YOGA AND DISABILITY
Jay Pezzarossi is a private yoga student living in Lexington, Kentucky. Mr. Pezzarossi is a talented new yogi who enjoys art, writing, computers, and films. His first experience with yoga came about through Chair Yoga classes at the Latitude Artist Community. He's now exploring yoga through basic asana, meditation, and pranayama on the mat. Working with Jay is wonderful -- and we're both excited about his progress.
Thanks, Jay, for inviting me into your world.
Polly and I have known one another for about 6 years. She is a talented artist and yogi who enjoys dancing, drumming, horseback riding, keeping her journal, and writing emails to her many friends and to her devoted family. She is a gentle spirit who loves kirtan singing and a daily yoga practice.
She also began as a Chair Yoga student, but now practices many standing postures too. Her quiet grace and enthusiasm have inspired many other students over the years. She often demonstrates new poses -- and sometimes even agrees to help lead the class. Polly loves doing Sun Salutations and modified Bridge Pose.
Another student with a solid daily practice, Melissa is a courageous young woman who practices yoga and meditation. She often asks compelling questions about the ethics presented in deeper studies of the yoga tradition, applying them to her life and struggles. She uses modified seated postures and pranayama (breath work), and is gifted in her ability to bind. Her goal is to continue her education, to perhaps one day go back to college. (Update: Melissa is revisting her interest in mathematics and is enrolled at the Lexington Community College, receiving high marks in algebra. Go Melissa!)
Jay
Polly
Melissa
Lewis
When I first met Lewis I wondered if he would choose to take part in yoga class, and whether he would allow for adjustments into yoga postures. Because he's shy and hesitant to trust, our relationship needed to be carefully developed over time.
Lewis has made fantastic progress in the last 5 years and successfully uses yoga breathing techniques outside of class. He's attentive, always eager for class, and accepts direction very well.
Lewis rocks!
I'm privileged to work closely with some extraordinary individuals with Down Syndrome, Autism, Cerebral Palsy -- and a wide variety of other cognitive and physical challenges. They benefit greatly from a gentle, consistent yoga practice dedicated to their specific needs, and I learn something new everyday from each of them.
The Latitude Artist Community in Lexington, Kentucky is a progressive art-based organization owned and staffed by mentors and artists who promote self advocacy and autonomy through community work, creative expression and exhibits, and approaches to healthier lifestyles. My strong urge to introduce yoga into Latitude programming was embraced by its founders, and I'm deeply grateful for the mutual acceptance, respect, and love we continue to enjoy.
For more about Latitude programming visit:
Let the beauty of what you love be what you do.
Rumi
