Age Gracefully with Yoga: Flexibility for the Body and Mind

It’s all about Experience and Maturity
written by Teri Martin from an excerpt of her book "The Best Chapter: Keeping it Real as we get Older"

When I was first approached to write an open letter addressing Aging in Yoga, I was
very hesitant. Yes, I am one of the older instructors still actively teaching, but that really
makes no difference. But wait, of course it does!
I have been practicing yoga for more than twenty-five years and, as an experienced
instructor, I certainly have matured – personally and in my teaching. And, yes, along
with that, have been some physical challenges – but not necessarily because I have
gotten older.

Regardless of age, we all become ill, get injured, require medical care, or merely
need to take a break. However, those personal periods of limitation have had the effect
of informing me in my own physical (asana) practice, teaching me to be more patient
and thoughtful in my approach to movement. But, more importantly, have taught me to
cultivate a heightened awareness of the limitations and challenges of the students in my
classes – whether beginners or more advanced practitioners.

As I get older, I have a better appreciation for the effects of aging. However, while I
am physically more cautious, I am also more willing to take risks in my life and thrive on
living from moment to moment.

I was trained to teach yoga, not perform it for the students to follow along with, and
this approach has been invaluable when I have not been able to physically demonstrate
because of an injury - or as I have gotten older.  And there certainly are some poses
that I no longer do because I am now wise enough to realize that I may harm myself.

​At this point, I am ageless. Whatever does it even mean to “act your age,” “look your
age,” or “dress age appropriately?” I’m simply me and live my life as me, with no age
association. The mere fact that I am older has given me many valuable years of
experience acquiring and developing the tools and skills to become a more effective
yoga teacher. And the personal development and maturity gained through my years as
student, business professional, artist, wife, and mother have been an incredible asset.
I now have more clarity in my life, increased patience, and a fine-tuned ability to
observe, listen, and understand the needs of my students, as well as the skill to adapt
and alter my teaching to the individuals who show up to class that day, regardless of
age or level of experience. And I have a much better understanding of what truly
matters.

Recently a younger, newer, teacher confided in me that she felt like an imposter,
overwhelmed with the thought that she was not knowledgeable enough to be a good
yoga instructor. So, I asked her about her basic understanding of alignment,
sequencing, cuing, using Sanskrit, yoga philosophy, and, more importantly, what were
students’ reactions after her class. Her response was all positive.
My advice to her, as well as to anyone else, is to ease up on yourself and just keep
practicing. Be patient, curious, and constantly explore new ways to approach things on
and off your mat.

In my view, more experience as a student and teacher, regardless of age or number
of years, will give you the maturity and confidence to feel comfortable in your personal
and professional growth.

I did not become a yoga instructor to be rich and famous, to be popular, but rather to
instill in others all of the wonderful benefits of the physical practice in association with
developing the ability to be more thoughtful and to live in the moment.

As an older yoga teacher, my desire is to provide an example to others so that they
can empower themselves to recognize and develop their own particular personal areas
of strength and flexibility. The practice of yoga, through the combination of physical
practice, breathwork, and meditation, helps us to cultivate resistance as we get older –
giving ourselves permission to open to the unknown.

Aging is not a fixed point, but rather a continuum and constant state of transition, and
yoga provides us with the means to become adaptable, nimble, and pliable – not just in
our own body, but in our minds to be accepting to the changes and limitations of our
bodies, and to truly appreciate the value of our lives.

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Teri teaches the Tuesday 6:30pm Vinyasa class at Lotus Pond Yoga.

Teri Martin is an E-RYT500 Experienced Yoga Instructor from Boston and has been a yoga practitioner for over 20 years. In her yoga teaching she encourages, leads, and empowers students to tune in to and connect with themselves, creating increased physical and personal awareness. Teri is an Artist, Art Consultant, Business Advisor and founder of TheArtNetwork. Her left brain has a Harvard MBA and is a former executive at HBO, Cinemax and Citicorp.
Teri’s vinyasa flow classes are enjoyable, thoughtfully choreographed and appropriately paced flows of ashtanga - based postures and movement with strong emphasis on proper alignment, breath, personal awareness and individual attention.
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