The Gifts of Yoga for Wāhine
Menopause- Ruahinetanga, and peri - menopause- are a time of transition.
Sometraverse this transition smoothly, and others not so much. If you are the later it is important to remember that you are not alone, and although your practice may change, it may not be necessary to give up completely.
If you're feeling tempted to give up yoga during perimenopause or post menopause, please remember there is a practice for you.
Through my own experience I have found many ways that yoga helped, and it can help you too.
Firstly we may need to be more mindful about what, how and why we practice.
For example Slow, mindful yoga helps to reset your nervous system, and can decrease cortisol, and inflammation.
Yoga helps us to move our bodies and keep our joints and bones healthy and strong too.
The postures can offer a mix of movement- for joints and tendons, flexibility, and also strengthening poses such as warrior, goddess pose, plank and so on. Poses help us to maintain core strength, helpful for posture, and preventing or easing back pain.
It is not all about stretching, or relaxation either. The beneficial stress of going to the edge of your comfort zone helps to keep the brain and body healthy, and resilient. Helping us to enjoy our life and maintain an active lifestyle.
AND Yoga teaches us to be present, to breathe, and to find calm amidst the chaos.
It's not about escaping the stressors in our life, but rather learning how to navigate them with grace and resilience.
Yoga is not a one-size-fits-all solution, it's a journey. It's about finding the right practice that suits your body and your needs. It's about listening to your body and honoring its limits. It's about finding balance - between effort and ease, between movement and stillness, between strength and flexibility.
There is also the community aspect of yoga. The shared experience of practicing yoga with others can foster a sense of belonging and connection. It's a space where you can feel supported and encouraged, where you can share your struggles and victories. This sense of community can be a powerful antidote to the feelings of isolation and loneliness that can sometimes accompany the menopause journey.
So, if you're navigating the choppy waters of perimenopause or post menopause, remember that yoga is there for you.
It's a tool that can help you stay strong, healthy, and resilient. It's a practice that can support you in living a long, fulfilling life. It's a gift that keeps on giving. So, why not give it a try?
You can learn more about my up coming Yoga course for Women here
