Hello 59!

Thank you God for 59 years! While my parents had a lot to do with my 5.16.62 arrival, God, the almighty Creator of the universe, ordained my purposeful existence on this planet. Knowing this empowers me daily. Every year since turning 48, I have posted a birthday suit selfie. This tradition has become an annual pursuit - like a bikini contest with my younger self. My competition is fierce! Nonetheless, it’s a motivational practice in my self-care. Healthy bodies are maintained in all shapes and sizes and yoga works well for all.

Having built a career in the yoga and fitness industry, my body is my business. Personal and professional goals provide a bit of traction against the downside of the proverbial “hill.” Yep, I’m over it, and the slope can be slippery! Goals are a commitment to self-discipline and keep us accountable to achieve and evolve. They give us drive, determination and add substance to our being.

Goals are like red stilettos, worn as work boots. They are feats for me. In contrast to my typical barefooted-ness on my yoga mat, stilettos intimidate me. Stepping into them is choosing discomfort in favor of a statement and indeed, stilettos literally and metaphorically can raise me to new heights. Walking dexterously and assuredly in high-heels, and through the spikes and dips in life, is not easy. Every trying experience is practice. Give yourself a tall order, and marvel at what you can achieve.

While uncomfortable, I think stilettos are sexy. Sexy is a subjective impression. It’s also an energetic quality, a vibe, a superpower. Its a force to be reckoned within oneself. It’s a wonder to behold. It’s not just about a 5-inch heel, or a bikini body at 29, much less 59. For me, it’s about harnessing my wits and wherewithal to gracefully navigate my way down that hill - in stilettos no less! It’s a mindset. Your “sexy” is a great energetic force that maintains vibrancy in your life. We’ve all been given a dose of this superpower.

In yogic science this superpower is known as the nectar of life, or “amrita.” Amrita exists in “the lake of the mind.” We’re all given a finite amount of this superpower at birth. It’s up to us, by our thoughts and behaviors, to preserve it as vital energy throughout our lifetime. When sustained, amrita is a renewable resource. Keep your mind fluid with conscious awareness and naturally preserve your “sexy.” It’s your mojo. It’s the spark that drives your creativity and ingenuity. Make that one-time dose of superpower energy, last a lifetime.

At 59, I have come to embrace aging as a great teacher for my yoga profession, and yoga as a great applicable science for my aging process. I’ve learned the power of vinyasa by giving my entire being time to gain more energy than I expend on my yoga mat. I understand that continual self-study or conscious awareness, is essential to affect positive self-care, or behavior. Like a good wine, I’m determined to grow bold rather than old.

Life - our creation, is filled with wonder. Wonder is a another source of energy. When we stop wondering, we become stale.“Wonder Bread” has an amazing shelf life thanks to preservatives. Wonder. It’s the bread of life preservation! Wonder fosters curiosity and a quest for knowledge and understanding. Have goals. Preserve your “sexy.” Be wonder-full and you’ll age that way.