Lovely writing. Relating solidly to your story. As a stroke survivor my whole life I encounter teachers who simply expected a one size fits all body. I'm not it. I had one that corrected my forever pronated left leg...it led to injury because he didn't understand my body
Forward to the early 90s when I discovered a teacher trained in Phoenix rising therapy that became my mentor. Like you as I aged poses got harder... he'll just showing up hit harder. I facilitated chair meditation in the studio for many years.
Now 58 and facing some physical repercussions from my pediatric stroke I'm having to move my body in special caring ways. I found myself revisiting happy baby yesterday and some hip openers.... the memory of learning the pose really helped.
Thank you for the encouragement and acknowledgement that not everyone is the same.
Am so glad to have found you. Have just started training as an Instructor at 62! Have been dabbling and also been put off by the young, skinny and bendy brigade, but yoga has been affecting me deeply and I want to learn more. Have been thinking I’d offer a 60 + class for beginners or something or I may never teach at all - will see! It is the most healing thing and thank you for sharing your wisdom. 🙏🕉️😊
The universe surely brought your content to me. I have recently returned to yoga after a lifetime of basically hating myself for being overweight or injured. Today I’m going to a very difficult for me class with all of those trendy, lithe girls in a 100 degree room to support a friend who is going for her YTT. I needed to hear your words of why we yoga. Remember to keep my practice within the corners of my mat and remind myself to connect with my breath when it is challenging. And then to continue bravely on,
practicing. Each day loving myself enough to get on the mat and connect.
Wow, what a loyal and inspiring friend you must be! Good luck with the class, and keep reminding yourself that this will be YOUR practice for YOUR body 🙏❤️
I lost my way from my yoga and as my body changed since many surgeries I felt frustrated with what I “used” to be able to do. Maybe I willl find my way back I am going through something difficult now and your words about how it got you through really resonated with me.
I cannot tell you how much I love and applaud you in this post! The yoga worlds needs more yoga teachers with real lived experience in real, ageing bodies. Not ex gymnasts. Or ex dancers. I started practising yoga in my mid 20s and only took a training nearly 30 years later. Even today I feel I will always be a student, there is still so much to learn.
Thank you for sharing this. What a funny and interesting read. I take yoga classes for stretching, movement and flexibility. I struggle with all aspects of breathing and recently read about breath work and health. Now I’m interested in the spiritual roots. Namaste new friend.
Anya could we share info my daughter had a aneurysm and two strokes at age 8 weeks . She is 35 years old I’d be curious to know your experience as you’ve aged.
Thank you for sharing 🩷 as a fellow later in life new yoga teacher I try to follow the same focus in my classes. Make everyone feel welcome. I recently led a class for my office and asked everyone to close their eyes and then raise their hand if they were new to yoga. That way it was only me who knew. I've been that newbie and would never raise my hand and expose myself!
Hey Leanne, I started to lead a team meeting with some chair yoga stretches for my colleagues. Encountered some resistance (three people who sat together with their arms folded 😆) but I persevered as it was only a 5 minute spinal 7. I love that idea of asking everyone to close their eyes and put their hand up if they were new. Thank you!
Ah Jo, thank you for your kind words. Wales may not be exotic, but it's bloody marvellous, and a meet-up with you in our homelands would be gorgeous. Love you right back xx
Lovely writing. Relating solidly to your story. As a stroke survivor my whole life I encounter teachers who simply expected a one size fits all body. I'm not it. I had one that corrected my forever pronated left leg...it led to injury because he didn't understand my body
Forward to the early 90s when I discovered a teacher trained in Phoenix rising therapy that became my mentor. Like you as I aged poses got harder... he'll just showing up hit harder. I facilitated chair meditation in the studio for many years.
Now 58 and facing some physical repercussions from my pediatric stroke I'm having to move my body in special caring ways. I found myself revisiting happy baby yesterday and some hip openers.... the memory of learning the pose really helped.
Thank you for the encouragement and acknowledgement that not everyone is the same.
I needed to find you today. I have a story but suffice it to say that I miss my yoga practice and you have motivated me to try again. Namaste.
This is so wonderful to hear Noreen. Please begin again, you will not regret it. 🌿 🌸 I have sent you a private message 🕉️
Could we share info
Great story! Came to yoga in my fifties, now 70. I like to think of myself more as a guide than a teacher, feels more like a community, a sangha.
🕉️thank you. Perfect! 🌿 🌸
Am so glad to have found you. Have just started training as an Instructor at 62! Have been dabbling and also been put off by the young, skinny and bendy brigade, but yoga has been affecting me deeply and I want to learn more. Have been thinking I’d offer a 60 + class for beginners or something or I may never teach at all - will see! It is the most healing thing and thank you for sharing your wisdom. 🙏🕉️😊
The universe surely brought your content to me. I have recently returned to yoga after a lifetime of basically hating myself for being overweight or injured. Today I’m going to a very difficult for me class with all of those trendy, lithe girls in a 100 degree room to support a friend who is going for her YTT. I needed to hear your words of why we yoga. Remember to keep my practice within the corners of my mat and remind myself to connect with my breath when it is challenging. And then to continue bravely on,
practicing. Each day loving myself enough to get on the mat and connect.
Wow, what a loyal and inspiring friend you must be! Good luck with the class, and keep reminding yourself that this will be YOUR practice for YOUR body 🙏❤️
I lost my way from my yoga and as my body changed since many surgeries I felt frustrated with what I “used” to be able to do. Maybe I willl find my way back I am going through something difficult now and your words about how it got you through really resonated with me.
I cannot tell you how much I love and applaud you in this post! The yoga worlds needs more yoga teachers with real lived experience in real, ageing bodies. Not ex gymnasts. Or ex dancers. I started practising yoga in my mid 20s and only took a training nearly 30 years later. Even today I feel I will always be a student, there is still so much to learn.
Thank you for sharing this. What a funny and interesting read. I take yoga classes for stretching, movement and flexibility. I struggle with all aspects of breathing and recently read about breath work and health. Now I’m interested in the spiritual roots. Namaste new friend.
Namaste 🙏 You have an exciting journey ahead of you 🧘♀️✨🌿
Anya could we share info my daughter had a aneurysm and two strokes at age 8 weeks . She is 35 years old I’d be curious to know your experience as you’ve aged.
Thank you for sharing 🩷 as a fellow later in life new yoga teacher I try to follow the same focus in my classes. Make everyone feel welcome. I recently led a class for my office and asked everyone to close their eyes and then raise their hand if they were new to yoga. That way it was only me who knew. I've been that newbie and would never raise my hand and expose myself!
Hey Leanne, I started to lead a team meeting with some chair yoga stretches for my colleagues. Encountered some resistance (three people who sat together with their arms folded 😆) but I persevered as it was only a 5 minute spinal 7. I love that idea of asking everyone to close their eyes and put their hand up if they were new. Thank you!
this is such a gorgeous piece to read, my love.
can't wait to hug you - nowhere as exotic as india or bali, but back in the homelands, when i'm next there. love you <3
Ah Jo, thank you for your kind words. Wales may not be exotic, but it's bloody marvellous, and a meet-up with you in our homelands would be gorgeous. Love you right back xx
Maybe one of these days… 😆
Go for it. Nobody ever regrets it (if they have the right teacher) 😆 🙏
LOL . I had the wrong teacher once about 25 years ago and never went back.
Exactly! Find the right teacher and go back. It's the BEST thing ever ❤️
Loved your words ❤️❤️
You are such an inspiration 🙏
Thank you so much Debra. You are so kind. I hope we get to meet again someday ❤️ xx