I love hearing your way-seeking mind story, Janine! There are so many gifts that come from a practice, and you've described them beautifully. Three bows.
“Yoga taught me to work with the body that I have, and not the one I wish I had.”
This one is hard. Every time I see people sit cross legged easily and then bend forward and place their forehead on the floor, or do impossible stunts like Lotus position, I reminded that I can’t and won’t be able to do that. I’ve been practicing for years and am flexible, but when bone meets bone that’s the end of the flex in that joint.
My body is strong, resilient, pain free, has good balance, and flexible. It doesn’t need to do all of the things.
"It doesn't need to do all of the things" is exactly right. You work with what you have and that's enough. You'll still feel a stretch whether your head reaches the floor or not, and that's what matters. It's the internal experience that's important, not what the pose looks like. Thanks for sharing, Tim!
Janine, you and I are separated by 20 years to the day (well, 1 day) and I love your stories. Although separated by 20 years, our pasts are so similar, I sometimes shiver when reading your articles. It’s like you are writing about me. I feel SO seen 🤣. That said, what your yoga practice has taught me is that I no longer need to compare and compete. That has enabled me to be a 72 (almost 73) senior who loves having a practice that works for me. Some days, not much works and other days, everything worked just right. And without the need to be ‘perfect’ in my practice, my body has responded in kind with strength and agility. Once you let go of the battle, the body does the work it’s supposed to. Thank you for being you and for providing a space and practice that fits the needs of an older group of people with differing needs.
Thanks Heather, I am glad you feel seen, and that yoga has given you so much. We are similar in so many ways, I love having you in this community! Hugs! 💜
Beautiful Janine..numbness and stillness.. something I needed to hear. Thank you 😊☀️🤍
You're welcome, Saima! 😊
I love everything that you had to say in your article. I relate to a lot of this as well. Yoga is freeing to me.
Thanks for sharing, Amy Lynn! I am glad you can relate. Yoga is a powerful tool.
I have it on my reading list to finish. What I've read so far has resonated with me. Thanks!
Thanks Jane! I'm glad it resonated with you! 🥰
I love hearing your way-seeking mind story, Janine! There are so many gifts that come from a practice, and you've described them beautifully. Three bows.
Thanks Maia! 🙏💜
“Yoga taught me to work with the body that I have, and not the one I wish I had.”
This one is hard. Every time I see people sit cross legged easily and then bend forward and place their forehead on the floor, or do impossible stunts like Lotus position, I reminded that I can’t and won’t be able to do that. I’ve been practicing for years and am flexible, but when bone meets bone that’s the end of the flex in that joint.
My body is strong, resilient, pain free, has good balance, and flexible. It doesn’t need to do all of the things.
"It doesn't need to do all of the things" is exactly right. You work with what you have and that's enough. You'll still feel a stretch whether your head reaches the floor or not, and that's what matters. It's the internal experience that's important, not what the pose looks like. Thanks for sharing, Tim!
Janine, you and I are separated by 20 years to the day (well, 1 day) and I love your stories. Although separated by 20 years, our pasts are so similar, I sometimes shiver when reading your articles. It’s like you are writing about me. I feel SO seen 🤣. That said, what your yoga practice has taught me is that I no longer need to compare and compete. That has enabled me to be a 72 (almost 73) senior who loves having a practice that works for me. Some days, not much works and other days, everything worked just right. And without the need to be ‘perfect’ in my practice, my body has responded in kind with strength and agility. Once you let go of the battle, the body does the work it’s supposed to. Thank you for being you and for providing a space and practice that fits the needs of an older group of people with differing needs.
Thanks Heather, I am glad you feel seen, and that yoga has given you so much. We are similar in so many ways, I love having you in this community! Hugs! 💜