My Dad, My Inspiration

             

           
My dad died recently at the age of 90. He was an enthusiastic lover of life and as he aged he was frequently heard to say, "Aging ain’t for sissies." Having reached my 60’s I know what he meant. My body
keeps changing. My memory isn’t what it used to be. My morning ritual brings me literally face-to-face with the passing of time as my mirror reflects lines of experience around my eyes and the effect of gravity on my cheeks, both sets of cheeks. Because we live in a culture that exalts youth I feel a twinge of anxiety arising with every creak of my joints. I ask myself, Mick Jagger style, “Am I tough enough? Am I rich enough?” In short, I wonder if I have what it takes to keep pace in this youth driven world. 

There are countless “remedies” in the marketplace today for aging, from anti-aging lotions and creams to hair thickeners to Botox and plastic surgery. The war on aging is raging. Like any war, it’s expensive and the weapons manufacturers are profiting. But, let’s get real … no matter how much we spend or how valiantly we fight, this is a war that cannot be won, nor should it. To win the war against aging paradoxically means to stop living.

Age we must. But we need not lose our vitality, our strength, our endurance. Aging does not require shrinking back from life or shriveling into rigidity. We can remain genuinely youthful as we age. Youthfulness is marked by vigor and enthusiasm not by flawless skin, plump lips and thick heads of hair. Fortunately, we have at our disposal a virtual fountain of youth-fullness … yoga. 

As a longtime yoga practitioner and teacher I have witnessed the power of yoga to  safely improve strength, increase flexibility, enhance mental functioning, boost overall wellness, and heighten enthusiasm for life regardless of age or prior yoga experience. By following instructions carefully and going at one's own pace, trusting that improvement occurs naturally and cannot be forced, every yoga practitioner reaps these rewards. Within a matter of weeks significant improvements in physical well-being, mental acuity, and attitude toward life can be enjoyed.

My hope is that everyone who reads this will practice at least some yoga today. It's easy! Simply sit or stand still, become quiet, listen to your breath, feel how that breath moves through your body, generate a feeling of gratitude for this simple capacity to focus your mind and enjoy the result. Regardless of our age or level of fitness we can lift our spirits and embrace life just as it is.  As a culture, we can shift our focus from raging against aging to living wisely and youthfully into our advancing years, respecting our bodies, invigorating our minds, and inspiring the generations that follow. 

“Age is simply the number of years the world has been enjoying you.”

~ Anonymous ~