Finding Balance Through Pose

Students practice Virabhadrasana II pose which tests strength and endurance.

[ by jill doczi ]

For many who practice yoga, there is often a philosophy of the mind, body and spirit being restored.

Finding Balance Through

oga, a system of physical postures, breathing techniques and sometimes meditation promoting physical and emotional wellbeing, is derived from a Hindu theistic philosophy. Many people in Western countries use the practice of yoga to improve their overall health on many levels. “There are numerous benefits of this practice both physically and mentally,” said Ann Richardson, C-IAYT, E-RYT 500 and Studio Bamboo Institute of Yoga co-owner/founder. ”We always hear [yoga] increases strength, flexibility and balance. This is key to longevity. One of the major causes of ER visits is elderly falls. The balance work we do in classes can help prevent falls. Our bodies become stronger and better supported, therefore our posture becomes better. I would like to say some of us older people could gain a little height rather

than lose it. Yoga helps us balance the body, it also shows us how imbalanced the body is. We work through the movement to find more balance in strength and flexibility for support.” Yoga helps us relax, contributing to sleep improvement. It also releases endorphins. When we feel better about ourselves we tend to take better care of ourselves, so we begin to eat healthier and engage in better self-care. In a fast-paced world, we all seek ways to relax and restore. Beyond the physical benefits, the regular practice of yoga can provide the tools to slow down, reduce stress, relax and restore inner balance. “Many people’s nervous systems are on overload,” said Richardson. “[Yoga] is an ancient practice that brings us into the present moment, right here and right now. It allows the integration of the mind and body. If we are in the present moment the monkey mind is calm(er) and we can be more focused and have more clarity. When our mind is going a million miles a minute we have difficulty doing so. Just sit for a moment, close your eyes, and take a few slow, even, long and deep breaths. While doing so, pay attention to the inhales and exhales. See how you feel after, I would presume a little clearer.” Additionally, studies have shown the practice of yoga can improve the symptoms of depression, anxiety and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). “Even the military is using it,” said Richardson. “We work with veterans to help ease issues. By using the tools of breath work, asana (movement), meditation, rest, and even gratitude, [we find] the symptoms of depression, anxiety, panic attacks and yes, even PTSD, can ease.” Richardson started her journey with yoga in late 1999 and has evolved her practice and her business over the years to become the Studio Bamboo facility in Virginia Beach she

Bamboo Institute of Yoga co-owners Ann Richardson and Erica Owens

now co-owns and operates with Erica Owens. “Honestly, it was tough,” said Richardson. “It kept tapping me on my shoulder. Once I really began practicing something began to happen. Not sure I can really explain what, much like love, can you really explain it? You have to experience it. Just things started shifting for me, I was more focused. I was calm. I was more attentive. I was sleeping better. Then the physical improvements began, I was stronger and more

Beyond the physical benefits, the regular practice of yoga can provide the tools to slow down, reduce stress relax and restore inner balance.

flexible. I began teaching in 2001, and of course, have never stopped. The opportunity to open Studio Bamboo occurred in 2008. While reading a book about bamboo, Richardson read a poem by Gale Beth Goldberg called “Bamboo Spirit” that epitomized everything yoga represents. “My business partner, Erica and I are firm believers of community involvement,” said Richardson. “This is something that my teacher, Beryl Bender, instilled in us. It has become part of our mission, from hosting blood drives several times a year to working with a wounded warrior battalion or the homeless, we are part of our community. We try our best to get our students involved in these give-back efforts as well.” The perception of yoga has evolved in the years since Richardson began. It has become more accessible and inclusive. “Many people thought yoga was a slow, gentle, chanty, woo woo thing,” said Richardson. “Where now, yoga is definitely more mainstream. We see yoga in colleges, in gyms, offered in rec centers and even at the YMCA. Most people of any shape or size can find a class that suits them. Yoga is used in advertisements, etc. We see people like you and me practicing yoga. Yoga is becoming a modality used in many fields for therapy whether it be physical or emotional. We are going to see yoga in the healthcare system more and more as time goes by.” The biggest challenge regarding the growth and message of yoga has most recently been educating the public about its many benefits. However, Richardson also accepts the long-term challenge of sharing her passion with as many people as she can and staying true to her mission. “Obviously for our business COVID has been the biggest challenge, I think that is true for most,” said Richardson. “I think it is one-third of yoga studios across the nation have closed. Just in our area alone, I believe it has been six. Yoga will continue to grow. I think the challenge will be for many to keep it authentic in its teachings. I know what this practice does for me. It keeps me grounded, centered and calm in a world full of chaos, stress and distraction. I feel if my continuing on this journey and sharing my knowledge through classes and teacher training can touch one person at a time and make a difference I have done my work. I know if more people really practiced yoga and lived in this moment, the world would not be in the state it is in right now.” Studio Bamboo is a full-service yoga facility that caters to every body. They offer pre-natal, gentle, restorative, power and even hot yoga classes—beginner through more advanced practitioners. They also specialize in working adaptively with people who have mobility or disability issues. The facility offers classes for all ages and have several certified yoga therapists on the faculty. The studio also provides other disciplines that complement yoga including pilates (floor classes), barre fitness and fusion. For those who wish to teach, Studio Bamboo offers a comprehensive teacher training program for people who love yoga to be able to go into the world and share this gift.

Studio Bamboo Institute of Yoga

Virginia Beach, Virginia 757.496.7444 www.studiobambooyoga.com