Yoga instructor Julie Parkinson. Courtesy photo
BY BERNADETTE LAURITZEN
Looking to try something new? Perhaps, something good for the brain, the spirit, that might release some of that pent-up toxicity?
On Wednesdays at 1 p.m., Julie Parkinson, will take seniors to the next leave with an afternoon yoga session at the Betty Ehart Senior center.
Parkinson began Yoga on a whim, with an invitation from a co-worker.
“That day, I got the same reaction in my body from Yoga that I get from a massage,” said Parkinson. “I could feel the toxins being released from my muscles and organs.”
It turns out that Yoga affects her mind in a very good way. She continued practicing and found that the practice helped unwind the chaos in her mind. She was shown that instead of anger being her go-to emotion, she experienced many more feelings including contentment.
That was 14 years ago and now life really does imitate art as it led to her pursuit of becoming a certified instructor in February 2019. Her training through 3B Yoga in Albuquerque has led to teaching in her home studio, at the White Rock Senior Center and at the Los Alamos Public Schools. Her classes are for all ages, stages and abilities.
Parkinson likes to impart several components to her Yoga philosophy. She defines Yoga as a breathing, moving meditation, and believes that Yoga is for everyone. Parkinson, has also noticed that her mind is calmer after Yoga.
“My perspective on life and living has changed,” said the instructor. “It is true, Yoga calms the chaos in our minds and allows us to see the world with more clarity.”
She believes that no matter where a person is in life, whether young or old, strong or weak, flexible or brittle, anyone can try Yoga. She can guide new learners through proper alignment and modifications, and help one understand how practicing Yoga can improve health and allow a person to become what they truly want to be.
“Of course, we are all different,” said Parkinson. “We need to honor these differences and revel in our unique self as we practice Yoga with compassion, for our minds and bodies.”
Her final component comes from a book called “Yoga Sutras of Patanjali”. The book in part defines her third component of her personal philosophy, paraphrased here as, “Now is the time for Yoga. There is no time like the present to practice Yoga. Do not put it off. Let’s improve ourselves now. So, what are you waiting for? Come and be a Yogi with me!”
Fitness instructors donate their time to the senior centers. A small donation of $5 is appreciated to help the instructors and for the cost of their time. Parkinson can also be found at the White Rock Senior Center on Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. Vaccination for Covid-19 is required, masks are optionaland all patrons must check in at the main entry and have temperatures taken. Call (505) 662-8920 with questions.