EDGEWATER — The lights in the room are dimmed, and conversation ceases as soft, relaxing music begins to play. The students of Yoga From The Heart instructor Nancy May settle on their exercise mats, center their thoughts, and adopt an attitude of serenity as they enact a transformative practice that originated some 5,000 years ago.
At the Creekside Lodge on Tuesday mornings at 9 and Wednesday evenings at 5:45, Edgewater’s own yoginis-in-training stretch, bend, and let their cares slip away… and they enjoy both fun and friendship in the process. The classes have been meeting for almost six years, and new members are always welcome.
Nancy Heart (front) leads her Yoga From the Heart students in the reverse warrior pose to build confidence and strength. (Photo by Glynn Wade/Sun Day)
Yoga has traditionally emphasized exercise, breathing, meditation, and philosophy. No one knows exactly when it began, but ancient carvings depicting figures in yoga positions have been found in archeological sites that date back to 3,000 B.C. Its continuing popularity in the 21st century is proof that the healing and spiritual aspects of yoga still have widespread appeal today.
Nancy May has been involved with health and transformational pursuits for more than 30 years and has led yoga classes, workshops, and retreats in several states. She points out that yoga is about much more than mastering a set of postures.
“It’s also about connecting, opening hearts, and being compassionate. It’s about health, and it boosts the immune system by lowering stress.”
Asked about yoga’s benefits for seniors, Nancy said, “The flexibility yoga promotes is key because as we age, we stiffen. Seniors can get hurt when they fall, but yoga helps prevent that by improving balance and strengthening the body’s core.”
Yoga is also known to aid circulation and cardiovascular conditioning, and the moves are often used in physical therapy.
Nancy noted that the classes at Edgewater are not competitive.
“Everyone is simply encouraged to do their personal best,” she said.
People with physical challenges should not shy away, and May added that participants in her classes can use a chair if needed.
The students of the evening class move gracefully as they enact a number of traditional yoga poses and stretching and relaxation exercises under Nancy’s direction. They perform some while standing and some while sitting, kneeling, or lying on their yoga mats. Certain movements are almost ballet-like in their posture and grace.
Throughout it all, Nancy reminds participants to breathe, to “honor the good inside of you,” and to send forth a positive thought or small prayer.
The Edgewater students are clearly enthusiastic fans of their leader.
Kathy Massie said, “Nancy is the reason I’m here. I’ve felt so good because of what she’s taught us.” And Pat Floreani noted that everyone in the class works at their individual capability: “You do what’s good for you…at your own pace.”
Participants agree that the yoga group has led them to form friendships and social connections both in and out of class.
Barb Miller said, “We learn a lot and have a good time.” Judy Lieske, with a twinkle in her eye, hinted at occasional after-yoga wine-tasting parties that have added even more fun and mellowness to what was gained during class.
May said she is pleased that some of her Edgewater students have joined her at yoga retreats she’s led in Galena, IL and in California, where participants enjoy a stunning view of the ocean as they enact their poses.
One closing exercise in particular demonstrates the Edgewater group’s interdependence and sense of trust. While grouped in a circle, each member stands on only one foot, with the other braced against her opposing knee. Arms are raised, with hands pressed against the next person’s for balance. The effect is like a graceful circle of connected paper dolls, and nobody wavers.
The class ends with a quiet moment recalling the serenity that lies at the core of this centuries-old pursuit and a traditional yoga expression of affection and respect: “Namaste”— which means, “I bow to you.”
