Nocturnal Works death doula resources

Beginning Yoga

by Gerald Lee Jordan
19 December 2020 13:38 (NZT)

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Thinking about what is normal

As we get older, we accept problems with our bodies – stiffness, soreness and other things become our new normal. When these issues start, part of us imagines that this is a normal part of aging. Slowly, the issues mount and we tell ourselves they are all normal. We slowly lose mobility, we slowly learn to live with the pain. We begin to expect so much less from ourselves and forget what it was like for us before. We normalise pain, suffering and lower performance from our bodies.

Starting the Journey

I had some pain in my neck. I know I work too much at computers, but how much is “normal” stiffness and pain for someone at my age and stage of life? I decided that I would give yoga a go to answer questions like this and see what is behind all of the yoga hype. Sure, those leaving yoga classes at my gym seem to have better posture than most. Sure, those leaving yoga practice seems more comfortable in themselves. Sure, they have a spring in their steps. Is this from yoga or something else? I will be able to comment on this over the coming weeks.

Inspiration

I have thought of yoga for at least four years, but watching my fiancée doing her yoga routine online has brought my desire to try yoga to the forefront of my mind. Thank you so much, Tracy, for inspiring me to try yoga!

Next Steps

Tracy showed me some poses and stretches on Skype. I have also found some YouTube videos and have worked through two of them since my first yoga experience on Monday morning. I ordered a yoga mat from India (which arrived yesterday) and some stretchy shorts from California. I will try to document some of my experiences here because – and this is important – our physical health is not different from our mental health. We create false dichotomies and they confuse us in our abilities to help ourselves. A healthy mind needs a healthy body (the Buddha realised this, after starving himself and understanding this was not the way to Enlightenment). So, my journey in yoga is yet another part of my quest for good mental health, both for myself and others.

Aroha nui,

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Gerald Lee Jordan, MBA, MEd, MCouns ❤️

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About Death Doulas

Death Doulas - also referred to as End of Life Doulas - provide emotional and other support to the dying and their families. Support can be psychological (e.g. counselling), physical (aiding with exercise), clerical (helping with completing documents, including advanced directives), documentary (recording messages, including final messages for the dying), ceremonial (e.g. helping plan and/or deliver funerals) and other assistance which is not medical in nature. Death doulas are not doctors, they are not nurses and they are not solicitors/lawyers. They are brought in at the request of the dying and/or family and they are there to help the person transition from life.

About Nocturnal Works

The content on this site is provided to give resources and support to those dying, their loved ones and those providing death doula (end of life) support. When we find out that death is near and the initial shock wears off, emotions and questions flood into our minds. Noctural Works exists as place where you can find out about mental health issues and therapy related to death, dying, grief and bereavement - as well as more practical support, such as planning for death and supporting others on their journey.

The resources on this site are provided by Death Doula Ltd, a company in Aotearoa New Zealand which provides end of life doula support online, in Wellington, Blenheim and Picton (New Zealand). These resources are not legal or medical in nature, so do no rely upon them, but seek legal and medical advice, as required. If you are interested in counselling resources not focusing on death and dying, you can visit our other site, Therapy Aroha.