Parkinson's Foundation Leadership Summit 2018

Yoga for Parkinson’s

with

Melissa Adylia Calasanz C-IAYT

Certified Yoga Therapist

Lifestyle & Movement Educator

I am so honored to have been asked to lead the 6:00 AM Yoga for Parkinson’s Class on the opening morning of the Parkinson’s Foundation Leadership Summit. 

Waking up to teach a 6 AM Yoga for Parkinson’s class, in a room full of wonderful people, is a delight as well as a gift. 

VIDEO: from the 6 AM Yoga for Parkinson's Class

Parkinson's Foundation Leadership Summit.

Click image below for video 

In the video, I may sound a bit "kooky" but the silly verbal cues and context are tied into the fun grounding visualization and breathing meditation and warm up at the beginning of class.

We enjoyed plenty of visualization before movement; we explored different Mountains, and Trees, and Warriors, seated and laying down before offering the options for standing. 

Sharing the interconnections of how Mountains are not only there to support the trees, but how the tree's roots keep the mountains stable; and working together with awareness and respect for the parts of us that appear to be stable, such a mountain, and the parts of us that move and sway, such as a trees leaves and branches, the entire tree can withstand great winds or happy bouncing squirrels and climbing monkeys.

By the time the video comes in, we had explored many upward salutes, cat cows, and modified suns, even modified dogs, some swaying as well as still trees, chairs and warriors, that included transitions which required stepping back, coming up from the ground, safe/subtle twists, etc.

This last modified warrior combo was to piece all the movements together in a "sports-specific to life" exploration of all the wisdom that is within all of us and can support us on our journeys, no matter what obstacle choose to toss themselves in our paths.

And BTW, I think only 2 people in the group had done any yoga prior to this.

I love what I do.

 It never feels like a chore or work. 

I am so fortunate to have had such generous and inspiring mentors who have gifted me with the love of sharing movement and mindfulness with others.

- Melissa Adylia Calasanz C-IAYT

Certified Yoga Therapist

Lifestyle & Movement Educator