A yoga teacher without a yoga mat?

It’s true… I haven’t practiced yoga with a mat in 8 years. These days my equipment of choice is a chair. Some of you might be thinking, “Chair yoga? That’s for OLD PEOPLE!” That’s exactly what I used to think, but life has a way of changing perspectives…

First, let’s talk about that word… OLD. What does it even mean? According to the dictionary, old is defined as “having lived or existed for a relatively long time. an old man; an old tradition; old wine; an old house; an old country. Still, that can be a very subjective term. My car is old at 20, the United States is young at 250 years.

As of this writing, I am a few weeks shy of 68 years “old.” Like my car, some of my moving parts are no longer working like they did when they were new. My mind feels young-ish, open to new ideas and experiences. But my body? Definitely feeling the passing of time.

Some of you may know I live with an immune disorder; its symptoms include body aches and extreme fatigue. Certain days are better than others, but in general, my immune system disorder has accelerated the aging of my body.

For many years I lived a fairly active life. Hiking, Zumba, Yoga. 8 years ago, everything changed. My immune disorder had grown quite serious, and treatments including chemo, high doses of steroids and long term antibiotics took their toll. Every part of my body was in pain from chronic inflammation, and my body hurt even when lying in bed. Instead of my usual active lifestyle, I struggled to walk around the block! I felt lost and broken, a shell of my former self.

What saved me? Yoga… gentle, gentle yoga. Tiny movements, day by day. First, flat on my back in bed, I pulled my knees into my chest and gently rocked from side to side. It hurt, but it felt good to move. I felt alive again, hopeful.

After moving like that for a month or so, I went on YouTube and searched for “Gentle Yoga.” Most of the videos required me to get up and down from the floor, and well, I just couldn’t do it. I lay there and cried, grieving the loss of my physical abilities. But I wasn’t ready to give up.

Back on YouTube, I found a chair yoga video. My first thought? “Chair Yoga? That’s for OLD PEOPLE!”

I assumed that the video would be much too easy for me. Let me tell you, the class was HARD! And humbling. I watched people my age and older moving through modified yoga poses while I tried to keep up. The next day, my muscles were sore. But I felt more alive than I had in ages. And I kept at it.

One pose at a time, first sitting and then standing, I moved my body in yogic ways that felt familiar but gentler and more supported. Chair yoga was exactly what I needed. I gained confidence in my body's ability to move and heal. I grew stronger as I gently stretched my aching joints and muscles. In the process, I found a path toward healing. I ditched the yoga mat, but not the life-changing benefits!

Many people my age live very active lives… climbing mountains, running marathons, traveling around the world, and yes, practicing yoga on a mat. If you are among the active, I’m sincerely happy for you.

But if you’re similar to me, wanting to feel healthier but needing a little extra support because of illness, injury or years of inactivity, let me share my knowledge and experience with you. I’m living proof that yoga and its benefits are accessible to everyone. No mat required! You just need to find the style of yoga that works for you.

So today, let’s forget the labels, especially “old” and “chair yoga.” If a chair-based yoga practice sounds right for you, please let me show you what’s possible. When you’re ready, join me for a free Gentle Beginnings Yoga class. Chair yoga changed my life, and it just might do the same for you.

And if you know anyone who wants to buy a used yoga mat, I’ve got one… cheap!!

Until next time,

~ Rosemary