LOCALadk Magazine

Spring 2019 LOCALadk Magazine 47 LOCALadk Serving the Adirondacks from our location on Tupper Lake 518 - 359 - 3228 RaquetteRiverOutfitters.com Your local outfitter since 1983 Off ering the fi nest canoes, kayaks, SUP boards, paddling accessories and camping equipment for rent and sale! On Site Demos Available! A year has passed and I am stepping back into my life again, albeit slowly and through a ver y different lens! The first step has been my discover y of Yoga4Cancer ( Y4C), which is a style of yoga specifically designed for individuals with all types of cancer. The Y4C Teacher Training was exactly what I was look- ing for: a way to turn my cancer experience into something useful and empowering. Through the teacher training I learned that Y4C is much more than gentle or restorative yoga. It is a scientifical- ly-based methodology that addresses the need to boost the immune system by moving the lymph through compression postures. Through a flow of postures with the breathing it stimulates the cardiovascular system, and calms the ner vous system. Not only does it offer help for the many physical challenges of cancer, but the class also addresses the emo- tional and mental challenges of cancer and it's treatments, by working with breath and movement to reduce stress and anxiety, and aid with depression. Y4C is also a wonderful way to build back what is lost from bone and muscular deterioration due to treatments. Balanc- ing postures develop bone and muscle strength. Breathing techniques are introduced to both quiet the brain and bring fresh oxygen to the cells (which is great for cancer patients and frankly anyone). The posture modifications take into consideration surgeries, treatments, and extreme fatigue. This is a class for all who are touched by cancer, regardless of fitness level or experience. It is also supportive of caregivers who deal with the stressful daily work to comfort and sup- port those with cancer. Tari Prinster, the founder of Y4C, offers teacher trainings all over the world. We are extremely fortunate to have class- es in Plattsburgh provided by Trinity Yoga and at UVM Medi- cal facility in Plattsburgh (C VPH). I will be offering my first class as a certified Y4C instructor in Lake Placid at Hot Yoga Lake Placid starting in March of 2019 (and no it will not be hot!). Each class will provide a time to come into community with others who have parallel ex- periences, with a sprinkling of humor and joy too. Mats and props are included, and scholarships are available through the Adirondack Medical Center in Saranac Lake. Teaching this class is one small way of turning lemons into lemonade. I could never have foreseen this twist in the road during that transitional summer of 2017. I am now one step closer to fulfilling my dream: to connect my community to the healing power of yoga. MotoPhotoYogi

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