When I was diagnosed with Alzheimer several years ago, two things popped into my head: Did I catch it early enough? And, will I respond to treatment? Fortunately for me and everyone who loves me, the disease was in its early stages, and so I was highly responsive to treatment.
The other night, after a long day of contemplation, I stretched into Shavasana and felt a familiar sense of calm wash over me. As I imagined myself breathing space into the different parts of my body, my mind started to mosey around. First, I imagined what my life would look like five thousand Shavasana sessions down the road. Then, I came to realize that how quickly you age and to what degree your health deteriorates is largely dependent on how you take care of yourself. Understanding your bodys changing needs is a good start to self-care.
I also realized how intimacy is deconstructed and reshaped within a couple where one spouse has been diagnosed with Alzheimers. There are no quick fixes for these issues, but keeping your lines of communication open is essential. Everyones experience of a disease like Alzheimers will be individual in the same way that no two relationships are alike. Then it was that I came to see how really grateful I was for my Yoga sessions.
All strong practices stem from a place that feels like home. And believe me, no matter how hackneyed it might sound, home is where the heart is. Ultimately, take it from an old gander like me, that place is your own mind-body capsule. As most of us fall a few thousand insights short of Master Osho, I thought this might be a good time to put my findings down on paper. By the way, it really doesnt matter where you bring your Yoga mat, as long as you find your way back to it.
- Asanas: I’d try out Mountain pose, Tree pose, Triangle pose, Hands to feet pose, Wind relieving pose and Downward facing dog pose.
- Breathing exercises: Go in for simple Kapalabhatti and Anuloma Viloma
- Get loads of Shavasana, do the Meditation you find most suitable (Vipassana works for me) and chant your favourite mantra. You don’t need any initiation get it from a book or download it from the Net. It’ll work. It’ll work just the same. Trust me, it did for me.
You don’t need to know the specifics to start your own home program. All you need is a quiet spot where you can get comfortable and concentrate on a point of focus (a mantra or your breath). Practise every day, preferably in the mornings or evenings, or both. And always approach your practice with a positive attitude. It will help you return to the present so much faster.
