Chair Yoga and Healing Music on the Handpan
When the pandemic began in late March of 2020, I began hosting a live chair yoga class for my friend Tami White via Zoom. In addition to hosting the class from my video studio, I also played healing music on the handpan. Tami is a geriatric nurse practitioner and yoga instructor who found herself on the front lines of the pandemic, feeling helpless and overwhelmed by uncertainty; she wanted to help bring relief to those shut in as well as other help care professionals that needed support and respite from the stress they were encountering.
Today we still deliver our chair yoga classes to our beloved community, the VA Hospital, and Christ Church Cathedral. Our community has grown and evolved over the past three years, and it continues to grow. After decades of playing blues-rock guitar, I would not have believed if anyone had told me I’d be playing handpan for yoga classes, the VA, and hospice. Still, the handpan and these communities have given me my music back in ways I never dreamed of. It’s brought healing to my life, and I’ve witnessed this music bring peace and healing to others.
If you’re curious about chair yoga, keep reading, and if you’re interested in joining our online community, click this link to learn more. Click Here
What is Chair Yoga?
Chair yoga is a modified form of yoga that is practiced while sitting on a chair or using a chair for support. It is designed to make yoga accessible to individuals who may have limited mobility, balance issues, or difficulty getting down to the floor. Chair yoga incorporates gentle stretches, breathing exercises, and mindfulness techniques, offering many of the benefits of traditional yoga practice.
In chair yoga, participants perform a series of seated poses and movements that focus on stretching and strengthening the body, improving flexibility, promoting relaxation, and enhancing overall well-being. The poses can be adapted to suit individual needs and abilities, allowing people of all ages and fitness levels to participate.
Chair yoga typically involves gentle movements of the neck, shoulders, arms, and legs, along with focused breathing exercises and meditation. The chair provides stability and support, making it safer and more accessible for individuals with physical limitations or conditions such as arthritis, chronic pain, or balance issues.
Benefits of Chair Yoga
Some benefits of chair yoga include increased flexibility, improved range of motion, enhanced circulation, reduced stress and anxiety, better posture and alignment, increased body awareness, and a sense of relaxation and calm. It can also help to alleviate joint pain, improve muscle strength, and boost mental focus and clarity.
Chair yoga classes are often conducted in a group setting and led by a qualified instructor who guides participants through the poses and breathing techniques. However, chair yoga can also be practiced individually at home using online tutorials or instructional videos specifically designed for chair-based practice.
It’s important to consult with a healthcare professional or certified yoga instructor before starting any new exercise program, including chair yoga, especially if you have any pre-existing health conditions or concerns. They can provide personalized guidance and ensure that chair yoga is suitable and safe for your specific needs.
Chair Yoga & Healing Music with Tami & Kelly
Please visit the Self Care Providers website to learn more about joining our chair yoga class! Click Here
What is a Handpan?
The handpan is known for its soothing sound and is often used in meditation, music therapy, relaxation, and personal enjoyment. If you’d like to learn more about the handpan and discover my work in the healing arts, click this link to learn more. Click Here
