Carol and Pat

Carol and Pat are two ladies in my yoga classes that I admire a great deal.
Carol, not too long ago, could not walk on her own. Carol told me she had to go to physical therapy just to walk again. Then walking unassisted became her next challenge. Every step of the way she has had a very strong determination to get her body back to a healthy and functioning shape. She came to my Monday class and I didnt think she would return since my Monday class is more difficult class than my other classes. She tried my Tuesday's gentler class and loved it. Since then I've seen her every week and yes, every Monday, modifying the more difficult postures so that she can do them. I wish all my students had this determination and instinct to modify the postures and not injure themselves. Way to go Carole!
Pat was a 79 yr old who took her first yoga class when I substituting for another instructor. I took one look at her and thought she should be in a gentle class. I suggested to her to wait and start with a gentle class, but she was determined to give yoga a try. Pat had to use a cane and her goal was to walk without one by her 80th birthday. She was going to a personal trainer and getting strong, but she knew she needed to stretch those strong muscles. She made it through her first class, modifying her postures and taking breaks when she needed to. A few weeks later, she came to another class I was subbing and she was going very strong. At one point, I told the whole class to go in child's pose because I could see that Pat was overheating! Today, Pat has reached her 80th birthday, and yes, no cane! She told me she loved walking into her doctor's office unassisted. Pat has come to a few of my classes and she has learned to use props to get the most of her yoga experience. Awesome job Pat!
As a teacher, I have so much to learn from my students...thanks Carole and Pat!