Friday Q&A: Has Yoga Changed Your Life?

A: I wanted to share with you some feedback I received from one of my Yoga Journal Doctor's Orders blog readers about a post on yoga for musicians. With the permission of the author, here is the letter:

“Dear Baxter,

I wanted to write and thank you for the great article you wrote about musicians and yoga that was posted online at Yoga Journal.

As a 53 year old musician (opera conductor since 1997, pianist since I was 4) my body certainly suffered its share of wear and tear. I’ve found most of my professional musician friends (classical and otherwise) deal with the issues you put forth.  We conductors are particularly prone to nasty issues of back and hips.

2 years ago, at the recommendation of my physician, I finally went to my first yoga class. My upper and lower back were in such chronic pain that the only way I could sleep at night was to keep my arms over my head and take ibuprofen. My sister, herself a PT, searched around the Seattle area where I live and found Aadil Palkhivala’s studio. Long story short, after one year of working with his excellent teachers, I was off the pain meds completely and sleeping comfortably in a normal position.

For me, Aadil’s slow and methodical approach with emphasis on alignment and safety was perfect. And the meditation that he and his wife encourage did wonders for my concentration and relaxation even in performances. I take a few moments to meditate even during intermissions in my dressing room and the reaction of orchestra players has been amazing. Who knows, maybe I’m giving off a different vibe or my body language is more confident and relaxed now that my shoulders are not up around my ears and my chest doesn’t cave in from holding my arms in front of my body!

I also use my time on the road to experience other styles of yoga. I’m finding that Ashtanga and some forms of vinyasa are excellent partners to the classic hatha/Iyengar style that Aadil’s studio teaches. At least for my purposes as a conductor, they encourage me to find strength and grace as well as the stillness that every conductor needs. And for the first time in my life, as a 6’3” tall gangly slim guy I actually like my body now.

Best,
One Happy Conductor”

There are several specific reasons why I wanted to share this letter with you.  First off, it is an inspiring account of a person (who just happens to be a pianist and orchestral conductor) who suffered from chronic lower and upper back pain but who now is finding amazing relief via yoga. Second, the benefits derived are both due the physical practice of asana or poses and the meditation techniques that so powerfully influence the mind. Finally, I was personally and professionally pleased to see that his physician recommended yoga for him, illustrating the increasing awareness by the medical community of the health benefits of yoga. I hope you found this reader’s letter as inspiring as I did! And it is nice to note that our happy conductor has found a blend of yoga asana styles beneficial for the various facets of the work he does!

Q: This week, for a change, I have a question for you: Has yoga changed your life?