Your Ultimate Music, Meditation, Yoga Time (Y.U.M.M.Y. Time ™) - A landmark intergenerational wellness program designed for seniors to combat isolation & loneliness while creating a deep feeling of connection to self & community. Y.U.M.M.Y. Time ™ is receiving rave reviews from participants and activity directors alike and is currently being offered in over 10 facilities in the greater Los Angeles area.
Y.U.M.M.Y. Time™ activities include: MUSIC, MEDITATION & YOGA
MUSIC
Live music is chosen and offered that the specific population can relate to. It focuses on creating sing-alongs that engage and stimulate group participation. It is not mere entertainment but highly spirited interactive engagement. Participants are also given percussion instruments so they too can not only sing along but play along. In doing so, physical motor skills are called upon as well.
A party type atmosphere is created opening hearts and allowing the music to put everyone on the same emotional plane. We are often taking a space with a low vibration and collectively lifting it. We believe this transformation is key to healing and wellness. Once this feeling of oneness is created we can move into the second segment which is Meditation.
Here are five reasons why researchers believe that music boosts brain activity:
1. Music evokes emotions that bring memories.
2. Musical aptitude & appreciation are 2 of the last remaining abilities in dementia patients
3. Music can bring emotional and physical closeness.
4. Singing is engaging.
5. Music can shift mood, manage stress and stimulate positive interactions.
MEDITATION
Guided Meditation- With the assistance of meditation music as a backdrop, complete with the sounds of waves crashing, and other sonic sound scapes that calm and still the mind, we can drop into our personal space, collectively. The participants awareness are guided back to their breath and to their posture. These are factors that can sometimes be self- regulated with consciousness. Allowing a space and time to get quiet, to breath deeply and transport ones self into stillness, are powerful tools that can change the hormones in ones body and effect mood greatly.
OTHER MEDITATION OFFERINGS
Mudra meaning “seal” or “closure” in Sanskrit are hand gestures to direct the flow of energy within the body. This fun and easy practice is often incorporated into the meditations. They allow us to dive in just a bit deeper while working on mind/body coordination. Mudra Practices benefits motor skills, helps calm the nervous system and assist in finding a greater awareness.
Mandala, means “circle” in Sanskrit and metaphorically a universe, environment or community. Quality quiet time coloring these beautiful drawings is another superb anti-stress tool to facilitate mediation. As a group activity mandala coloring helps build community, increases motor skills and activates imagination.
YOGA
Chair Yoga– Since most of our participants are in wheel chairs we cater our yoga program to meet their abilities and limitations. All the while participants are receiving great benefits for the heart, digestive system, organ function, flexibility, stamina and overall strength. A specific sequencing of movements married with breath awareness are guided during this section of the program. Accessible stretches and movements to get the blood pumping, to open the lungs and increase muscle tone are carefully offered here by the Y.U.M.M.Y. Time ™ facilitator. Because no 2 bodies are the same our instructors carefully monitor the room and all participants to offer gentle adjustments and simple modifications. Everyone can always participate.
18 REASONS TO DO YOGA AFTER 70
- Promotes more zzz’s
- Eases back pain
- Aids body confidence
- Relieves headaches
- Lessens inflammation
- Helps breathing
- Slows aging
- Fights incontinence
- Eases cancer recovery
- Quiets the mind
- Improves flexibility
- Increases balance
- Opens the heart
- Fends off weight gain
- Supercharges brain
- Soothes stress
- Reduces depression
- Protects your heart
Creating realistic, joyful practices that bring a sense of wholeness and tranquility.
WHY
PEOPLE ARE LIVING LONGER THAN EVER BEFORE, yet we are living in a youth obsessed culture – wanting to look and feel younger. Babies, not yet able to take care of themselves, are generally cherished while the elder, also unable, are often neglected. Y.U.M.M.Y. Time TM is dedicated to changing this paradigm – to honor our elders, to care from them and to allow them to grow gracefully.
RESEARCH SHOWS Loneliness is deadlier than obesity and should be considered a major public health hazard. In 218 studies involving nearly four million people, we learned that lonely people have a 50 percent increased risk of early death, and have found loneliness to be as lethal as smoking 15 cigarettes per day. Music, Movement & Meditation in community are 3 of the most powerful tools to combat this suffering.
Y.U.M.M.Y. Time sessions are currently bringing JOY to Alzheimer patients in assisted living facilities as well as residents in nursing homes and rehabilitation centers.
WHO
Spring Gross/Groove is a former Broadway Performer(Grease, Saturday Night Fever, Spring Alive), an International Touring Artist with 12 original CDs and the proud creator of Y.U.M.M.Y. Time ™ . She holds a B.F.A. from The Boston Conservatory and received her Yoga Teacher Training Certification from The Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center. Her journey from Broadway to Busking (street performing throughout Europe) and Busking to Bhakti Yoga (Devotional Yoga – Chanting and Kirtan) has provided her with the key ingredients necessary to prepare this Y.U.M.M.Y. Time ™ goodness. She is a dynamic instructor be it one on one or with a group of 100. Spring is grateful to The Kara Love Project, thrilled with the loving results this program keeps exhibiting and dedicated to Delivering Musical Medicine & Peace of Mind.
Kara Love Project
The Kara Love Project (KLP) promotes conscious giving and positive action for underserved and marginalized individuals and communities locally and around the globe. In 2019 KLP fundraised for Y.U.M.M.Y. Time ™ and presented a grant that is currently powering sessions and serving an additional 100 seniors per week in Los Angeles.
