Yoga North offers therapeutic yoga for everyone

By Andrea Busche

“Shouldwe wear socks or go barefoot?”

“What if I don’t have my own mat?”

“I have lower back pain. Can yoga work for me?”

These questions were all posed, a bit self-consciously, by Woman Today staffers right before a recent yoga class at Yoga North, in Duluth’s Lakeside neighborhood. That’s right: to prove to you, our dear readers, that yoga is indeed appropriate for everyone, we tried it for ourselves.

We, the ladies of the Woman Today (including advertising director Megan Keller; advertising sales manager Kathleen Pennington; graphic designer Renae Ronquist; production coordinator Julie Schulz; advertising account executive Ali Comnick; and me, writer Andrea Busche) enjoyed a very special field trip, where we participated in our own private yoga class.

In response to our tenuous questions, instructor Molly McManus, who is also the co-owner of Yoga North, informed our group that Yoga North welcomes both the socked and barefooted alike (but please leave your shoes at the door), gladly provides yoga mats to its guests, and yes, yoga is a great addition for those suffering from chronic pain.

In our crew, previous yoga experience ranged from “first time ever” to “well-seasoned practitioner.” Much to our relief, yoga was a fun and relaxing activity for us all.

Mind, body, and soul

If you’re looking to improve your health, yoga is a fantastic activity to add to your life. The benefits of yoga encompass mind, body and spirit.

In addition to working on balance and posture through the various poses (which are called Asana in Sanskrit, which translates to posture), yoga can help with relaxation and stress relief, regulation of the nervous system, digestion, deeper, healthier breathing, better sleep and more.

Yoga North

Yoga North prides itself on making yoga accessible to everyone. For those who aren’t able to get down on the floor, somatic tables are provided. Other props, including blankets and bolsters, help everyone sit and lie comfortably on the floor. Classes in “Gentle Yoga,” and “Parkinson’s-specific Yoga” are also held off-site, at Duluth’s Hope Church.

McManus explained how Yoga North is different from other studios.

“Ours is a therapeutic yoga studio,” she said. “Most of the other studios in town are fitness-based, but we really love practicing a slower, therapeutic approach. We use a methodology we developed, called SomaYoga, which is a blend of therapeutic yoga and somatics, which is a neuromuscular reeducation to get the muscles working with the nervous system and brain.”

Yoga North, which employs 17 instructors, is located on the second floor of St. Michael’s Lakeside School. The first floor is still utilized as a preschool. In addition to holding classes, workshops and private sessions, Yoga North also retains the impressive distinction of being a yoga therapy school. It is one of just 40 accredited schools in the entire world offering instruction for yoga therapists.

Every day, it seems, yoga becomes more accepted as a complement to traditional health care. McManus has worked with the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine in Maryland and elsewhere to help bring yoga’s benefits to the areas of oncology and acute care.

Our class

McManus led the Woman Today crew in a variety of poses, including mountain pose, chair pose, child’s pose, pyramid pose, downward dog, and warrior pose. Some of us were lithe and flexible; some, not so much. As such, McManus kindly offered what she calls “lower load” alternatives for each pose,

Continued on page 30 such as a “half dog,” instead of the traditional downward dog.

“We want people to cue to their internal sensations, rather than feeling like ‘my pose needs to look like this,’” McManus said. “The goal of yoga is to find more freedom and ease in your body.”

In addition to the poses, there was a lot of breath work. Deep, intentional breaths and mindfulness are a big part of the yogic experience.

The class wrapped up with Shavasana, or relaxation pose. Here, we all laid quietly on our mats, eyes closed, and minds open, as McManus guided us to feel what was happening in our minds and bodies. It was a great way to wrap up our session.

Reflections

After a bit of reflection, a few of our participants shared their thoughts on the class.

“Yoga newbie here,” Comnick said. “This was my first time ever doing a class! While getting dressed, I'm like, ‘Do I wear socks? Do I wear shoes? Long-sleeves? Short sleeves? Am I going to sweat?’

“I'll admit, I was intimidated and kind of nervous because it was something I'd never done before. But Molly made me comfortable. When I was in the class, I wasn't nervous because I didn't know what a mountain pose was. She walked us through it step-by-step.”

“I liked the nostalgic atmosphere of the old classroom and the view of Lake Superior,” Schulz added. “It was warm and comforting. And I thought Molly did a nice job of instructing us on how to do the yoga moves, and then going around to each person to be sure we were in the correct position. So, I never wondered if I was doing something right or wrong, which allowed me to relax even more.”

“This was my first time attending a yoga class,” Keller noted. “I am not someone who attends any sort of exercise classes. When I walked in to Yoga North, Molly, the instructor, was so welcoming. It was easy to find, and in a safe neighborhood, which is a bonus!”

“One of my biggest takeaways is how acutely aware I became of my tension. Molly had a wonderful way of showing us how to breathe (which I don't do enough of), and to try and relax. I actually focused on the task at hand rather than all things I always feel I should be doing. This in itself was something beautiful, and showed me that yoga is more than just a quiet class full of poses. It truly encapsulates mind, body and soul. Yes, that may sound cliché – but trust me, it's real. And I can see how amazing this will be for me as I incorporate this into my regimen.

“And finally,” continued Keller, “at the end when we were laying down, Molly mentioned how some of us were thinking about all the things we should be doing and she said that instead, with each breath, inhale and think ‘just,’ and exhale, ‘this.’

“That was the moment I learned the true benefits of yoga. At that moment, I suddenly stopped making my to-do list. We all need a moment to settle; we owe it to ourselves to take that moment, clear our minds and think ‘just, this.’” D

How to handle rain on your wedding day

Summer approaches with the promise of warm temperatures. Weather is one reason why summer is such a popular season to tie the knot. But just because sunny skies and rising mercury are par for the course, that does not mean Mother Nature won't invite herself to the festivities – and attempt to upstage happy couples in the process.

Some feel it's good luck for couples to get rain on their wedding days, but many couples would trade in a little of that luck for clear skies. However, weather can be fickle, and couples who build contingency plans into their wedding festivities are much more likely to overcome inclement weather than couples without such plans.

Couples who have contended with everything from a few drops to an all-out deluge on their wedding days look back fondly on the ceremonies and receptions. In fact, how couples handle any precipitation can affect how happy the festivities may be.

Have a rainy day game plan

Over the course of hot and humid days, storm clouds can develop and roll in. Afternoon thunderstorms are quite common on summer days. Accommodate for sudden downpours by hosting early luncheon receptions or ensure there is a plan B that includes a covered area. If the goal is to exchange vows outdoors, work with the venue to make this possible with a tent or gazebo.

Couples can stash spare shoes or even rain slickers in a car to keep their wedding attire protected against rain as they dash between venues or take photos. However, if the weather is especially foul and windy, move it indoors.

Invest in golf umbrellas.

Couples who live in notoriously damp climates can purchase golf umbrellas, which tend to be larger than the average umbrella, and keep them stationed in decorated stands to ease transitions between wedding sites and keep everyone as dry as possible.

Wear waterproof cosmetics

Women in the bridal party, including the bride, can ask their makeup artists to use durable, waterproof products. This can help salvage beautifully composed looks should some drops begin to fall.

Know vendors’ rain policies

Some live musicians will not play in damp weather. Florists may need to make accommodations for arrangements blowing in the wind. Couples need to understand what they’re responsible for and what may be covered if a weather event occurs. Wedding insurance may help cover the costs of nonrefundable cancellations.

Move past it quickly

It is okay to get upset if the weather turns for the worse. But don’t dwell on it. Guests will sense negative energy, and couples should set the tone of sticking it through despite a little adversity – which can be a good lesson for the marriage as well.

Embrace the rain

While a couple probably won’t wish for rain, there are some benefits to overcast skies, say the wedding professionals at Brides magazine.

Flowers are less likely to wilt in rainy conditions.

In the absence of bright sunlight, outdoor photographs can really pop. Vivid skies with lightning or overcast days can make for unique and striking wedding photography.

Rain is romantic and may compel couples and their guests to cuddle close.

Don’t let rain on a wedding day become a drag. With preparation and perspective, couples can handle rainy wedding days. D