Embracing grace: The Power of Age and Wisdom

Growing old is one of life's greatest gift that should be appreciated. Embracing every wrinkle and grey hair is a blessing. It is a reminder that I am still breathing and experiencing life. Aging can be frightening, but ageing also means freedom from our limitations.

With age comes invaluable experience and wisdom that enriches not only mine but of others in countless ways. I have weathered storms, overcome challenges, and have a wealth of knowledge and experiences. My insight and guidance can be a teaching tool for the coming generation. By celebrating my wisdom, I empower others to share their experiences, slowly creating a bond with women from all walks of life.

In the last couple of years, I have faced my own challenges with aging. Exploring ways of accepting how I age gracefully and not letting society define and demean this natural stage of a human’s life. Finding ways to stay relevant and not be cast aside because I am over 60. Let’s face it women over 50 have to work much harder to be recognized and appreciated even today.

In a month I will turn 63 and am navigating uncharted waters not just within yogaland but in general. Despite a lifetime of accomplishments and contributions, I sometimes feel marginalized, invisible, and underappreciated. The focus on youth and beauty within society has created an atmosphere where my worth is often tied to my age, leading to feelings of frustration and exclusion at times. Now its time to challenge these preconceived notions within the yoga and wellness industry and acknowledge the immense value that a woman of my age can bring to the table.

Embracing my age gracefully is not just a matter of appearance but an internal one too. I will say this…. that ageing does not slowly creep up, it hits you when you are not looking! The emotions are still raw, often times challenging and frustrating but with time these will dissipate. I want to look my age after all I have earned it!

Letting go of societal expectations is an ongoing practice. It takes a lot to unlearn society’s pressure of ‘beauty’. Loving my uniqueness, beauty and strength comes from my ancestors and my practice. Acceptance and self-respect is the foundation for a fulfilling life. One thing I have learnt as a woman over 60 is that I get to decide how I accept my greys and ever-changing body and what ageing means to me in today’s environment.

Both Yoga and the wellness industry, including social media have immense power in shaping societal narratives. Unfortunately, the focus on youth has left women over 50 underrepresented and overlooked. It is crucial to create spaces that highlight the beauty and strength of mature women, showcasing their vibrancy and accomplishments.

Ageism is a form of discrimination based on age, it remains a pervasive issue that requires our attention. In breaking the stigma surrounding ageism, we can pave the way for positive change. This includes encouraging open conversations, advocating for inclusive representation in media, advertising, yoga and wellness spaces. It is important that we create a culture that appreciates the value of every age group. It is necessary to challenge this within these spaces as a collective effort. It is our responsibility to create an environment where women feel seen, heard, and celebrated for their uniqueness and diverse perspectives and profound wisdom. While yoga land is busy creating safe spaces for every other diverse group it has excluded one of the largest group of women… US the over 50’s.

Yoga land overlooks the wisdom of ageing and yoga, an ancient Hindu practice sheds direction and wisdom on embracing the different stages of life with integrity and dharma as the focus. Within the Hindu community aging and death is revered as a natural part of life, celebrated through rituals and ceremonies... something that western yoga does not teach or celebrate. As the aging populations grows universally there arises an urgent need for compassion and understanding. This clear and deep understanding that life is a journey and with each stage comes unique experiences and challenges is a holistic approach fostering self-awareness, compassion, and the ability to let go of societal pressures surrounding aging. Its teachings paves the way for a more inclusive and supportive society.

Life beyond 60 is an exciting journey filled with opportunities for growth, exploration, and reinvention. By celebrating this chapter, I hope to inspire others to be fearless and embrace their greys and wrinkles proudly.

Ageing gracefully is not just an individual endeavor but a collective movement towards creating a more inclusive and compassionate society. We must recognize and celebrate the wisdom, experiences, and accomplishments of women over 50. By defying ageism and promoting visibility, we can build a world where every individual is seen, heard, and appreciated, regardless of age.

Let’s embark on this journey together, spreading empowerment, acceptance, and love as we lovingly embrace ours with grace.

This was taken in 2019. Mom and myself