Yoga Pathways

I’m back from a 10-day yoga immersion in Goa — a journey that had been booked for almost a year and thought about endlessly. I envisioned everything: the unique style of yoga, the bustling energy of India, the flavours of Indian food, the warm weather, and even the beach. I even wondered if I’d miss my family while I was away. What I never considered, however, was the community I’d be joining not that it would have changed my experience one bit had I given it any thought.

Most of the participants in my group were in their 30’s —a fact I only fully registered when my sister Lara sent me a WhatsApp message, expressing how proud she was and marvelling at how I don’t let age hold me back. I’m not boasting or claiming bravery because I don’t have to work to overcome age related worries —I rarely think about my age. But the message from my sister has drawn my attention to the fact that this isn’t necessarily true for everyone. At nearly 55, I was surrounded by young yogis, and I felt comfortable, at ease, and in my element.

As we moved through the days—through hours of practice, breathwork, chanting and meditation—I realised something profound: I am physically stronger now than I have been in years. My body is learning, adapting, mastering new things. My mind is more open, more at ease. I no longer feel the need to prove myself or seek approval as I did when I was younger. And that, I realised, is one of the greatest gifts of growing older.

It’s easy to let our lives become smaller. To let fear creep in. To create obstacles that prevent us from doing the things we dream of. We tell ourselves we’re too old, too tired, too set in our ways. We convince ourselves that growth is something for the young. But I have never felt more alive, more capable, more willing to step into the world than I do now.

This experience reminded me that life doesn’t have to close with age—it can expand. It should expand. We are not meant to retreat from the things that light us up; we are meant to keep moving toward them.

For me, this yoga immersion wasn’t just about deepening my practice. It was a powerful reminder that I am still evolving, still capable of learning, still able to challenge myself physically and mentally. Age is not a barrier to strength, adventure, or transformation—unless we make it one.

So if there’s something you’ve been holding back from because you think it’s “too late” or “not for you anymore,” it’s time to reconsider. Whether it’s travel, yoga, a new hobby, or an old dream you’ve shelved, step toward it. You might just find yourself stronger than ever.