By Lorna-Jean Paulot
I am an ordinary 50+ woman with the standard too busy hectic life style that has become routine, so I decided to try Yoga to find a little balance and went along to Melissa at Manaia Yoga & Wellbeing.
I had no expectations and Melissa’s classes gave me much more than balance… it gave me equilibrium and served as the catalyst to start the process of change that previously I did not have the courage to make. Each week I eagerly waited for Monday to come round to engage and experience this inner sanctuary and the joys that come from within.
On arrival we are greeted by the serene composure of Melissa, we look to the board for the aids we require for the class, all have comforting connotations – blankets, bolsters, mat, chair. We settle down under a fluffy throw and take stock of our body and how we feel. Slowly Melissa guides us through the gentle movements, opening the body, relaxing, allowing breath and energy to flow uninhibited by negativity.
We breath into each pore, cell and muscle, we yield to gravity, we become aware of the space we inhabit while listening to the soothing voice of Melissa guiding us through Salutations and all too soon we come to an end and complete with a Restorative Pose – relaxation, meditation and reflection.
We snuggle up under our blanket again and immediately it becomes apparent that our bodies have rewarded us for being kind as it yields to the ground fully in contact drawing the energy that gives life and growth. I focus on my breathing, gathering up any remaining aches and pains, my breath gains momentum, its strength seeking out every crevice and with hurricane force blows the negativity into a million particles that transform to tiny butterflies. I tingle from head to toe and playfully as the little butterflies tickle, I feel a little chuckle in my chest, uninhibited with the naivety of a new born, my chest bursts and a feeling of joy and contentment brings a satisfied smile to my lips – bliss!
I can handle anything with grace and dignity that is thrown at me this week : )
Expectations are the mother of Crisis, so treat yourself, go with the flow, there are treasures within.
Thank you Melissa, you have a gift!
Lorna-Jean Paulot
