Yoga Is My Escape… It’s the Breath of Life
I discovered yoga nearly two decades ago, but it wasn’t an instant love affair. At first, it was simply a physical activity — something to stretch my muscles, build a little strength, and move my body in new ways. It took several years for me to truly discover the benefits of yoga after 40. It took time, practice, and patience for me to realize that yoga could be so much more than just a workout. Over the years, it’s become a sacred ritual, a spiritual journey, and a beautiful way to reconnect with myself on and off the mat. Today, yoga is my escape… it is the breath of life.
Tonight’s practice was a challenging one. I’m working on arm balances, building strength in my shoulders and core, and attempting to float from Chaturanga Dandasana into a forward fold with straight legs. If you’ve ever tried it, you know it demands focus, balance, and a deep connection to your breath. The physical demands of yoga are real, but it’s the inner calm and clarity I find through each practice that keeps me coming back.
In 2013, I became a certified yoga teacher. The journey has been incredible. At the time, I was craving a deeper understanding of the practice—not just the poses but the philosophy, the breathwork, and the way yoga can transform your mind as much as your body. What started as curiosity turned into a life-changing passion. Yoga isn’t just something I do now; it’s how I live.
From the long, steady inhale to the deep sighs of release, to those sweaty, energizing vinyasa flows… yoga is my lifeline. It’s funny — the other day in the gym locker room, I let out a long, audible sigh. It wasn’t out of frustration; it was a release, a way to move stagnant energy through my body. A woman nearby asked if I was having a bad day. I smiled and explained that it wasn’t a bad sigh — it was a good one.
Too often, we’re taught to hold it all in. To be quiet, to stay composed, to bottle up our stress and emotions. But honestly? That’s straight-up nonsense. Let it out. Sigh it out. Move your breath. Move your body. Be alive and present in this moment.
Why Yoga Matters Even More in Your 40s and Beyond
As we move through life, our bodies and minds change, and the workouts that kept us feeling good in our 20s and 30s might not serve us the same way in our 40s, 50s, and beyond. That’s where yoga shines.
1. Improves Flexibility and Joint Health:
As we age, our muscles naturally tighten and our joints can become stiffer. Regular yoga practice helps maintain and improve flexibility, increases joint range of motion, and reduces the risk of injury. Gentle stretching paired with mindful breathing keeps the body supple and mobile.
2. Builds Strength and Balance:
Many yoga poses, especially arm balances and standing postures, build strength in areas we might not always target in traditional workouts. Strong muscles support our joints and improve posture — crucial for avoiding back pain and joint strain as we get older. Plus, balancing poses help maintain stability and prevent falls, a key health concern later in life.
3. Supports Hormonal and Emotional Health:
Yoga isn’t just about the physical. The mindfulness, breathwork, and meditative aspects help regulate stress hormones, improve mood, and support emotional well-being. It can ease symptoms of anxiety, perimenopause, and menopause, while promoting better sleep and overall calm.
4. Encourages Mind-Body Connection:
As we mature, it becomes even more important to listen to our bodies. Yoga encourages this awareness — it invites us to honor what feels good, to modify when needed, and to recognize when to push and when to rest.
5. Creates a Sacred Space for Self-Care:
In a busy, demanding world, stepping onto your mat can be an act of radical self-love. Yoga gives you permission to slow down, to breathe deeply, and to reconnect with yourself in a meaningful way.
Whether you’re chasing arm balances or simply enjoying a slow, restorative flow, yoga offers something for everyone at every stage of life. It’s never too late to begin. And if you’ve already started your journey, it’s always the right time to go deeper.
So sigh it out. Stretch it out. Breathe it out. And remember — you are alive, you are strong, and this moment is yours.
I got certified as a yoga teacher in 2013 because I wanted to learn more about the practice and challenge myself to go deeper with it. Since then, it’s become not only a true passion but also a way of life for me.
From the yoga breath to the deep sighs of release to the sweaty vinyasa flows are what release stress in my body. It’s funny, I was in the gym the other day and I let out a loud sigh in the locker room, not a bad sigh, just a release for me, and a woman in the locker room with me said, “I hope it wasn’t a bad day.”
Sighing for me and letting the breath out through an audible breath is just that… a release. Too, often, we Americans are taught to be quiet, keep it in…to me that’s straight up BS!
Sigh it out. Move the stagnant breath through your body and out. BE ALIVE and in this MOMENT.
Namaste 🙏 Love, light, and hugs!
Phoebe
