Pat Thomas

"Restorative Yoga doesn't require (externally at least) much active doing. So it challenges the part of us that needs to be productive every minute of every day. We often try to co-opt yoga as a vehicle for an extreme makeover, doggedly attempting to make ourselves better, stronger, more flexible, calmer; as though there were something deeply wrong with us. But Yoga emphasizes non-striving. All of Yoga's philosophical texts encourage us to practice with dedication and intensity, but also without an agenda. In other words, forget self-improvement. Try practicing self-compassion instead. . . Let go of the need to turn your practice into a good performance. Instead, just see where it takes you." Yoga for Emotional Balance, Bo Forbes Instructor Pat Thomas (RYT 200) is a retiree who has practiced yoga for over 40 years. She is certified in iRest Yoga Nidra in addition to traditional Hatha Yoga. Her sessions, held on Mondays and Thursdays at the Butterfly House, provide for an experience of deep relaxation and meditation. This class is accessible for all levels of physical fitness, because we meet our bodies (and minds) where they are. Pat donates the cost of her sessions, which are $6 for residents with their own mats, and $15 for drop ins. Mats are available for sale. "Yoga is not about touching your hands to your feet, or your heads to your knees, but about touching your heart to the divine." (unknown).

"Restorative Yoga doesn't require (externally at least) much active doing. So it challenges the part of us that needs to be productive every minute of every day. We often try to co-opt yoga as a vehicle for an extreme makeover, doggedly attempting to make ourselves better, stronger, more flexible, calmer; as though there were something deeply wrong with us. But Yoga emphasizes non-striving. All of Yoga's philosophical texts encourage us to practice with dedication and intensity, but also without an agenda. In other words, forget self-improvement. Try practicing self-compassion instead . .. Let go of the need to turn your practice into a good performance. Instead, just see where it takes you." Yoga for Emotional Balance, Bo Forbes Instructor Pat Thomas (RYT200) is a retiree who has practiced yoga for over 40 years. She is certified in iRest Yoga Nidra in addition to traditional Hatha Yoga. Her sessions, held on Mondays and Thursdays at 9:00 am at the Butterfly House, provide for an experience of deep relaxation and meditation. This class is accessible for all levels of physical fitness, because we meet our bodies (and minds) where they are. Pat donates the cost of her sessions, which are $6 for residents with their own mats, and $15 for drop-ins.