Getting old (er)

As we get older, as our bodies really show change, do we set base in telling ourselves our lack of mobility, the stiffness in our backs, our knees and hips is just a normal part of aging? Has anyone ever wondered if there's science that backs that up or did someone (old) tell us that and we believed them.

Perhaps it's just me, but lately I've been giving some real thought to what I believe, why I believe, and is what I believe even true? Remember when we were kids and perhaps a parent or another significant adult told us that just because someone says something doesn't mean it's true? Since we all survived middle school, you'd think we would have learned that lesson.

Medical data shows us that as we age, bone and muscle density decrease. Our bodies produce less sacroiliac fluid for our joints. We feel new aches and pains. We then begin to believe that our athletic pursuits were for our younger years and so we sit. A lot. Hmmmm. How come all that sitting isn't making my body feel any better? In fact, I keep feeling worst and worst. We are not just "getting old," we are getting weak and de-conditioned. And you know what? Our bodies hurt even more. That medical data looks a bit different for those of us choosing different. When we continue moving, challenging our strength, endurance and resilience, our bodies continue to grow muscle and maintain blood flow circulation. We can feel good as we age. When we stop asking our bodies to work, to be strong, we feel worst in them and our outlook on life is less than positive. Our food choices suffer and sleep follows suit. Acting on an impulse to take care of ourselves should be a lifelong pursuit and not just something we did in our 20's!

Keep moving! Find something you love and do it! Preferably something that requires a bit of hip strength. :) It may not be exactly what you did in your 20's or 30's. Who cares? Our bodies do change and what we used to do may no longer serve us in the same way. We shift. We pivot. We grow. Movement is the beginning, the middle and the end to how we feel good in our bodies and it is from that place, we think better thoughts, find silver lining in grey clouds, eat better, sleep better and replenish so that we can enjoy our grandest gift of breath. Oh, and also:

• Yoga has shown to build bone and muscle density, as well as increase joint lubrication. 

• Yoga improves our mood and our circulation.

• Yoga increases our sleep habits.

• Yoga aids us to making better diet choices, helping our bodies and brains in abundant ways.

• Yoga increases our energy and well being.
  
  Moving together in community is also super good for our mental health too.

  In joy and movement,
  Jill