Plymouth resident and certified yoga instructor, Jen Morris, is bringing together cancer survivors, cancer patients, their families and their caregivers each week for a yoga class that Jen describes as adapted to meet the needs of the participants in class whether they are experienced or new to yoga. “For cancer survivors, it is a class that is safe, comforting, and a way to embrace your new normal,” states Jen.

Jen understands what it means to create a “new” normal. In 2013, she was diagnosed with Breast Cancer.  “Before my diagnosis, I was an avid exercise enthusiast,” she says. “I ran. I taught boot camp classes. I skied.  I have always been active.”  But after receiving her diagnosis, Jen’s focus was on treating cancer and exercise became more difficult because of the side effects from her treatment.

It was in the middle of her treatment plan that Jen was invited to a yoga class by a friend.  Jen had taught yoga in the past but wasn’t sure she had enough energy to make it through the class. “I was so self-conscious,” she remembers.  “I had no hair, and, of course, my hat fell off in the middle of my first downward dog pose.”  When the class ended, Jen realized that she had received a good workout, felt relaxed and was much more centered.

Jen, now cancer-free, wants to share the positive health benefits of yoga with others who are experiencing cancer. On March 5^th, Jen offered her first yoga class. There is no fee – participants are asked to make a donation, which will be given to Speare Memorial Hospital’s Oncology clinic.

“Part of my treatment included an injection of the drug Neulasta, which needed to happen within 24 hours of each chemotherapy infusion,” says Jen. “It was awesome that I could get the injection at Speare’s Oncology clinic. I came in, received my shot, and I was back home in no time.”

Jen also shares her gratitude for the support of her family and of the community. “Now it’s my turn to help others going through cancer,” Jen says.

For more information, contact Jen Morris, Wild Heart Yoga, 4petalpower@gmail.com or Speare Memorial Hospital’s Oncology program at 603-238-6470.

Classes are Monday’s from 5:30pm – 6:30pm at Yoga Studio 8, 612 Tenney Mountain Highway, Plymouth New Hampshire.