Tuesday 25 July 2006

new yoga classes


Hi
At the request of the families of the staff I'm now teaching separate yoga classes for men and women. Sunday's yoga nidra was very successful in inducing deep relaxation - goodness know what could happen with everyone prostrate!

Separate classes could be a blessing. The women are struggling to connect with their bodies and feelings. The men, all physical therapists, find yoga an easy transition. Today was also the first yoga class for widows and families. PARSA has been helping this group for 4 years. Youngest yogin 12 months , oldest ~ 60 years. They were very enthusiastic given 105 F and a few have taken to back breathing on thier first attempt.

For followers of global warming - an NGO recently installed a new water pump in the widows compound. Growing populations in the outskirts have exhausted the local water table and pumps either hand or kerosene are being installed to support 2 - 3 households. Electricity is by generator for those who can afford it. Drainage is open sewers down the dusty routes dividing walled compounds. Private enterprise is very evident illustrating the resourcefullness of those who make use of everything -old tires for well buckets and retrreading shoes, propane torches for welding- everything, cabinet makers, tailors, small scale banks, bonsai horticultural enterprises.

Working around a generator is tricky. Last night required preparation till midnight by flashlight to begin answering what shapes childhoold behavior (question from the orphange) and how to deal with stress in children. Teaching numerous classes - which all need some forethought- especially for children with disabilities has really stretched me - no pun intended. The orphange needs so much - and staff have their wish lists.

The bag of yoga mats is apparently at the airport and won't be released until I can verify exactly the number and color of the mats. Barbara?