Style Spotlight: Seniors with Mary Pat Paul
In conversation with Mary Pat:
In your own words, how would describe the style of your class?
In all my classes, I try to create a welcoming atmosphere and include, first & foremost, the aspect of gratitude - gratitude for the fact that we have the ability to bend, stretch, move and breath. I've been practicing yoga since 2001 – over 22 years now. There are times due to life circumstances, other activities, and aging when injuries and/or pain occur. Living life & practicing yoga pain free is a real gift and one to appreciate & be grateful for each time on the mat. Also, gratitude that we can spend time together while in a yoga class - both in person and on zoom. Since emerging from the Pandemic, I am even more grateful to be with people again in the studio!
My style of this class would be that it is accessible to all levels and informative. This class also allows more time to explore poses and to present them in different ways to increase accessibility to all. I have always appreciated, while participating as a student in class, the 'why' of doing something. So, I like to provide that information when possible as well.
What do you like about teaching this style?
I love the ability to draw upon a variety of class types when planning a Senior/Gentle yoga class. A class may contain elements of yin, hatha, vinyasa, or even some of the hot yoga poses - all presented in a more accessible way. The classes change from week to week focusing on a different body part or peak pose, which makes each class a 'surprise' or different but always fun. I also enjoy being able to incorporate props that allow us to experience a pose in a different way, provide support, or balance assistance. One Tree Yoga has a wonderful array of props available for us to use. These include the traditional blocks, blankets, & straps, and also chairs and dowels. It is amazing what you can do only incorporating chairs and blocks in a class. Simply forwarding folding from a chair is a whole different experience compared to a seated forward fold on the floor!
What do you like about practicing this style?
Practicing this type of class allows me to experience yoga in a slower, more deliberate, and interesting way. I also have found that I MUST practice this type of yoga since I've been playing Pickleball more and more. This style allows my body (particularly back & knees) to recuperate from one day of playing and prepare me for the next. And with spring approaching, this type of class would be great as we all will be doing more biking, golfing, running, gardening, & traveling. I also like practicing this style for the slowing down reason I talk about in the next question.
Why do you think students should practice this style?
All students, regardless of age & physical ability, would benefit from this class type. Just like brushing your teeth with the opposite hand, it is good to experience & practice change. In this class, to 'change' the way we experience a pose is great practice for us physically AND mentally. Change is inevitable and the more we experience & practice it, the better off we will be. And the class is titled Senior/Gentle yoga because it really has a two-fold purpose. The classes are developed with our Senior students in mind. And it is good for people with a more physical practice as well. As teachers of these classes, we are ever mindful to offer options that can make poses more accessible to our seniors and also offer options that can challenge those that may want a bit more from the class. Lastly, it is always good to SLOW down the pace of life. In our lives these days, most of us are busy, in a hurry & always on the go. The yoga mat is a safe & excellent place to cultivate the 'opposite' of our habitual life patterns.
In conversation with Jim Mulhall:
How would you describe this style of class?
The seniors classes are truly unique each day, you will never get bored. Jamie and Mary Pat are the main Seniors teachers and their styles compliment each other. We carefully move through various poses sometimes on our backs, standing and sitting. The class is always taught to each yogis' skill and ability. There's no shame in modifying or taking a break. We use various props which really help as we age. I still practice other styles at One Tree, but Seniors has become my favorite.
Why do you practice this style?
I practice Senior yoga because I'm a senior!!
Seriously, the seniors yoga has all the things. There is always movement of some sort, subtle and at times energetic. It's important as we age to keep moving, be kind to your body and practice positivity. Like I said it has all the things for me.