Happy 60th Birthday

This January, I turned 60 years old. I enjoy my yoga practice every day. I can’t

remember when I last visited a doctor. I don’t wear glasses. I enjoy biting food with

all my teeth and only visit the dentist for routine check-ups. I don’t need to worry

about my physical health. Mentally, I feel happy even though I don’t have my own

house yet after our house was inundated 2 years ago in floods caused by Cyclone

Jasper. I really appreciate all the experiences I faced throughout Cyclone Jasper. It

has taught me that I can stay calm, regardless of what happens around myself, and

have strong resilience. Why? Well, I believe that it’s all due to my practice of yoga.

Of course, there are other factors as well, such as eating healthy food etc. However,

the biggest and most important reason for me being in this state is my consistent

practice of yoga.

When I was 40 years old I completed my first Knoff Yoga teacher training course and

immediately started practicing asana, pranayama, meditation and yoga philosophy.

From that point, then, I was convinced this balanced mode of practice is a super

strong tool. About 10 years ago one of my mentors, who was close to 80 years old at

the time, told me that we should aim to achieve the healthiest body and mind we can

by 60 years, and then begin doing something that we really want to do in life. I have

now reached that point. The thing that I want to do most is to pass my all experience,

knowledge and wisdom from my master teachers, Nicky Knoff and James Bryan, to

the next generation through teaching yoga. I truly believe it makes people happier

and healthier.

In Japan, to celebrate turning 60, we wear a special red vest and hat. This is

because 60 years represents a full completion of the five elemental cycles of the

twelve Chinese zodiac animals. Wearing this costume represents a fresh start.

Instead of wearing this traditional costume, I have decided to wear red yoga gear

when I practice yoga on my birthday.

Nicky always used to tell us during her classes that there are no limits if we don’t

believe there are. I want to continue challenging to prove this with my own body. In

modern society, people tend to think it is normal to suffer pain and discomfort when

they get old. My mission is to prove that if we look after ourselves without disturbing

the aging process, there should be nothing to worry about. It is actually becoming

simpler and much more fun.

If you are not 60 years old yet, don’t worry—you have plenty of time. If you have

reached 60 years old, don’t worry—it’s never too late to start to do yoga. I teach

public classes 3 days a week and will also conduct teacher training courses over

time. I look forward to seeing you on the mat. Teaching yoga is my joy. I am always

happy to go anywhere to run classes, workshops and teacher training. Please

contact me if you are interested and would like me to consider running these in your

area.

I just would like to take this opportunity to say, “Thank you very much” to everyone

who has supported me, in some way, throughout my whole life.

Namaste!