As my 54th birthday approaches, I find myself, as always before birthdays, reflecting on life, the year gone by, and things I could have done better. Yet this year’s ‘self-evaluation’ seems different — less judgement, more self-acceptance and, after a health scare, a deeper gratitude for good health.
Throughout a turbulent year marked by my mother’s passing away after a long illness, for comfort, I often resorted to my mat, at times near her hospital bed, or to reading (and re-reading) classic yoga and philosophy books. Yet, the year was also bittersweet, with moments of joy watching my sons go out in the world and rediscovering travel to faraway places. Through the ups and downs, yoga was my constant companion.
Having started a dedicated, unintentional yoga journey only in my 40s, I still consider myself a beginner, despite accumulating certifications as ‘advanced’ yoga teacher and yoga therapist. This year, in particular, the practice offered a sharp learning curve that I wished I could have shared with my younger self.
1. YOGA GETS BETTER WITH AGE
‘Listen to your body’ is a
