June is National Cancer Survivor Month

June is National Cancer Survivors Month.  We honor and support individuals who have faced cancer, those who have survived cancer, the community who supports those with cancer, and ongoing research.

Highlighting National Cancer Survivors Month helps celebrate survivors, brings awareness and education around survivorship, creates public engagement around research and advocacy and provides inspiration and outreach for families, caregivers, and communities affected by cancer.

Beyond our teaching, we can share stories, including personal experiences, on social media. Use hashtag #NationalCancerSurvivorMonth when sharing stories.

Monthly Theme

June’s monthly theme is Energy & Expansion. Our Focus will be on Breath, Sun Salutations, Lifting Energy

Asanas   

Standing Sun Salutation

Start in Tadasana, inhale bringing arms overhead, exhale forward fold, inhale lift halfway, exhale chaturanga (option to lower knees), inhale upward facing dog or cobra, exhale downward facing dog, inhale step or hop to half forward fold, exhale forward fold, inhale to extended mountain pose (arms overhead), exhale tadasana

Note: Often moving as quickly as the breath moves can be challenging, feel free to pause at each asana and then move to the next after a breath or two, moving with the cued breath. For example, Inhale arms overhead, exhale forward fold and pause for one breath.  On the next inhale lift halfway. 

Seated Sun Salutation

Inhale arms up or shoulder height, exhale forward fold focusing on length in the spine, inhale right arm up and back, exhale return arm, inhale left arm up and back, exhale return arm, inhale both arms up and release to side

Chair Modifications

Breath: Any pranayama can be taught, explaining why breath controls anxiety and cortisol

Upward Dog: Seated heart opener with arms pressing into thighs or chair

Crescent Lunge: Sit sideways with one leg extended back, arms raised

Triangle: One leg extended, side body stretch with arm reaching up or over

Sun Salutation: Inhale arms up or shoulder height, exhale fold, inhale right arm up and back, exhale return arm, inhale left arm up and back, exhale return arm, inhale both arms up and release to side

Standing Poses using Chair for Safety

Dog: Stand side of chair facing the seat, inhale arms up and fold with hands on seat of chair

Crescent Lunge: Stand back of chair, hold onto chair back, keep one foot facing chair, step other foot back, bend front leg, open heart, raise chest, keep one arm on chair and lift the other.

Triangle: Stand on side of chair, facing seat, place both hands on seat of chair, step one foot back, turn back toes away from chair, then raise the same arm as the back foot