b'and it is in a lot of ways, doesnt always haveawareness while navigating ones immediate to be fancy; you dont need yoga blocks. Instead,world. Chronic condition or not, everyones use a pillow, a paper towel roll, or a rolled-upgot to get somewhere, and the safer we move blanket. If your chair has arms and its all youin the process, the better.have, use it. After all these years, I still harborNot only does Pat believe there is something myrstteachersphilosophy:Ifyoucanin yoga for everyone, but practitioners can show up and breathe, you can do yoga. Itsalso integrate smaller movements into daily that simple.routines. So much time spent in life involves Patemphasizesthatmindfulnessandwaiting, she said. Sitting in a doctors office meditation are as critical to overall practice asis certainly no fun. One can decompress by physical movement. Former cardiologist Herbertdrifting away to instrumental music and Benson helped me realize how interrelatedfocusing on their breath, so by the time the the relationship between physical and mentalphysician is ready to see them, they are relaxed. wellness was, Pat said. People often haveThe same methods are effective if one is bothersome ailments that cannot be ignored,traveling by air or train. so nding something that helps is essential. Theycanalsopracticebalancewhile When I teach my yoga, I carve out time tobrushing their teeth with one hand resting on guide on how to get in touch with yourself tothecounter,raisingafootslightlyforten reduce stress and quiet the mind. For instance,counts while being aware of the nearest wall. thebreathingexercisesandimageryareThey can even utilize the time theyre standing meditative, comforting, and healing. Sometimes,in line at a grocery store to achieve balance Ihavethem visualizetheirfavoriteplace,by holding onto the cart handle with both scent, or sensation.handsandcountingjustthesame;when more comfortable, they can extend the count The hope is that these techniques helpto twenty. No one suggests you twirl like a theattendeepushasidetheirto-dolist,ballerina or become a pretzel, but you can aches, pains, or whatever else is botheringmanage balance with the props or aids in them and that what I transmit resonates withproximity.them.Asformyself,IdontpracticeyogaCurrently, Pat leads ve-to-six classes a much as an attendee anymore because I amweek online and in-person in the Hartford, always teaching. But when I do, I love whenConn., area. As for the future, she plans to someone leads me into a thought processcontinue teaching, but anticipates practicing that helps me put those stresses into a bubbleyoga more as a pupil. I am a good student, and and let it oat away.I enjoy being taught. She added, Whether it Pat said yoga has enhanced her strength,is an art or yoga class, I love discovering new exibility, balance, and awareness over thethings and passing them on. years. "I love standing poses like tree and warrior,Despite her decadelong background as an which can be taught seated; these postures helpinstructor, Pat was indifferent to the idea of with equilibrium and attentiveness. Both areteaching once upon a time. My mother thought important to me and to those with MS whoI should teach, but I fought against that all encounterbalanceandcognitiveissues.Imy life by going into nance, insurance, and enjoy learning and teaching ways to increasefundraising, she said. But then, before teaching 39 msfocusmagazine.org'