There are a lot of clichés on age and aging. Wrinkle creams are being targeted to 20 year olds. Botox, hair dyes, ointments and all methods of surgery are being used to augment bodies and minds into believing that we are younger (and perceivably better?) than we are. Inspired by the stories of some beautiful yoga teachers; 91 year old Bernice Bates 83 year old Bette Bakasana & 92 year old Porchon Lynch – I took a moment to think about age and getting older as a yogi.
If you have ever had a personal conversation with your yoga teacher – you may be shocked to find out she/he is 10 years younger than you assumed. How can this be possible you might laugh with some envy? But does it really matter? Being a yoga instructor is a blessing. It means being a yoga student for life.
Beyond aesthetic and age are the lifestyle, laughter and joie de vivre that keep us all vital – not younger and defiantly no less beautiful. Age is inevitable – embrace it! As we love ourselves, encourage ourselves to be open and receptive, and learn everyday, we cultivate beauty. Sometimes we practice yoga in the hopes to reverse age. But we can not change time. It is what we do every day that counts. It is the attitude we choose everyday that keeps us vital as we all age. You will never truly be “old” if you open your heart, stay curious and practice yoga.