Photos from  Past Workshops

Partner work in Levels I and II Classes

Workshop with the NC Prevention Partners staff in Chapel Hill

Workshop with the NC Prevention Partners staff in Chapel Hill on July 3 2005.

Chair Yoga for Seniors

Finding the breath in the belly

Deep, relaxed, slow breathing down in the belly can help relax you. Putting your hands on your belly can serve as a guide to help you focus on drawing your breath down to your belly. This should not be forced, but, instead, be something that you can gradually do that allows you to feel very relaxed.

Arm stretches overhead

What a nice way to begin to feel a good stretch throughout the torso of your body. As you rock back in your seat, let your feet come up off the floor and your arms flow up over your head and you can take in a nice inhale. Then, when you are ready for an exhale, you can let your arms come down onto your lap, your body drape forward, your feet return to the floor and you relax like a limp rag doll. Inhale, rock back into your seat, arms fly upward; exhale, roll forward, feet on the floor, relax, let go.

Arm stretches to the sides

Keeping both hips squarely on your seat, inhale lift your left arm straight up and then, exhaling, bend over to your right side. Inhale, bring your left arm back up overhead and, exhaling, return it back down to your left side. Reverse to other side.

Stretching with a partner

With a partner, decide who will be the leader and make small, then larger circles, first in one direction, then the other. Notice how simple/hard it is to follow the leader. Then change leaders. Then experiment with moving in different directions without telling your partner which way you will go. How much in tune can you be with your partner?

Relaxation - legs propped up on a chair

Lie flat on your back with your legs resting on the seat of the chair. You may want a blanket over you if you chill easily. Make sure your hips are squarely resting on the floor and that the chair isn't too high that it is lifting your legs off the ground. Close your eyes. If you like, you may put your hands on your belly and feel your breath with your hands, or, you can let your hands rest on the floor by your sides. Rest quietly here for 5-10 minutes if you can. When you have finished resting, remove your legs from the chair and roll over onto your side, continuing to rest for another few minutes. Then slowly sit up and continue resting in an upright position for a few more breaths.... just enjoying this final few moments of quietness.

Photo credit: Anna M. Cook