Dear Yogi,

My mother has breast cancer. She recently had a mastectomy and is just finishing chemo therapy. I have seen in the news that yoga is beneficial for women recovering from breast cancer, and I'd like to get her started. She's never taken a class before. What would you recommend?

A Loving Daughter in Sonoma

Dear Loving Daughter,

I'm sorry to hear of your mothers recent illness. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the United States. Tens of thousands of women each year are diagnosed, and although there are many advancements in the way we treat the disease, the effect it has on our minds and hearts are often left untreated. Yoga can help with all three.

Sometimes after treatment, survivors find they no longer trust their organs and bodies to function in a healthy way. Yoga would be a great way for your mother to reconnect to and begin to trust her body again. Yoga's gentle approach will allow your mother to move slowly at her own pace while her body heals. And, perhaps most importantly, yoga provides a safe space for your mom to explore her feelings with meditation and inner reflection.

It is often that our most difficult challenges in life bind us together. Perhaps going to class with your mom would not only make her more comfortable, but will give you a wonderful, growing experience to share. I would recommend our Beginner's Weekend to give your mom a solid foundation from which she can build her practice. After that, moving into our level one classes will keep her practicing regularly. I also highly recommend the Restorative Yoga class on Sunday nights for both of you. This very gentle, relaxing class will provide you both with some much needed rejuvenation and relaxation.

My heart and thoughts are with both of you. Best of luck on a speedy recovery, and I hope to see you and your mom in the studio soon.

Best,
The Yogi