For the first half hour, Sharron Barth will lead a Gyrokinesis® movement session— beginning with a relaxing self massage and moving into fluid, circular motions designed to release tension, improve flexibility, and promote joint lubrication. This will all be done from a seated position. The Gyrokinesis® Method includes movements similar to yoga, tai chi, dance, and swimming. It’s a great exercise for seniors because it is low impact and gentle, and does wonders for your posture, balance, flexibility, and well-being. While popular in Europe, it is not yet well-known in our community. This gentle yet powerful practice will prepare your body for deeper relaxation and connection.
Next, Caroline Nicola will offer a sound bath featuring Alchemy crystal bowls, a planetary gong, and other sound instruments to encourage a deep sense of relaxation and renewal. Participants will also be guided in a Loving Kindness Meditation. A sound bath intentionally uses sound and harmonic vibrations to invite therapeutic and restorative effects to the mind and body. When you sink into a sound bath and guide your awareness to your listening, you allow your brain waves to slow, shifting from more active states to the more relaxed, or even a dream like states. These brain waves are associated with deep meditative and peaceful states. Give your body permission to slow down and rest, and experience a self-healing state.
Participants will be invited to lie down during the sound bath to more fully relax. If you would like to do this, please bring a yoga mat, blanket or pad, something to cushion your head and to put under your knees (a folded hand towel and rolled up bath towel work great), an extra layer like a sweater or jacket in case you cool down, and anything else that would help feel comfortable.
By combining these two practices, you’ll experience the benefits of movement and stillness, two keys to greater health and well-being.
Sharron Barth has been teaching Gyrokinesis® for 2 years and has been taking classes for over 10 years. Her goal is for each student to leave class with improved posture, feeling more flexible, confident and balanced inside and out, and with a smile on their face and joy in their heart.
Caroline Nicola studied sound healing with Carrie Arlah of Breath + Oneness Yoga and other teachers and mentors through the Ceremony of Sound Training. She studied mindfulness and meditation with Thich Nhat Hahn, Jack Kornfield and Bob Stahl, and completed a 200-hour yoga and mindfulness meditation teacher training with Hannah Muse.
Location: Aptos Library in the Betty Leonard Community Room
From the Library: The views and opinions expressed during or as related to this event are solely those of the individuals involved in the event and do not necessarily represent those of the Santa Cruz Public Libraries, or the participating cities of the Santa Cruz Public Libraries Joint Powers Agency.
