Pink Ribbon Restorative Yoga for Healing and Recovery

September 26, 2011 by

In honor of October being National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, this article highlights the amazing work of two Naples, FL yoga instructors, LiRa Bennett and Gretchen Ross. They are the founders of Pink Ribbon Restorative Yoga, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping women and men heal and find strength in their journeys with varying illnesses, but who mostly are in recovery from cancer.

I had the honor of taking one of their three weekly classes, and I experienced first-hand the love, caring and grace that emanates from these two women. Their class is specially geared to the needs of women in recovery from surgery, and focuses on rebalancing the muscles, reducing scar tissue and regaining range of motion, strength and flexibility over time. Other benefits include stimulating blood flow to the upper body, breaking down scar tissue, enhancing the immune system, reducing blood pressure and alleviating stress and tension. Classes are highlighted by breath work and relaxation techniques that bring about a feeling of calmness, centering and self-appreciation. Participants are encouraged to listen to their bodies and progress gently at their own pace.

LiRa and Gretchen co-teach each of their classes, and together they guide their students through the breath work, meditation practices, and stretching with a nurturing care that is a true gift to anyone who receives it. They offer their classes by donation only. LiRa Bennett says: “The Pink Ribbon Restorative Yoga Program was given seed money in October of 2010. The North Naples Firemen brought the Pink Heals Tour to Naples and held a huge event at Mercato. Pink Fire Trucks hit the trail every year to support local communities in helping women in their battle against the disease. The proceeds were given to Cancer Alliance of Naples and also seeded our Yoga Program which enabled breast cancer patients and survivors to attend yoga classes and HeartMath sessions at no charge to focus on the recovery rather than the disease. It was a journey in itself to watch breast cancer survivors and family members come to the trucks and write a special message to their loved one. Tears of love, joy and sorrow flowed from every person I saw write their special message on the surface of the Pink Fire Trucks.”

Pink Ribbon offers three types of classes: Gentle Yoga, for those who have just had surgery, Chair/Mat Yoga – Level One, which incorporates some deeper stretching and asana (posture) work, and Gentle Yoga – Level Two, which offers a more vigorous practice for ongoing survivors seeking to build more strength. In addition to yoga classes, Pink Ribbon provides HeartMath, a scientific bio-feedback technology that helps students de-stress and feel more inner peace.

For more information, visit the Pink Ribbon website at http://www.wix.com/gretchenross/restorative-yoga, or find them on facebook at Pink Ribbon Restorative Yoga.

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Filed Under: Cancer, Exercise, Inspiration, Motivation, Women's Health, Yoga Tagged With: , , , , , ,
About Missy Balsam

Missy Balsam is a full-time yoga instructor living in Naples, FL. Missy graduated from Emory University with a B.A. in Psychology, then worked as a sales and marketing executive for many years before leaving the corporate world behind to follow her heart. Missy completed her 200 hour certification with Baron Baptiste, and since 2007 has found her true path sharing her love of yoga with others. Missy’s teaching style is one of empowerment, inspiration, and joy, encouraging students of all levels to keep growing and evolving, discovering the happiness that is already inside of all of us. And...even when it’s challenging, to just have fun and not take it all so seriously!

In addition to teaching group and private yoga classes, Missy leads kirtan concerts with her band Wabi Sabi. Kirtan is call and response devotional yoga music and chanting, and is another form of yoga practice called Bhakti. She is passionate about sharing kirtan which, like yoga, has created boundless joy in her life. For more about Missy, visit her website www.missybalsamyoga.com, and her facebook page Missy Balsam Yoga.

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  1. Robin Walker-faircloth says:
    October 16, 2011 at 5:32 pm

    I would like to express my gratitude to the “Pink Ribbon Restorative Yoga” instructor and the students for allowing me to attend several of their classes to photograph them. I appreciate their opening up their sessions to me to wander amongst them to take photographs of this unique group. I was happy to volunteer my skills so that the news about this wonderful class has more exposure to the community.