“This is a beautiful service you share with an underserved, unrecognized community. I have never met someone with my cancer. Your class helps me to feel more connected to my new reality and to others who are living it—not quite so alone.” – Jody N.
I started working with the International Waldenstrom’s Macroglobulinemia Foundation in May 2021, bringing Chair Yoga to help those affected by this rare lymphoma. Since then, we have added Cardio Flow, Sound Meditation, Yoga Nidra, and Private Yoga Wellness specifically for those managing Waldenstrom’s. Read more about the The Birth of the WM Wellness Community – Torch, January 2023 pgs 30-31.
My father was diagnosed with the blood cancer WM in 2019, and I wanted to provide a safe space on Zoom for those affected with WM to move and breathe, while addressing some of the side effects such as fatigue, compromised immune system health, decreased bone mineral density, balance issues, and stress. (Note: Yoga is a complementary or integrative practice to be used in conjunction with standard medical treatment.)
Chair Yoga Mondays at 2pm
Sign up through Michelle Postek, IWMF mpostek@iwmf.com
Our 45 minute classes incorporate some of the following:
- Breath exercises for reducing stress and boosting the immune system
- Gentle stretches designed to energize the whole body
- Yoga poses that move the lymph fluid, and improve balance and steadiness
- Meditations like body scans to facilitate mindfulness, acceptance, and relaxation
- Optional 15 minute community chat (satsang/sangha) after class
Cardio Flow – Fridays at 2pm, twice a month
Sign up through Michelle Postek, IWMF mpostek@iwmf.com
Physical activity is the number one intervention for cancer-related fatigue.
- Get your flow on with simple repetitive movements that strengthen the core and legs, work the upper body, and pump the lymph fluid for immune system support. 45 minutes.
- We will be both seated and standing for the class, using the chair for balance as needed. Stick around for our optional community chat afterwards.
- Class will meet twice a month
Sound Meditation – Fridays at 2pm, once a month
Sign up through Michelle Postek, IWMF mpostek@iwmf.com
Relax to the sound of authentic Himalayan Singing bowls, with gentle verbal guidance to further calm the nervous system. 30 minutes.
- Singing bowls introduce a healing harmonic sound wave that helps dislodge stagnation on the cellular level, bringing the mind and body into perfect tune.
- Research studies have shown that sound meditation with singing bowls reduced tension and increased feelings of spiritual well-being in its participants, and could be useful for those experiencing fatigue, chronic stress, depression or anxiety.
- Class will meet once a month
Yoga Nidra – a Conscious Relaxation Practice
Second Sunday of each month at 4pm ET unless otherwise listed
Email ann@anngraceyoga.com to get on the list.
Those affected by Waldenstrom’s are invited to attend a live Yoga Nidra offering for free, once a month. This guided relaxation practice can be done from bed and is good for reducing stress, getting better sleep, and elevating well-being in general. If you miss a class, you’ll receive the recording later – reach out if you’d like access to the recordings. 30 minutes.
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Our WM Community
Satsang or Sangha refers to the practice of connecting with members of the community, in pursuit of truth and support. I never would have predicted the popularity of the class, but I’m so grateful to say that with the help of the IWMF and some anonymous donors, we have been able to continue a well-attended, ongoing weekly class with folks from all over the world!
Each week the community supports each other in whatever they’re experiencing. They also share how the practice helps them breathe better, feel more relaxed, balanced and flexible. The connection they experience with each other over the Zoom platform is just as therapeutic as the movement and breathing.
What students are saying about these offerings:
“Last week, I had to make my first venture out into the wider world, flying to a doctor’s appointment. This normally calm human was a knot of anxiety, thinking about exposure in the airports, hotel, etc, in the midst of the lifting of the mask mandate plus uptick in case transmissions. Yoga for WM WORKS….a wonderful, calming technique to help one refocus, and magically reduce stress and anxiety.” -Carol A., Fairfax, VA
“I cannot say enough about the this class and the benefits I have received from taking it. Ann’s bright cheerfulness sets the tone for my day. Her constant attention to our unique needs make me feel very special. I have also learned from the support group after class as well.” – Susan S., California USA
“Ann is wonderful. I have taught and participated in yoga classes for over thirty years and also worked in the NHS with cancer patients, here in the UK. I have never come across such a warm and generous teacher as Ann, and her use of the Tibetan bowls is wonderful. She is so gentle and honest. Wonderful.” – Alison M.
“When I practice Yoga Nidra with Ann Grace, it feels like the pause that truly refreshes. Ann Grace’s calming voice, her singing bowls and her clear, non-judging words help me settle into being in this present moment. The semi-sleep state that soon arrives in my body and the spaciousness of my breath give my body and mind an opportunity to rest from whatever the day may have brought. By the recording’s end, I re-enter the world differently, more settled and refreshed. A daytime yoga nidra practice often gives me an added bonus: I sleep better that night!” – Karen D, Michigan USA
“Thanks so much to Ann you, and the IWMF for these wonderful yoga classes. This is a highlight of my week. Ann is the best yoga instructor I have encountered. Her lovely personality and soothing voice make the classes most enjoyable and therapeutic. I just love her classes. It’s also very gratifying to meet with other WMers and hear about their experiences. Everyone is so willing to share and learn. Thank you for organizing all this.” Anne M., North Bay, Ontario, Canada
“Ann’s communication style, skills, and knowledge are exceptional. She is tuned into and present to each participant. Her soothing manner and watching us carefully, recommending adjustments and gently encouraging us to accept how/where we are at that moment, makes me feel safe. She checks in with each person before starting the recording (smaller class so was able to do) and she also has us raise our fingers to show her (and us) where we are at that particular moment on energy level and stress level. The content of the class provides options while listening to our bodies. It feels so good! She facilitates a comfortable “community” with the participants even though using Zoom. I am grateful it’s available to do in my home. Often I can’t drive, yet want to do a class specific to my needs. This provides it! Having the classes available to watch again is wonderful too! Thank you so very much!” Barbara Q, Waldenstrom’s Chair Yoga Participant
“THAT was wonderful! My husband Pat and I just followed your Yoga Nidra session with candles, essential oils and lots of cushions and blankets. What a gift this was, thanks! I can tell you really know what you are doing. It’s the first time anyone “guided” me into an intention…that was brilliant. Also I heard studies about gratitude found that just saying “I’m grateful for this or that” doesn’t work, that one needs instead to remember and experience a time when they were grateful for a real thing. You actually had us do that type of thing today. I feel so lucky and grateful to have the opportunity to experience your excellent guidance, you are very special and talented as a guide.” – Janet L., Yoga Nidra Student
“Ann, your voice is LOVE. This was one big love lullaby in a shared embrace.” – Dinah K. after Sound Meditation class.
Free videos to sample:
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Working Together Privately
If you are interested in private yoga wellness sessions, please reach out for more information. I have an Intake Form for WM you can fill out to get started. If you need a sliding scale, please let me know and we can figure something out. Visit my Private Yoga page for more information.
Research
- Cancer survivors including those recently diagnosed report better sleep, less stress, and improved mood and quality of life with the practice of yoga. Among less active cancer survivors, a restorative yoga practice may be easier to maintain, and also have benefits. Regular practice also increases benefits.
- The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and Society of Integrative Oncology (SIO) recommend yoga for anxiety, stress reduction, depression, mood disturbance, and improved quality of life in cancer patients.”
- Qualitative results showed improvements in overall mental health, anxiety, depression, and mood. Physical health showed improvements in fatigue. These improvements were shown to last 8 weeks post practice.