Y4A Fall Newsletter, 2023 Keeping you up to date on the latest Y4A news, offerings, and resources. |
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What Y4A has been doing this summer: |
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In August of each year, Amputee Coalition (https://www.amputee-coalition.org), the major organization providing a myriad of services to amputees from peer support to advocacy, holds its annual conference. This year, in Orlando Florida, on behalf of Y4A Yoga for Amputees, Heather taught the morning yoga clinics and evening yoga classes. The more energetic yoga clinics, at 7 a.m. each morning, were a great way to start the active conference day. The evening yoga classes, comprised of gentle movement, relaxing breath work, and guided meditation, were a restful way to end the busy day. The yoga practices were designed to be accessible to all, and participants practiced yoga in many positions – seated (on the floor, in chairs, or in wheelchairs), standing, lying down, and with and without prostheses. This was a first yoga experience for many conference attendees, while others had some yoga experience. In all the clinics and classes, participants were shown ways to adapt poses to their specific situation. BK (below the knee) amputee and recent Y4A Yoga for Amputees teacher training graduate, Eileen Garney (shown below with Heather), assisted Heather in the clinics. These yoga clinics were based on the teachings of Y4A founder, Marsha Therese Danzig, whose influence was felt throughout the conference and continues through all the Y4A offerings. May her legacy continue. |
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After returning from the Amputee Coalition conference, Heather was inspired to spread the practice of yoga throughout her local yoga community. She reached out to rehabilitation centers in the Delaware area and connected with a local amputee support group organized by the Wilmington Hospital Rehabilitation Department. Their amputee support group meetings are held monthly and are a great opportunity to connect with others, share resources, and learn about topics specific to the limb loss community. If you are a Y4A teacher who wants to offer an accessible/adaptive yoga class and aren’t sure how to go about starting one, you might want to begin by reaching out to local hospitals, rehabilitation centers, prosthetists, physical therapy offices, and adaptive sports programs. You might also approach your local yoga studios or fitness centers to share what you want to offer. Another great way to generate interest might be offer a short free class so that amputees and those with limb loss or limb limitation can get exposed to yoga. Although getting a class started might take a bit of work at the beginning, making connections and spreading the practice of yoga are great ways to build and support our community! |
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Next Y4A teacher training begins online October 12, 2023: |
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Are you interested in learning how to adapt yoga for limb loss? Do you have a special interest in making yoga accessible to anyone with a limb issue? Are you someone who supports amputees who wants to learn more about the benefits of this mind/body practice? The next Y4A teacher training session is coming up in October. It will be held online and hosted by the Yoga Center of Columbia, MD. This 8-week training event is worth 36 CEUs with Yoga Alliance for registered yoga teachers (RYTs) and yoga therapists. The cost of the training is $350, with an early bird discount rate of $325 if registered before September 15. Scholarships are available. |
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Latest Research – UCSD Research Study |
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University of California, San Diego (UCSD) researchers are working on a research study looking at a potential new treatment option for patients with phantom limb pain. They are excited about the potential impact on quality of life that this may have for people suffering with phantom limb pain. If you have phantom limb pain and are interested in learning more about the study, please contact Ethan Badger, MAS, Clinical Research Coordinator, Brain Mechanisms of Pain and Health Laboratory, UCSD, ejbadger@health.ucsd.edu |
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Y4A shirts are in the works! |
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We’ve heard you! You’ve seen the shirts, you love them, and you want to know how to get one. Well, we are actively working on a way for you to purchase your very own Y4A Yoga for Amputees shirt! Our goal is to have them available to purchase for your favorite amputee, friend, family member, or yoga teacher in time for the holidays! Stay tuned. 🙂 |
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Looking for a good book to read? |
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Check out this inspiring New York Times Bestseller from Amy Purdy: On My Own Two Feet: From Losing My legs to Learning the Dance of Life. In her own words, double amputee Amy Purdy tells her story of losing her legs at age 19 and going on to become a top-ranked snowboarder, Paralympian medalist, founder of Adaptive Action Sports, motivational speaker, actress, model, dancer, and clothing designer. Described as "Riveting" by Oprah Magazine, Amy's story is one of resilience, overcoming challenges and how the spark of determination can lead to endless possibilities. |
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Please send us your stories! |
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We would love to hear about your yoga experiences. If you are someone with limb loss, difference, or limitation who took a class, taught a class, or want to share a photo of you striking a yoga pose, we would love to share your stories with the Y4A community! Please send any stories or photos to Heather at yoga@thamers.com. |
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Thank you for being a part of the Y4A community! |
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The mission of Y4A Yoga for Amputees is to provide health, wellness, freedom of movement, psychological healing, spiritual renewal and a deep sense of wholeness to people who have experienced limb loss. |
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