Member Spotlight w/ Sherry
Sherry, Founding Member
A favorite pose: For the longest time it was Warrior 2, now it is Reclined Bound Angle because my body feels so good when I’m in it, particularly in my hammock!
A favorite poem: For spiritual books I love anything by Pema Chodron. For escape literature I love anything by Liane Moriarty.
A favorite mindfulness moment in your day: I enjoy beginning the day with a bit of spiritual reading, journaling and/or doing a SoulCollage reading. I love to be outside in nature, especially in the woods, and I love to be near or in the water. The Gorge is my happy place.
Tell us a little bit about yourself: I am a retired Special Education teacher. I moved to Oregon from the East Coast eleven years ago with my husband. I have 4 children, 2 step children, 7 grandchildren and 1 on the way :-) I’m fortunate to have great kids that I feel very connected to. I'm blessed to have my best Portland friend next door, and several others close by. My husband and I run a very tiny AirBnb on our property that keeps us pretty busy and has allowed us to meet some interesting people. I love being outside and, until recently, enjoyed walking my dogs to Mt. Tabor every day. Unfortunately, pain from Scoliosis and Stenosis are keeping me from being able to do this. I'm working on getting on the other side of this but for now I enjoy going to a community pool where I take water aerobics, soak in a hot tub and walk in the current pool. I have been practicing yoga for over 30 years. I practice about 3 times a week now.
What is your current movement or spiritual practice and how is it meaningful to you: I went to my first yoga class when I was 18 years old, and yoga continues to be my main spiritual focus. I think it was the practice of yoga that delayed the physical problems that I now experience, and my continued practice reduces pain and keeps me sane. I like to read something spiritual each day. Right now I'm reading a book by folks involved in Chronic Pain Anonymous. They use the same steps AA uses but for pain. I'm finding the Serenity Prayer super helpful, and I’m kind of working the steps but getting more from the readings of people who have managed to live with chronic pain or illness — makes me know I’m not alone.
What do you love about being a member at Adosa Wellness: I love that practicing at Adosa is a spiritual experience. I am able to stay present and relaxed. I love that Carol's classes offer variety. They are very well planned, and everything ties together. The mudras and pranayama have been wonderful. I also love that if I'm feeling anxious or bored I can practice something On-Demand. All of the Guest Teachers have been top notch. I enjoy practicing at home especially now that I have to modify a lot, but I am able to access most of the poses.
How do you practice self-care during times of anxiety or pain? What advice do you have for others who experience it: Well, I'm getting a lot of experience with this lately.... For my chronic pain and anxiety water has been a great healer. On days I don't go to the pool, I lay in a scented Epsom Salts bath and listen to relaxing music. Then I take Carol's yoga class! Sometimes I do some spiritual reading while in the bath. I also love to practice Reclined Bound Angle in the hammock. Yoga Nidra is great for my pain and anxiety as well. The hardest thing for me is not spinning out in my head about what might happen in the future — will I get worse, etc. — for this, breathing really helps me, particularly Alternate Nostril Breathing. I also get a lot out of making and reading my SoulCollage cards. I would recommend this practice to others, it’s kind of like a self-therapy session. Of course, it's also wonderful to have a friend that's willing to listen.
Sherry is a Founding Member of Adosa Wellness