I’m Still New: Reflections on Yoga, Age and Beginner’s Mind

Sometime ago I attended a one-day yoga workshop with my old teacher, Andrea.

During a discussion, we talked about age and elderly students. This led me to remember a conversation my daughter once had with a friend when she turned five.

Daughter: I’m five years old now.

Friend: Oh, are you old now?

Daughter: No, I’m still new!!

When I told this story to the group, it seemed to hit a chord.

We agreed that we all feel new inside, no matter our chronological age. Actually, not only do I not feel old — I feel like a complete beginner on this planet. Someone who has no idea how to handle life. Scary and exciting.

The workshop itself was very interesting. Hatha yoga in the morning — but a type of Hatha yoga I’d never done before, with lots of pranayama. The afternoon was discussion time, exploring the Yoga Sutra and Hatha Yoga Pradipika.

The more I learn about yoga, the more I realise how little I know.

Each time I step on the mat, I’m a new yoga student.

Each sun salutation is a new salutation.

Each time I sit to meditate, I’m a beginner.

Have you ever had that experience — taking an exam or a test, and during it you already know you’ll fail? You know you don’t deserve to pass? Well, it’s a bit like that. I don’t think release from this karmic wheel is due for me in this lifetime. I know so little, and I need many, many more lifetimes to learn.

I’m still so new.

#yoga