Richard's Guestbook

Hi Richard, Thanks so much for keeping us updated through good times and not-so-good times. Every time I go to yoga class, I look at "your spot" in the studio and send you positive energy and karma telepathically. The village misses you and are hoping that you can come back and reclaim "your spot" very soon. Even if you just lie there and breathe, it's all good! Annie's voice could soothe anyone, right??

Hi Richard, The Rejuvenation class at Yoga Village this morning dedicated their practice to you, so I hope you're feeling all that positive healing energy and good karma right about now! Know that you have many, many people thinking about you and rooting for you as you go through your journey back to good health. Please let me know if I can run errands, chauffeur you to appointments, bring you meals, or just visit with you...I have plenty of time and willingness to do so. Hope to see you very soon. Best wishes, Carol Brill (and Barry, too)

Hi Richard. I just read your note on my last journal posting. It’s great that you’ve been going to yoga classes regularly & I have to think that is going to serve you well in the days ahead. Actually, from your posts, I think it already has. We are about the same age. I’m 66. I teach in an over 55 community & my class is entitled “Gentle Breath-Centered Yoga” so I’m thinking it may bear some resemblance to what you practice. To answer your question, you’d want to talk to your surgeon about when you should resume. I saw mine at 5 weeks after my surgery & he told me it was fine to practice at that point as long as I did not do things that involved lifting my arms over my head. The concern was undoing the work he’d done on my sternum during the sternal restriction period which he set at 12 weeks. I just passed the 12 week point & am not feeling any pain or discomfort with lifting my arms. Before that, I did as he said & kept my arms at shoulder height or lower for postures like Warrior 1, Triangle, Extended Side Angle, Mountain, etc. Aside from the restrictions he gave me, I found I experienced some discomfort in my sternum with reclining twists so I limited my movement with those. I would limit or eliminate inversions. I’d probably let go entirely of the stronger inversions like headstand, handstand & shoulder stand if they are a part of your practice. As for the milder inversions like standing forward bends & bridge pose, I’d not go into them as deeply & not hold them for extended periods. Down dog is essentially taking your arms high over your head plus a mild inversion. I waited my 12 weeks on that one & I don’t hold it very long. It would be a good idea also to talk to your yoga teacher who will no doubt know you much better than I & can make suggestions that are more personalized. That’s what comes to mind right now but feel free to ask anything you like. I’ll try to answer or at least give you my take on it. You know how we yoga teachers like to say “listen to your body”. There’s never been a better time to keep that in mind for us. Namaste’ & all the best!

Hi Richard, great looking shield. And, they will give you a heart pillow....Don't forget to hold it against your chest when you cough or sneeze. Each cough and sneeze applies 60 pounds of weight on your sternum. You will do great!

Richard, sorry you are having to go through this. I am willing to be with Katie when you go into surgery. She & I could walk around, get a coffee and wait together. Let me know. Also, if you need rides or any errands to be run, just send me an e-mail. I am sending you major calming thoughts.

Hi Richard...my gf, Beverly had this surgery a few yrs ago and just celebrated her 75th bday...more terrific days await you! When you are up for a visit, I'd like to come by Liz