During my time at home I spent a day with my 84 year old Grandmother. Her and I decided to practice Yoga out on the back deck of my parent's home. I let her use my Manduka yoga mat and placed a towel down for extra comfort. She had minimal arm strength so we focused on breath work, reclined stretches and the bridge posture.
It was amazing to see what my Grandmother was capable of doing. She has always had a really bad hip and back. Her injuries have restricted her physical lifestyle and it was really special to see her enjoy her own private Yoga session.
The pranayam was a huge favourite because it helped her feel her cardiovascular strength. I loved watching her ribs expand and her focus on the breathing. At the end of her practice she enjoyed a 10 minute savasana followed by a delicious Vega infused smoothie! Savasana was a challenge but in the end she said that it was a nice change of routine.
After Yoga practice I had to take her home. On our way to Grandma's house she asked if we could go to Tim Hortons for a doughnut (she loves the chocolate glazed ones). Instead I took her to Thrive, (Vega juice bar) in uptown Waterloo, where we sat down at the juice bar. I ordered us each a wheat grass shot. My grandma finished the whole shot after several sips and orange wedge chases. The Thrive employees just loved watching her enthusiasm!
Upon my return home on July 6th I plan to continue our reclined Yoga sessions and watch her progress. Hopefully, she will be up for some more wheat grass shots and Vega smoothies.
yours gingerly,
W h i t n e y S c h n a r r