A recent question from a blog reader:

Question:  I'm 70 years old; will I be able to do the yoga in the Longevity Breathing Yoga & Meditation summer retreat? I think it would be a great addition to the chi gung/tai chi I do.

Answer:  Yes, you will be able to do Longevity Breathing Yoga regardless of your age.   Remember, the focus in Longevity Breathing Yoga is internal rather than physical.  Even if you can't fully do the physical postures in the beginning, as long as you are able to find the basic alignments, you can still develop a practice.  A couple of things to keep in mind:

70% Rule
As discussed in previous blogs, just like with any of the other chi practices, you'll want to be mindful of the 70% rule.  The 70% rule is taught as a fundamental principle for all Energy Arts Taoist exercises (first estimate what 100% of your capacity is in terms of range of movement or duration of practice; that is, how far your body can actually stretch and how much your body can endure before it collapses. Once you determine this, you then only move or practice to about 70% of your capacity). Over time this will allow your absolute level of performance to increase beyond what the "give 100%, no pain, no gain" philosophy will give you. Most of the postures in the beginning set are seated postures that are difficult for some students when they first begin the practice. If you allow yourself to gradually build up to it, you'll be surprised at how much your 'seat' opens and becomes more comfortable. The breathing and relaxation techniques you'll learn in this practice may allow you to work through the blockages that prevent you from fully participating in any of the postures.

Modifications
Yoga blocks, meditation cushions, and blankets may be used to help you transition into the postures. San Francisco based instructor Dorothy Fitzer has developed a modified routine of the basic Longevity Breathing Yoga set that can be done entirely in a chair for students who are unable to do the seated postures (the assistants at the retreat will be able to help you if needed).

Ideally, you'll eventually want to be able to practice the postures without any props if possible, but until then, they can help ease you into the practice (but may remain for as long as needed).   

Its All Connected
You're right, it will also be a great addition to the Tai Chi and Chi Gung that you do. One of the essential concepts that Taoist Lineage Holder Bruce Frantzis would like students to get from the beginning Longevity Breathing Yoga practice is the idea of working from the inside out. This internal awareness may enhance, clarify and even bring a new perspective to your current chi practices.

More information about the 2009 Longevity Breathing Yoga Retreat.

~Ellen Pucciarelli
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