Meet Ginnie! She has been a source of comfort, wisdom, strength and sunshine to all who have known her over the years wherever she has been practicing Yoga. It is really an honor to honor her this month. Join us also in wishing her a Happy Birthday!
Q: How long have you been practicing Yoga?
A: 42 years. Started when my second child turned one. My waning vitality revived. I gained 3 pounds and went from a size 10 dress to a size 6 in 6 months. I was sold on yoga for life!
Q: What fills your time off the mat?
A: Learning the new skills required to manage the duties my late husband used to handle for 50 years.
For well over 20 Years I have served on the Board of the Re-Entry Ministry, a non-denominational, Christian drug and alcohol rehabilitation home for women. As time permits, I am returning to the work I had to set aside during my husband’s illness, of helping the ministry relocate after having its campus-like property taken by the City of Bridgeport by Right of Eminent Domain. The remuneration was grossly inadequate for relocating in today’s market and under today’s codes. The incredibly successful work that the ministry has been doing for 29 years of restoring down and out, drug and alcohol addicted women to health and preparing them for productive work is in jeopardy without a permanent residence. An old building has been purchased with the remuneration money. Among other duties, I am in charge of the redesign and the renovation. The building will not only house the ministry program but it will also have a totally separate identity of its own as an Educational Model of Renewable, Energy-Efficient & Conservation Construction. It will be a one-stop resource for those interested in discovering responsible, workable solutions to energy and environmental issues. At present I am looking for and making contact with prospective partners in industry, in business, in educational institutions and in the private sector. Any leads are gratefully accepted. Since benevolences are Re-Entry’s prime source of income, fund raising is a vital part of reaching its dual goal of healing women and their families and of healing the environment through spreading the advancement of knowledge. A lot of help is needed for fund raising. My energy level and stamina need to stay high to manage the various responsibilities. Yoga gives me a big boost in that direction.
Walking for an hour at the beach each day.
Expanding my spiritual growth by developing a deeper relationship with God through prayer, worship, Bible study and service.
Q: How has your yoga practice affected your life off the mat?
A: From the very beginning of doing hatha yoga, I learned that the practice renewed my energy, strength, flexibility and stamina and at the same time helped release stress from my body. Therefore early on, it became my chosen form of maintaining physical fitness. No matter what I am going through, I can manage it better if I continue doing my yoga practice. For me doing yoga is the physical aspect of maintaining body, mind and spirit as I reach toward my goal of remaining active and productive throughout my life.
Q: What would you like to share with others about Yoga?
A: Whether done in a group or alone, yoga is a personal, private practice. Not a competition.
Start with the basics and develop a strong foundation.
Build on the foundation over time on your own level.
Changes come gradually with consistent, persistent practice.
Eventually, your body will surprise you with what it is willing to do.
What your body needs will vary at different times of your life.
Pay attention to the needs of this day. Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow hasn’t arrived yet.
DewYoga is an uniquely supportive environment for practicing yoga. An environment in which you can grow at your own pace under the guidance of skilled, sensitive teachers.
