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When June Blank wakes every morning, she asks herself the question: Whose life can I make better today?
This philosophy inspires the 95-year-old who lives at The Palace Suites, a senior living community in Kendall. She is now sharing this mantra with her neighbors by teaching yoga and meditation on Tuesday afternoons. She believes the gift of yoga will impact the lives of others.
A yoga and meditation devotee, Blank has been practicing yoga for approximately 50 years and teaching for many of these years at Miami Dade College and the Yoga Research Foundation. Her classes in the Miami area were known for offering an inspirational blend of postures, breathing, philosophy, relaxation and mediation for health and higher awareness.
Her interest in hatha yoga began when she started studying at the Yoga Research Foundation in Miami with Swami Jyotimayananda. It became more than a workout; it was a philosophy of life she embraced. “Yoga is wonderful,” she said. “It’s a healthier way to conduct yourself and become a better person.”
From adopting healthier eating to more effective ways of dealing with anger, she has found yoga changed her life. Admittedly, when she was younger, Blank said she was prone to anger and frustration. Yoga helped her become more relaxed and has offered her a lifetime of better health and happiness.
Working at The University of Miami’s Department of Psychiatry, she found yoga could be used to lift someone out of depression while offering emotional support. She used relaxation therapies for patients in the hospital. When she retired, she started teaching and developed a following of longtime students.
Blank starts her day meditating for about 30 minutes and using deep breathing techniques. Primarily a vegetarian, she doesn’t eat meat or fast food. She believes yoga has contributed to her longevity. “It’s helped me and allowed me to help others,” she said. Her flexibility is evident as she teaches her Palace students. Resident Thelma Penna believes exercise is
important regardless of one’s age. She has been participating regularly in Blank’s classes at The Palace. Jerry Hacker agrees that participating is helping her stay healthy by improving breathing and body movement.
Blank’s students from Miami are also spreading the philosophy. Ryan Spielman has been practicing and teaching yoga since 1995. Blank was his first teacher, and he now has a London studio. Like Blank, he has devoted his life to teaching yoga. Some of Blank’s students are resuming classes that were on hold during COVID.
For someone considering pursuing yoga, Blank recommends attending a class. A teacher is needed to guide someone through the exercise and relaxation techniques.
For more information about The Palace Suites, please visit www.ThePalace.org.
