Spinal Tapestry

Posted by Brian on September 24, 2009

We all inherit certain things from the people around us who influence us, especially as we grow. Traditions, religion, even a social group or political leaning can be derived from our upbringing. So how do people jump tracks and learn new things? There has to be a “clue” that starts them down a different road, right? What gets people into new activities? In the case of yoga, it’s often sought out by people looking to improve an aspect of their lives.

A great teacher from The Yoga Sanctuary, Senem, had to search for a way to mitigate pain caused by surgery to correct her scoliosis, “A friend told me she was going to yoga, and because she looked so happy and peaceful, (she also told me it was a complete workout) I decided to give it a try.” The decision to visit the studio had immediate results, “I felt my first release and saw the possibility of relaxation. The stiffness was transformed in my first Savasana.”

Of course, most people are self-conscious about their performance in yoga and try to push hard to achieve an idealized version of poses. Senem tries to give students a comfortable, gentle experience, saying “I really am against the ‘no pain, no gain’ notion.” Modern sports psychologists agree with this philosophy, since it’s hard to keep up with activities if you burn yourself out.

Having attained a great understanding of yoga and scoliosis, Senem gives a lecture on the subject for the Yoga Teacher Training group at TYS every year. She shares her knowledge out of empathy for others who have had similar experiences.

As far as using yoga for self-transformation, Senem’s own story speaks volumes, “Last year, I went to visit the doctor who had done my surgery. He was so impressed with how I could just bend over so easily and touch my feet, with the range of movement I had achieved. He was also very proud that I had transformed this experience into becoming a yoga teacher. That was very rewarding.”

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