An Interview with Senior Stretch Teacher Bev Henderson
Like mother, like son - Brian and Bev are big believers in the benefits that come with the discipline of a little bit of daily practice. Both like to start their day with small practices that set the stage for feeling good thorughout the day and maintaining health throughout life. Bev is the loving and generous matriarch of our family, and to our OWY community she is an inspiration - she offers a much needed alternative to the modern aging-narrative by living an active life on her own terms. Through her teaching of Senior Strech she inspires others to do the same. We asked local writer and OWY student Elisabeth Sowecke to sit with Bev and dig for some details about her life and her current work teaching Senior Stretch at OWY. Senior Stretch in Huron is on Tuesdays at 10:30 AM and in Sandusky on Wednesdays at 10:00 AM. The following are excerpts from Elisabeth's interview. - Shannon
Bev pictured in the center with Judy Tann and Phyllis Wassner.
Upon first meeting Bev Henderson, it’s difficult to guess her exact age. She has a timeless beauty, ethereal white hair and seems as hard-core at the glorious age of 82 as she is delicate. While her younger friends express the desire to emulate her, she insists that she has no secrets.
“I’m just working on Bev. That’s a major job,” she says with a laugh when we sit comfortably on the couch for an interview at the Open Way Yoga studio in Huron one Tuesday morning prior to her Senior Stretch class.
If she seems nonchalant about her accomplishments, it is likely because she’s still busy living. In addition to teaching two classes a week at Open Way Yoga and occasional classes throughout the community, she’s an avid reader, knitter, gardener and kayaker and belongs to a regular card group. She even does cardio and weights at The Gym a few times a week, while admitting, “I was never a gym person.”
A retired first grade teacher, she was fortunate to share much of her life with her late husband—a wonderful, kind and patient person who always encouraged her to broaden her horizons. They raised two sons, including Brian Henderson, co-owner of Open Way Yoga. Though, she’s quick to point-out that she doesn’t do as much Yoga as Brian.
It turns out that the woman who raised a local Yoga legend and is responsible for the name “Open Way” had some of her own meaningful wisdom to share.
What brought you to Huron?
The Lake. I live between Huron and Vermillion in a little cottage that we transformed into a year-round home. I raised my family in Akron then Norton. Once my children were grown, instead of going South, I headed North.
Describe your path to wellness?
I got to the point where I did more to take charge of my health. I was always active—running around as a child, working-out to VHS programs as an adult. But, I developed cancer. After treatment, Brian—chock full of information—helped me develop a vitamin regimen and I began reading more and more about health and wellness. For example, Dr. Wiel’s newsletter inspired me to incorporate new habits, such as eliminating white flour from my diet and practicing Tai Chi.
Tell me more about your Tai Chi practice?
Over 15 years ago, I kept reading that it’s good for coordination, good for blood pressure, good for memory, good for this and good for that, and I thought, “I’m going to try that.”
My parents didn’t make me take dance lessons and I was never a cheerleader. It took me a long time to learn how to move my arms and legs. I was going to classes at the YMCA six days a week because I was determined to get it without having to read my notes. Now, I do Tai Chi at home every morning and I’m to the point where I don’t think about it. Though, I recite the moves as I go so I don’t lose track and can continue to teach others in small groups.
One day, Brian and I were practicing Tai Chi in the studio and someone said to me, “Oh! You are so graceful.”
And, I said, “You are my new best friend.” Because no one had ever said I was graceful.
Do you teach Tai Chi at Open Way?
Brian and I created a class for Elder College at BGSU Firelands that was a combination of Tai Chi and Yoga. Brian suggested that we offer a similar class at the studio so we started Senior Stretch, and the more we did it, the less he did it. Now, I teach it, which is fine. I enjoy it. I do a lot of research to decide what to do each class. That is definitely good for my brain.
Tell me more about Senior Stretch, the class you teach at both the Huron and Sandusky studios?
Every class, we do:
Joint Warm-Ups - We start with warm-ups for the joints because that’s something everyone should do. Head to toe.
The Eight Treasures - Movements for the inner body, including energy centers, the chest, kidneys, stomach and spleen.
Qigong Movements - An ancient practice that has been around for 3000 years.
Yoga- Light stretching and strengthening.
Balance Exercises - As we age, we lose our balance so we work on balance exercises that change from week to week.
I always make allowances and help people find modifications that fit their body. The thing I say in the very beginning is, “If anything causes undue stress in any part of the body, don’t do it.” Bodies are different.
How would you describe the type of people who attend your class?
I have regular students from many walks of life. I think we’ve developed a camaraderie that is nice. I consider them my friends. They are lovely, lovely people, and we look forward to meeting new people. Everyone is welcome. We are not overly serious.
You’ve led a full life and are a seasoned teacher; has teaching at Open Way come easily to you? Even as a teacher by trade, teaching Senior Stretch took time to learn. It is hard to teach, do and help. What I’ll always love most about teaching is the creativity. Many days, something inspires you to go on a tangent and that is the fun part.
Why are you passionate about Open Way?
I’m happy to see people attend and to coordinate their bodies to perform new moves. I enjoy the people and seeing them feel better.
It’s clear that Bev is leading a fine life, dedicated to gradual growth and transformation, honoring the promise that small acts have the power to create big change. While she does believe in a higher power, she is most driven by her natural instinct to help others, which she does gracefully and with refreshing candor.
As our interview is coming to a close, one of Bev’s regulars for Senior Stretch, Jerry arrives, winded from climbing the forty steps (he counted). He was dragging, he confesses, but he knew he needed to get to Senior Stretch. Without missing a beat, Bev provides a hearty welcome.
“I’m here, Jerry says. “I always feel better once I’ve been here.”
by Elisabeth Sowecke