Why I Still Practice Yoga After All These Years

Why I Still Practice Yoga Today

Yoga has been a part of my life since my mid-30s, but in recent years, it’s become something deeper. It’s the reason why I still practice yoga today — not just for my body, but for my heart and mind too.

When I first started, it was all about feeling better physically. I wanted to stretch, move, and release tension in my body. The breathing and spiritual aspects? Honestly, those were harder for me — for different reasons. At the time, I didn’t fully connect with them.

But as the years have passed, I’ve come to see their value. I’ve learned how to use my breath to calm myself, to slow down, to reset — especially when life feels overwhelming. And I’ve started to integrate spiritual elements into my practice, in ways that feel true to my personal faith. That part of yoga, the inward part, has become just as important as the physical movement.

You can read more about my yoga journey here.

Finding Space to Breathe

Yoga has been my go-to through the years — especially during stressful times. Even when I wasn’t focused on breathing or the spiritual side of the practice, just showing up and moving helped. The focus it takes to move through the poses gave my mind something steady to hold on to — a break from the highs and lows of life.

Yoga has helped me manage stress in a way nothing else has — and there’s research to support this as well. Studies show it can ease anxiety and improve mental health (Harvard Health). But honestly, I don’t need a study to know it helps. I feel the difference every time I practice. I feel lighter, calmer, and clearer.

Yoga in Real Life

One thing I really love about yoga is how easy it is to begin. You don’t need special clothes or expensive gear — just a little space, a mat or towel, and a willingness to show up. Some days I need something slow and gentle; other days, I want to move more. What matters is that there’s always a way to make it work for how I’m feeling.

It doesn’t have to look perfect. You don’t need a quiet room, an hour of free time, or a lit candle — though sometimes I enjoy that too. Some days I practice with my pets nearby, the dishwasher running, and a list of things I haven’t finished yet. Other times, I move in stillness, with soft light and quiet. That’s what I love about yoga — it meets you exactly where you are: mentally, emotionally, and physically.

Stronger in Every Way

Physically, yoga has made me stronger and more flexible, but more than that, it’s helped me move with confidence. I stand taller, feel more balanced, and trust my body in ways I didn’t always. Now, in my late 50s, I appreciate my body more than ever. I’m strong, flexible, and toned — and I believe yoga has a lot to do with the way I’m aging gracefully.

But yoga isn’t just physical. It’s also a quiet space for reflection — for checking in with my values, my heart, and how I’m moving through the world. It’s where I practice grace — not just for others, but for myself too.

It’s Never Too Late

So why do I practice yoga? Because it helps. Because it heals. And because it reminds me — every single time — that it’s never too late to begin again.

Some days, I need that reminder more than others. It’s not always easy to believe — that I still have purpose, that I still have something to give, that I can keep growing. Aging can make you question those things. But yoga keeps bringing me back to the truth: I’m still here. I can still benefit. And I can still give back.

That’s why I return to the mat. That’s why I keep practicing.

If yoga has become part of your life too — or if you’re thinking of starting — I’d love to hear your story. You can reach out anytime through my contact form or send me a note by email.

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