Motion is lotion
By Lisa Walford
For the TODAY
Entering a new year, we frequently assess our priorities, and health is often at the top of the list. What does health mean to you? Is it to eat better, lose weight, move more, learn how to relax, communicate more effectively, be kinder? Perhaps all the above? Ultimately, they all boil down to how much we care about ourselves. Simple, right? But not so easy! We are conditioned from a young age to desire certain tastes and favorite activities. Steering your preferences toward more healthy choices may be effortful, but where to start?
Consumer Reports suggests that movement is a prime mover (pun intended) to help alleviate back pain, reduce chronic inflammation, improve sleep and lower stress. Here on the coast, we have a plethora of glorious open spaces, beaches and forests to walk in. We have fitness studios and, my favorite, yoga classes.
Research from the National Institute of Health reports that yoga can help you maintain your range of motion, handle chronic pain, enhance immune health and stress management.
The kind of yoga you choose can make a big difference.
In Lincoln City, there are several stellar options. If you are new to yoga, try a few instructors and styles before you settle in. Some might focus more on form, which is preferable if you have conditions that you are coping with, while others are free flowing, fun and challenging. New Moon Yoga at the Lincoln City Cultural Center offers a variety of classes from gentle to vigorous. Luminous Soul Center in Gleneden Beach is a boutique space with classes, sound baths and a healing clinic while The Lincoln City Community Center offers gentile yoga classes.
And mental health? Motion is lotion, lotion to ease the anxiety of change, and to help accept the things we might not be able to change. Whether it is yoga, a walk at sunrise, sunset, with friends or in solitude, movement will help you lean into the choices you make for this New Year. The ancient Roman poet Virgil said that, “Health is the greatest wealth.” We have known this forever, it seems. Your forever can start today. Happy New Year.
Lisa Walford is a Lincoln City-based yoga instructor who has been teaching worldwide for 38 years. She currently teaches online through her school, The Center for Yoga Los Angeles.