Why I Applied for Yoga Teacher Training at 54
Hello friends! Guess what I just did??
I signed up for Yoga Teacher Training! I’m so freaking excited that I already bought all the required reading and half of the suggested reading, even though my first day of classes isn’t until January. In fact, I very nearly cancelled the rest of my afternoon appointments so that I could go back-to-school shopping but sound judgement prevailed. Mostly because B hates it when I buy myself things just before my birthday and Christmas. (Sophia, if you’re reading, I’d like a yoga strap like this one.) Come to think of it, here’s a Yoga Lovers Gift Guide.
🧘🏼♀️ 30 Years of Yoga
My friend Claudia took me to my first yoga class when I was 20 years old and living in Los Angeles. We were both working in Hollywood while trying to maintain some sense of self, which is a lot harder than you might think. My first class was in Santa Monica, I distinctly remember thinking two things: 1) What’s the deal with this dog pose and how long are we going to be here? And 2) Forget the Chateau Marmont, this is the place to see and be seen. There were so many actors and assistants in the room that it felt like I was networking in spandex. I liked doing the poses, but the mindfulness and philosophy behind yoga was completely lost on me. In any case, I only went to yoga sporadically in those days. When I had the time, I didn’t have the money and when I had money, I didn’t have the time.
In my 30s I went through a Bikram Hot Yoga phase. Did you know they yell at you in those classes? Why did I find that motivating? I guess in a weird way I was trying to get out of my own head - to stop the anxiety wheel of worry in my brain. Because say what you will, but to survive a Bikram session, you have no choice but to concentrate on breathing and being present. Still, it says something about a person who enjoys being yelled at while exercising in a 150-degree room while wearing hot pants and a sports bra. In retrospect, the whole scene seems cultish and unnecessarily brutal.
In my 40s, my body started creating its own hot flashes and I suddenly had zero tolerance for being yelled at. So I started experimenting with all forms of yoga and kept track of what I liked and didn't like. Hot Power Yoga was a hell no. Gentle Hatha and Flow-y Vinyasa? Yes. The teachers are (generally) much more accommodating and there’s no yelling or pushing. In fact, if all you do is lie down on the mat and cry take a nap? You will be commended for listening to your body.
In the last few years, I’ve started evaluating the teachers themselves. I’m allergic to 20-something influencers whose voice drops two octaves when she starts class. I went to a class at Proud where the woman spent more time staring at herself in the mirror and pulling faces than she did watching her students and offering corrections. True story.
My preferred teacher is on the right side of 40. She is stronger and more experienced than I am - but she’s not out of reach or intimidating. She is really good at what she does, but she doesn’t take herself too seriously. She’s simply a good teacher. I also like that she throws in a bit of life wisdom and woo-woo, but not in an affected, performative way.
⏰ So why now?
The short answer is because my kids have flown the nest, and I have the time and freedom to do whatever I want!
But there’s a little more to it than that.
If I’m honest, that previous paragraph? The one that starts with My preferred teacher…? That sounds like a really cool job description. And - because my other favourite things is very solitary and sedentary (writing/creating) - I really want to balance out my days by being active and connecting with people in real life.
Plus, I love learning new things. I didn’t fully appreciate my education the first time around - I was too busy trying to make ends meet. And honestly, what greater gift is there than getting to study something you love?
And then there are the ideas… If you know me, you know I’ve always got a few up my sleeve! For years now, I’ve fantasised about hosting retreats, teaching yoga and/or finding new ways to bring women together. I just never felt quite ready.
Well, friends. I’m 54 freaking years old. If not now, then when?
💌 Follow along…
I’m a writer - that’s just how I process life. So I’ll be blogging throughout my training and whatever yoga adventures might follow. Hopefully it won’t get too weird and woo-woo, but let’s be honest, it probably will.
But you can follow along if you want. I will post regularly on this blog.
Or you can receive monthly recaps by joining the newsletter: I’ll have what she’s having.
xo, L