By Sue Eisenfeld

I had been hesitant to take “Yoga for Healthy Aging” because, I thought at my middle age, I don’t need that yet! That doesn’t apply to me! Sun and Moon director Annie Moyer convinced me to try it by saying, “We’re all aging.”

Alas, before I could even attend the class, I threw my back out. Rixie’s class was my saving grace. I allowed Rixie’s wise asana choices to test my body and its movement again in a safe and purposeful way. I allowed Rixie’s kind and knowing manner to heal my broken spirit by showing me I can still move and be present in a community of others who might be injured, healing, or on a challenging body journey.

First we chanted, exercising our minds via our tongues through the sounds and our hands through various mudra—thumbs touching each fingertip in turn along with each beat. Legs up the wall exercises stretched our ankles, strengthened our core and glutes, and rotated our necks, all areas that can get stiff or atrophy with age. Floor work challenged us in balance and strength, and then we did the ultimate test, for which she presented several different solutions: stand up from the ground without using your arms or hands. Throughout this gentle but practical and relaxing class, she acknowledged when movements were as challenging for her as they might be for us, affirming us, embracing us, guiding us, and telling us: We are all in this together.