WHAT IS A SPOONIE?
"Spoonie” is an affectionate nickname for people living with chronic illness. It is based on the Spoon Theory which was written by Christine Miserandino to explain how people living with chronic illness must carefully budget their energy in order to get through the day. I call my style of yoga Spoonie Yoga because these are gentle practices that are appropriate for Spoonies. I love using this nickname to create a sense of community and friendship between us chronic illness warriors. Although we may not share the same physical space, we support and love each other. We are all connected.
I HAVE A CHRONIC ILLNESS. HOW DO I START DOING YOGA?
The most important thing is to start slow and listen to your body as you begin yoga. The key is to avoid pushing the body into a flare up or post-exertional malaise. You can get my tips for getting started in this blog post and this blog post. I also have a free ebook that you can download here. It is a beginner's guide to the foundations of yoga with one breathing exercise, one meditation practice, and 3 asana (physical) yoga practices.
I AM BED-BOUND. CAN I STILL DO YOGA?
Yes! Yoga is for everyBODY! Many of the yoga practices I create can be done in bed. I even have a few that are done completely lying down, so you don’t even have to be able to lift your head to do them. You can browse my free yoga practices here, or check out my spoonie-friendly membership program here.
WHAT YOGA STRETCHES ARE GOOD FOR BACK PAIN?
There are many! I have a free yoga class for back pain that you can try by clicking here. I also have a couple yoga classes for scoliosis that you may like to try. This one is a ten minute practice with poses you can do daily. This one is a slightly longer practice that can also be done daily if desired. I also have a full training plan for back pain inside my membership program.
WHAT STRETCHES ARE GOOD FOR NECK PAIN?
Neck pain can be so frustrating, and unfortunately it requires daily stretching if you want to maintain pain relief. I have a free neck and shoulder release practice available in my Spoonie Yoga Essentials Kit, which you can download here. The practice is just five minutes long, so you can easily work it into your daily routine.
CAN I DOWNLOAD YOUR YOGA CLASSES?
Not at this time, but you can stream them at your convenience without ads here.
WHAT IS SPOONIE YOGA STUDIO?
Click here to find out more about my monthly membership program and any related questions.
DO YOU OFFER SCHOLARSHIPS OR DISCOUNTS?
At this time Sleepy Santosha doesn’t have a scholarship program. I understand the toll disability and chronic illness can take on our finances, which is why I provide so much free content on YouTube. I am hoping to be able to offer some sort of scholarship in the future as our community continues to grow. Please make sure to stay subscribed so you don’t miss it when this offering does become available.
ISN’T PRACTICING YOGA CULTURAL APPROPRIATION?
Yoga is not considered a closed spiritual practice, meaning it is open for anyone to practice regardless of race, religion or background. It was always meant to be something that grew and evolved with the people who were practicing it, and many yogis from India traveled to the United States just for the purpose of bringing yoga to the west. There are certainly people who have cheapened the practice by attempting to erase the spiritual component and only focusing on the fitness aspect to gain popularity and make money, which can be harmful and is not in alignment with yoga’s teachings. Yoga isn’t something I only do when I’m teaching it or when I’m on my mat. Yoga is my life and it’s something I believe in deeply, so I always do my best to honor the lineage of yoga and include the philosophy and history behind it in my classes. When practiced with intention and respect, yoga is for everyone!