The above quote is connected with the Yoga and Aging this year’s theme: “Unveiling Wisdom.”
The program launched on February 2nd with an opening panel, where we shared insights and ideas around the above theme.
“Unveiling” reminds us that wisdom already exists within us. However, it is often hidden beneath layers—ego, self-centeredness, and distractions—that prevent its full expression. Through dedicated practice, we can learn to peel back these layers, reconnect with our heart and spirit, and access our inner wisdom.
Finding the Middle Way
Yoga is about balance—finding the path between overdoing and underdoing, a path often referred to as The Middle Way.
In The Tree of Yoga, B.K.S. Iyengar writes:
“When you are practising a pose in yoga, can you find the delicate balance between taking the pose to its maximum extent and going beyond that point, where too much effort creates wrong tension in the body?”
On the other hand, we may sometimes stay within our comfort zone out of laziness or inattention, doing less than we are capable of.
It is only when we reach the front line of our capacity that the practice becomes truly alive, refreshing, and energizing.
Iyengar further explains:
“When you are overstretching somewhere to get the optimum movement, have you ever noticed that you are giving too little attention to other parts of the body? That disturbs the body and makes it shake.”
This Middle Way is not fixed; it is unique to each person and constantly evolving. We find it through observation and by developing sensitivity in our practice.
In the beginning, we may not yet know our capabilities or be sufficiently attuned to our bodies, leading to overstretching and potential injury. However, if we are cautious and quick to adjust, we can heal and learn from these initial mistakes.
With experience and maturity, we become more sensitive to ourselves. Understanding both our strengths and limitations enables us to practice with awareness and mindfulness—without overdoing or underdoing.
“Analysis in action is the only guide. You proceed by trial and error. As the trials increase, the errors become less. Then doubts become less, and when doubts lessen, the effort also becomes less.” (ibid)
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Adapting to Change as We Age
Finding the Middle Way is essential at any age, but as we grow older, it becomes even more critical. With aging, the body changes more rapidly—it may weaken and lose flexibility and agility. These changes in our capacity require us to continually adapt our practice.
From age 20 to 50 or 55, you may continue to improve, but at some point, you will begin to experience physical changes. If you do not adjust your practice in sync with the aging process, you risk injury.
Some people resist the reality of aging and try to practice as they always have. This is overdoing—the mind refuses to acknowledge the changes in the body.
Others experience the opposite: their minds age faster than their bodies. They become afraid and limit their practice even though their bodies are still capable of doing more. This fear holds them back and may even accelerate the aging process.
Only when the mind and body age in sync, at the same pace, can we find harmony, peace, and joy in our practice and our life, at any age.
When we learn to navigate this ever-changing Middle Way, wisdom shines within us. Or, as Iyengar writes:
“When wise action comes, you no longer feel the effort as effort – you feel the effort as joy. In perfection, your experience and expression find balance and concord.” (ibid)
My Workshop: “Using Props – An Elixir of Practice“
We will explore poses at varying levels of challenge, using props to support our practice. For example, we will practice Utthita Trikoṇāsana four times:
- With a chair for support
- With our backs against a wall
- With a block supporting one hand
- Independently, without props
We will experiment similarly with additional poses, some of them more challenging than others. Each participant will be encouraged to find the variation that offers the greatest sense of balance and harmony. Through this process, we will refine our self-awareness, develop sensitivity, and learn to trust our inner sense of when to push forward and when to ease back.
For these explorations, please have at home the following props:
- Yoga mat
- 2 blocks
- 2 belts
- 4–5 blankets
- Bolster
- Yoga chair
- Free wall space
I invite you to join me on March 2nd!
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