What yoga means to me as I get older

Continuing our look at wellbeing as we age, we've chatted to Valerie McCann who has been teaching yoga at Maitri Studio since we opened. Valerie talks to us about how her perspective and practice have changed over the years. 

I have been practising yoga for many years now. My interest began in my late teens when I bought a small paperback about yoga which I had never heard of before. That was the beginning of an interest that has lasted to this day. The physical aspect of the practice was probably what attracted me to yoga when I was younger. I loved the sense of ease and flexibility in my body after practising but I also noticed the feeling of calm.

Now that I am retired and well into my 60’s yoga has continued to be a support for me. Before retirement life was very busy. I worked in the health service which was often pressurised and stressful. I also had 4 children and I found yoga was something that helped me deal with day to day life and work pressures. It has been something I have always turned to in difficult times. Even when the physical practice feels like too much, the breathing practices help to calm and ground me. Yoga brings me into the present moment and I have found this mindful approach to my practice translates to a mindful approach in my life. 

After practising yoga for many years I decided to undertake my initial 200 hour yoga teacher training in 2012 with David Curtis from Dublin. I have continued to update my training over the years. I started teaching in 2013 and have taught at Maitri since it opened. Thanks to Claire, and all the others who ensure the smooth running of the studio, Maitri is a wonderful place to teach. The studio is bright and well equipped and there is a lovely friendly welcoming atmosphere. Many students have been attending my classes for several years and new people are always very welcome.

In a world that is often rushed, noisy and pressurised, I have found that my yoga practice provides a quiet space to slow down and to take time for myself.  My classes, like my personal practice offer mindful movement with slow flowing sequences which along with breathing practices help to calm the nervous system and reduce stress. As I've aged, I've become interested in maintaining bone health and so both my own practice and teaching have changed. Earlier this year I did some training with Niamh Daly, Yinstinct  Yoga, completing her 15 hour Yoga for Yoga for Bone Health course. There is a focus on improving flexibility and balance and maintaining strength all of which are so important as we get older. This "bone friendly" approach in the class finishes with a guided relaxation. It is so important to keep moving as we age and yoga can be adapted to suit everyone.

Valerie McCann

We love that our teachers remain curious and alive to their practice and learning, and here Valerie shows that a yoga or other wellbeing practice is never static. She has adapted to her own needs and those of her students over the years and is committed to ongoing learning - which in itself we know is great for keeping the brain active and healthy! Interested? Read more about Valerie's Monday morning class and join a friendly group to get your week off to a fantastic start!