The Quint’s reader Shefali Vaidya sent us video of her mother Usha who said yes to yoga as a way of coping with the grief of losing her husband. Watch her perform the Surya Namaskara, like a boss:
Shefali writes:
Till she was 70, my mother, Usha Vaidya did not pursue any regular form of physical exercise, she kept herself fit by indulging into her passion for gardening.
After my father passed away, she went through a very turbulent period emotionally. The grief was devastating and she found it difficult to cope with it.
Then she discovered Yog.
It was a small class in the neighbourhood conducted by a gentleman who is passionate about Yogsaadhana. Nothing fancy. No labels like ‘Power Yoga’ ‘Elastic Yoga’, ‘Hot Yoga’ or ‘Cool Yoga’ - just one committed teacher determined to teach Yogasans and Pranayaam to anyone who is interested.
My mom started attending the classes, three times a week. Initially, she found the practise tough, but she persevered. Now, at 75, she is the oldest student in her class.
She can do forty Suryanamaskars at a stretch, with perfection in each posture. Her flexibility is the envy of students half her age! She plays cricket and table tennis with her grandkids, goes for long walks and her face radiates serenity.
Yog has helped my mother not just in keeping physically fit, but mentally healthy.
If she can start the practise of Yog at 70, surely, anyone can?
#SayYesToYoga
because frankly, you would be stupid NOT to.
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