Becoming a 40+ Year Old Yoga Teacher
They are my favorite shoes, I hardly ever wear them because I can’t replace them. So on this special occasion when I slip into my favorite pumps and attempt to stand, my knee creaks then pops, loudly. I am afraid to put weight on it because it’s been acting funny. So I crouch there immobilized, afraid to move and spewing curses under my breath. Is this it? Will I need a knee replacement soon? My shoes! I finally get the courage to stand and I realize that not only will I have to change my outfit to match flats, but I may not go at all… I’m getting old.
My knee had the nerve to act like I don’t still feel like I’m in my early 30’s. And while it didn’t last or cause a huge problem, I want to enjoy every moment that I have on this planet to the best of my abilities. That means a commitment to my body, mind, and soul and so far the only thing that has come close to achieving that goal is practicing yoga as a lifestyle.
The Low Down on the Age-Old
I am resisting the age-old myth, of age and old by making an intentional dedication to myself and growth. I, like many women my age, gave all that I had to my family as a nurturer without a thought for what I would do after my kids grew up and followed their own paths. I wouldn’t change that time in my life for anything, but now I realize that in that phase of my life I gave up so much of my identity and without the role of full-time mama, I am not sure who I am anymore. I am now in a constant state of discovery of myself and I love it. I think I’m pretty neat.
An intentional dedication to me allows me the freedom to explore things that I enjoyed in my youth, or things that I experienced along the way but didn’t have the time to pursue. I now have the freedom that I couldn’t experience as the commitment and growth of my family began at 19 years old. It’s a radical notion, to discover oneself but this may be the only way to spend the rest of your life. It’s that good.
Radical Love
Yoga has helped to guide me to self-actualizing connections that are integral to my internal liberation. I have endured and staved off trauma, drama, and fear just to find that clarity and purity of heart and mind is the best defense against the forces that diminish us.
We owe this to ourselves. I am not necessarily hoping to prevent age but to embrace and optimize the quality of my life as I age. The adage growing old gracefully for me is not so much about looking elegant and respected with a silvery mane of wise woman hair but feeling elegant and enlightened, with a silvery mane of wise woman hair. Either way, I’m here for the hair…
While addressing the changes in my body and learning to maintain a strong sense of self I have received so many benefits within my practice. My posture is better than it has ever been, my flexibility is off the rails, my mood is lighter, I laugh more and feel better. Yogic living is about being intentionally connected with our higher selves, with our bodies as the temple.
At the age of 45, some of my more pressing concerns are being perimenopausal. This is also the age when many people start to develop chronic diseases caused by poor diets, stress, and a sedentary lifestyle. This should really be the time when, if you haven’t already started, to develop the habits that will ultimately lead to an overall state of wellness.
Ya Down With YTT!?!
Yeah, You Know Me…
What my future looks like as a yoga instructor is still uncertain. I want to teach classes, yes, but I am far more interested in helping to create a community of bold genX warrior women who are living life on their own terms, trying and learning new things, and creating a balanced, holistic, utopia out of this life. I want yoga to continue to inspire me and others to self optimize and live full, loving, and joyful lives.
The yoga teacher training gives me a chance to dive deeper into my personal practice, learn more about the background of yoga, understand the mechanics and science behind yoga, and yes get better at asana practice. Make no mistake, I understand that the YTT is not the magic bullet that is going to turn me into an overnight Instagram Yoga model (respect!). That may not be my path, but I do want to be able to grow in my journey, share my passion, and be open to where that leads me.
Big Goals, Big Dreams
So yes, I am 45 and my big goal for 2020 is to do a handstand before my YTT. But my lifelong intention is to embrace every year on this earth and continue to make choices that make me feel excited to draw breath every day.
What about you? What do you gain from practice and how has it shaped your ideas on aging?
