Yoga Across the Ages: From Twenties to Forties

Alright, gather around fellow yogis, let's talk about the wild ride of my yoga journey. I was a sprightly 26-year-old, rocking the desk job by day and catching waves and pedaling bikes like a boss whenever I could. Yoga walked in, and I thought, 'Hey, this might be the missing puzzle piece to my adventure!' You see, I was on a mission to uncover the secrets of life, kinda like a detective, but with more downward dogs and less magnifying glasses. With a hint of philosophy and a dash of 'I've got this,' I jumped onto the mat, ready for some yogic wisdom.

Back then, my yoga buddy was a swasthya master (now it's called the DeRose Method, but who's keeping track?). It was like stepping into a whole new world where philosophy and poses did a fancy tango. But let me tell you, the more I learned, the less I knew. So, I decided to jazz up my repertoire with flavors like Sivananda and Ashtanga Vinyasa, and even deep-dived into Vedanta philosophy. Think of it as my yoga buffet – trying a little bit of everything before finding my sweet spot.

As I danced into my thirties, Prana Flow waltzed in. It was like finding the perfect dance partner who gets your moves without stepping on your toes. I jetted off to the US and UK for training sessions, and even got cozy with online learning. This style resonated with me big time, like finally finding that one song that makes you dance like nobody's watching. It's a vinyasa flow rooted in the Tantric Trika lineage, and trust me, it's a game-changer.

Fast-forward to my fabulous forties. My relationship with yoga? Well, it's like that cozy old friendship that just gets better with age. Now, it's all about keeping the body happy and healthy. Think of it as throwing a party that everyone's invited to, even those sneaky muscles and joints that usually get ignored. The moves are still a challenge, but now they're served with a side of consciousness. I've waved goodbye to those mental checklists – 'gotta prove myself,' 'need to be the best' – because I'm all about that zen life now.

Oh, and the headstand? Well, it's like that party trick I used to love, but now I'm all grown up. I've got some wear and tear in the neck department, and guess what? I'm fine with it. Health comes first, and I'm not willing to trade a flashy pose for a lifetime of discomfort.

But wait, there's more! My quest for knowledge has taken a new twist. I'm diving into the deep end of the Tantric Trika lineage – think of it as a crash course in embracing the tantric philosophy without the dogma. It's like being in a classroom, except I'm the student who's also the teacher.

So, what's the moral of my yoga tale? Simple: never stop exploring. Don't let anyone slap labels on your journey, or tell you what poses to do, or who to practice with. And remember, my friends, your body is your temple. Don't let anyone convince you otherwise. It's a wild ride out there, but you've got your compass – your health – guiding the way. Sure, take risks, but keep your wits about you. Life's an adventure, my fellow yogis, so make it a conscious one!