Yoga in the Morning, Martini at Night or the First Three Score and Ten are the Hardest
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Focusing on the eyes of the gray owl by my window, a treasured gift from more treasured friend, I bring my attention to full awareness. Standing as tall as my five foot, one inch height allows, I raise my right leg, knee bent. I place the heel of my right foot in the palm of my right hand. Concentrated and committed, I extend the leg high in front of me with my left arm stretched straight to the side at shoulder level. For approximately fifteen seconds, I remain still. Then slowly release the hold, bend the knee again, and place my foot back on the floor. After several long breaths, I repeat the exercise with my left leg. Twelve years ago, the mere suggestion that I might try such a feat would have blown my septuagenarian mind. Twelve years ago I was a mess: My body was continuing to age, and an operation which had removed two pieces of my spine did not make me a likely chorus-line candidate. M.D.’s stated I would never walk properly again. My spirit had deteriorated so completely that I had twice tried suicide. Today, I blow my now octogenarian mind as I perform the leg exercise in conjunction with a 20-40 minute routine of Kripalu Yogic stretches, breathing and meditation. I teach yoga to "The Minimums" (3-8 year olds), and "The Maximums" (those over 60). At eighty-two, I am in my prime and grow "primer" yearly. In the main, credit goes to several close friends and one insightful psychiatrist. It could not have been easy, especially for my steadfast daughter and son. I do take credit, however, for having the sense to (1) keep at it, (2) take a chance, (3) hang on to laughter, especially at myself and (4) not give up despite the certainty that "nobody loves me. Everybody hates me. I’m going into the garden to eat worms." Thus I repeat: I am in my prime! How’s this possible?
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About the Book
A former New Yorker, Carol Lehman Winfield now lives in Vermont teaching yoga to 'The Minimums,' (3-8), and 'The Maximums,' (over 60). A writer who worked at The Metropolitan Opera and American Museum of Natural History, she continues to write, travel, and revel in oldness. On a mission to introduce yoga as a joyful practice for everyone, especially the OLD, 'Carol,' according to students, 'puts smiles on our faces...is full of love and life...a vivacious lady, an inspiration who makes us feel good about ourselves, our bodies and our age. We can’t wait to read her book!'