Personally, I enjoy learning and practicing a more healthy breathing and various hand postures (mudras), while listening to words that provide imaging health of body systems, like circulation, joint health, etc. The practice is beneficial for healing and wholeness.”