Grandma Yoga Series – Online!

Did you know?

Did you know that of all the living species sharing space on planet earth only a few live to become a grandmother? In nearly 99.95% of all living beings with feathers, fins, and feet, the 'mother dies' when the c'child' is born. It's automatic and built into the DNA of the species. Humans, Whales and Elephants are the only species that have grandmothers. With whales and elephants, the elder lives with the group. Their usefulness and contributions to the whole are immeasurable. find pix of whale/elephant Also , "allthe eggs a woman will ever carry form in her ovaries while she is a 4-month old fetus in womb of her mother. This means our cellular life as an egg begins in the womb of our grandmother. we spent 5mos there and she int turn.... father lnly the fleeting energy of a few weeks. Layne Redmond p 171

SIX SESSIONS

Creating a safe and sacred container online.  Guidlines and logistics for the course.

Powerpoint presentation to define Svadaya, Yoga, Yoga Therapy.

Experiential portion:  Yogic Anatomy.  Deep Relaxation, Meditation, and Sharing (optional)

We’ll begin with a CHECK- IN for any comments, concerns, or questions lingering after Session One.  The topic will be Self-Care for an Aging Body.
After the discussion period we’ll begin our practices so we can integrate the information into our body/mind/spirit.

 

Technology was not on our side for this session.  I apologize for no video, but audio works and maybe you can follow.    Since the published date I have learned even more about what supports graceful aging.  Join us for our weekly online classes.

 

The Manomaya Kosha, The Gunas & The Klesa’s Vedic psychology is a different perspective on our thoughts and emotions. Let’s discuss. You might want to have writing supplies handy.

BRFWA samskara the wave

Love letter to self
Face Yoga
Stretch/move/shake
Yoga nidra – brahma vihari’s
ANAHAT – THE UNSTRUCK SOUND
THE HEART CHAKRA DEC 1The Fourth Chakra is frequently referred to as the Heart Center, or Heart Chakra. It truly is a place where healing can occur using the tools of self-inquiry, breath, and yoga. I’ll let you know how to prepare.
How/why this workshop came to be…..
Air..the element of Relationship
Svadaya
Practice…..alternate nostril

 

INtuition, Creativity, Alternative mind-states, Visions, Synchronicity

Higher Consciousness

BEYOND THE BODY
DEC 15

Intuition, Creativity, Alternative mind-states, Visions, Synchronicity….Yoga opens the door to what lies in our ‘higher consciousness’

For our last time together in this form, I want to leave some extended time for discussion and feedback on what you’ve learned. We’ll discuss the future and what is possible. And, we’ll practice yoga together.

https://ekatvam.org/dharma-artha-kama-moksha/
The ancient sages articulated the goals of humankind as Purusharthas. Purusha means an individual or person, and Artha means objective, meaning, or pursuit. The four Purusharthas are:

Dharma: Righteousness, Duty
Artha: Wealth
Kama: Desire
Moksha: Liberation


For an individual to realize their Supreme Self, they need to identify the reasons and objectives for which they came into being on this earth plane and ultimately fulfill those purposes. T

 

Indra Devi

Hope is the thing with feathers, That perches in the soul, and sings the tune, without the word, and never stops at all. Emily dickinson.

When we integrate spiritual practice with other activities we open the possibility for change between the cellular and the subtle layers of the body.  This truth is at the heart of all Yoga  practices.  It’s always best experienced as gentle process done at your own pace. And, it is challenging.  We get to see more of who we are when we look.   We find our “edges”.  We heal

 

WHO IS THIS FOR?

Any senior (55+) who is wanting to connect body, mind, and spirit for health, happiness, and connection to others. The importance of self-care is vital and different from what was right a decade or two ago. Think of these workshops as “fitness for your spirit”.

Historically, the grandmothers were the wise ones, the healers, the spiritual practitioners of the family/tribe/commune/ashram. Their counsel was sought after, listened to, respected, and honored.

I am looking to create a community of “GrandMothers”, literally and figuratively. Our collective wisdom, gained from decades of life experience, is valuable and relevent in today’s world.

Grandfather’s may attend, knowing that all of the reference material will be feminine in nature.

 

ARE THERE PREREQUISITES?

Not really. If this is your first experience with anything to do with yoga please let me know so I can keep you safe. That said, all yoga is cumulative, so even if your last class was years ago, you’ll be fine.  Fear not, we are not here to exercise our bodies. However, we will be using our bodies throughout the program. If you have any concerns please contact Ida.   

RESOURCES

‘ll be providing some reading lists and other handouts. Please consider all of the written materials to be copyrighted and only use them for your own practice.

I will probably use DropBox.com to send these files. You’ll get a link. Easy.

HOW TO PREPARE

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First carve out the time and let everyone know not to disturb you. Create a special space. Keep it simple. Yoga mats are not required but if you have one that’s fine. It’s okay to sit in a chair for the discussion portions. Please find an armless, firm seat with minimal padding. I urge you to sit on the floor if you can. If needed, I will instruct during class time how to get up and down easily and safely.

Please try to come with an empty stomach. When the body is busy digesting it makes it more difficult to experience the more pleasant and subtle effects of these practices.

Do not wear anything tight or binding. Loose, natural fibers, that allow you to move in all directions are best. Water is fine before or after class. Please refrain from drinking (or eating) during class.

I encourage people to bring a journal or sketch pad to class. It’s ok to take notes during our discussions. There’s a lot of useful information.

Yoga props are handy if you have them. A blanket, a cushion, and an eyebag are good to have nearby.

That’s it. Show up….for yourself, for the others in the class, for the teacher, for peace in the world.

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WHAT DO YOU MEAN BY PRACTICES?

Practice implies not knowing, not finished, not ready. We are in learning mode. We are teachable. There are many ways to practice Yoga, the tree is wide and deeply rooted. Without practice, information stays in the mental field. It never gets to the body. The various practices of yoga help us integrate. We need to experience yoga not just understand it intellectually. Even if your interest takes you into a study of Vedic texts it is recommended that you use meditation as your primary practice.

 

Here’s a partial list of some of what we will practice together:

  • Breathing techniques (Pranayama) to increase relaxation, decrease stress response and release fear of the unknown.
  • Meditation techniques to calm & quiet the mind promoting clear & focused thinking.
  • Gentle hatha yoga postures (Asana) to strengthen, create more flexibility, and increase vitality.
  • Guided Yoga Nidra to release long held tensions in the body and create space for new attitudes.
  • Expressive movement for integration and to expand creativity.
  • Deep Listening to support emotional processes and improve relationships with others.
  • Toning (Nada Yoga) techniques for overall well-being and to reduce snoring.
  • Mudras for accessing the subtle/causal body.
DO I HAVE TO SHARE/TALK?

Satya is the Sanskrit word for truth. To speak our truth is a sacred right and a vital part of our healing. To listen to another speak her truth is equally sacred. Speaking and Listening without feedback, allows us to practice speaking our truth, however pleasant or unpleasant it is.

. I really don’t like the word sharing, although I am happy to see it so frequently in the media. What we will be practicing during this sharing time is what I call deep listening.

Our methods of communicating have undergone radical change in recent times. This only adds to the challenge of speaking truth. We will be discussing communication as a topic in one of our workshops.

On a Personal Note........

The inspiration for this program came as I was deep into writing a memoir, "Becoming Grandma". As I confronted my memories of the child, the girl, the mother, and now, grandmother, I discovered a lot of repressed emotional content. Yoga therapy gave me a gentle way to see and feel that content. That is the moment where I have a choice; to hold on or let go. Yoga highlights the choice points. Once that old repressed 'energy' gets freed up there's more life force available for more pleasant activities.

The inspiration for this program came as I was deep into writing a memoir, “Becoming Grandma”. As I confronted my memories of the child, the girl, the mother, and now, grandmother, I discovered a lot of repressed emotional content. Yoga therapy gave me a gentle way to see and feel that content. That is the moment where I have a choice; to hold on or let go. Yoga highlights the choice points. Once that old repressed ‘energy’ gets freed up there’s more life force available for more pleasant activities.

 

January 4, 2025

I think it’s time to run this program again, but, of course, Updated & “New”. 

Ugh.  Although born under a disseminating moon, I really hate having to promote myself.  But as of yet I can’t find the right group to merge with..and society continues to organize it self in ways I can’t abide.  

Still, yoga serves me in many ways. 

Since running this program in 2021 I’ve learned alot about Yoga, Longevity, and Karma and I’d like to explore those topics more .

People are saying.....

I feel quite fortunate to be practicing yoga with Ida. During the pandemic she reached out to her Yogis’ and began zoom classes. At a time in my life when most of my day was tense and uncertain I knew Ida would show me how to calm down and relax. Her classes were the best part of my day. Ida also enjoys sharing her knowledge of astrology and will fascinate you with her explanations of how they interact with our lives. Take time out for YOU! I love it!

Barbara L.

“Ida’s class always takes me on a journey to find energy, love, and peace. Ida’s great sense of humour and insights about the challenges of being warrior – women – grandmothers inspire me to meet the day with positivity. Ida makes our online classes more personal and nourishing than you can imagine.”

Joan

73 years young, has two grandkids to love, Petaluma, CA

I don’t know how I would have survived this past year and a half and kept my sanity without Ida’s yoga classes. Ida is not just a yoga teacher, but an inspiration on so many levels. In addition to the physical benefits of her yoga practice, she brings so much wisdom, warmth and spirituality to her students.
I am so excited to participate in her Grandmother’s Yoga program. Whether you have grandchildren or not, there is sure to be something valuable for everyone.

Judy R.

I’m writing to recommend Ida Cullen, my yoga teacher. She has been a great influence in my life. Her teaching is beyond wonderful. Also she has the most soothing voice I’ve heard. I’m a real convert at the age of 84. She has given me the ability to get calm and meditate. My life has become much happier because of Ida.

Joan M.

My wife spotted ad, Yoga for Seniors, and said this is for you and with some reluctance I registered. That was a life-changing event, and from the very first day as a newcomer I felt welcomed by Ida with her gentle voice, bright enthusiasm and warm personality. She has a way of engaging all of us that is fun, safe, inclusive and always interesting. I find myself driving home with a new-found inner peace and calm that allows me to “go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence.

Chuck H.

Your Yoga Therapy is just what the world needs. Thank You.

Marcia

Thank You, Ida. You are so skilled even via zoom you are able to bring us to a sense of calm, peace, and acceptance. So thankful for your gifts. It’s as if you know what needs tending.

Esther D.

I have enjoyed taking yoga classes with Ida for about the last 15 years. Ida’s classes are so much more than what people normally think of as a yoga class. Her wisdom and breath of knowledge of the entire “world view” of yoga, including Ayurveda, spirituality, as well astrology provide an eye-opening, enriching, and calming experience. Ida is very aware of the way the human body develops and ages, and gears her classes to the individual needs of her students, always stressing that we need to listen to our bodies first, and to her second, so as not to push ourselves too hard. The work with breathing and meditation is one of my favorite parts of each class. If I feel achy or anxious before a class, at the end, there is always serenity and peacefulness. 🙏

Sue

I am grateful for being on this journey with Ida Cullen as my teacher of Yoga, as I have been for almost 20 years. With her, I know I will feel better after each session than before going in. I know I am safe, as she takes me through the asanas, approaching the fullest expression of the pose for me, today, as I am. Through breathwork, she helps me to access the subtle areas, quieting of the mind. The sessions always include meditation. Here is the balancing and uniting the body, mind and spirit. I think it is because she is steeped in Kripalu Yoga (= opening to love) that Ida uniquely able to guide senior women like myself to a better life through Yoga. I know that I am stronger, saner, more compassionate to myself and others, and maybe even closer to being on the path that leads to my truest self.

Pat Halsey

Age 81

Ida Cullen exudes kindness, clarity, and connection. Yoga Therapy for Grandma will offer you exactly what you need, because it is conceived in Ida’s kind heart, filtered through her deep experience, and honed in her sharp mind. Through the mirror of Ida’s teaching, you will be given your next pieces for wholeness, health, and possibility. Give yourself the gift of yourself.

Aruni Nan Futuronsky

Kripalu Center Legacy Faculty

I have had the blessing of knowing and collaborating with Ida for 3 decades. I trust her work implicitly and have referred many clients to her, with the utmost confidence. . Her wisdom, presence, JOY, and insight brings profound support, clarity and momentum to anyone’s process. She is a sage, a healer and an artist to her core. Anyone who has the pleasure of benefiting from her many gifts, will surely be transformed and expanded by their work together. She is a truly a rare find.
Skylar Larkyn, LMFT. NY, CT, NM