When I began formal instruction at the Iyengar Yoga Institute in San Francisco I was in my mid-twenties.  I had just ended a seven-year long struggle to become a professional modern dancer and was riddled with chronic pain in my neck and lower back.  I had also recently ended an abusive relationship with a man who once kicked a toilet into a thousand pieces in a fit of rage.  With my family living thousands of miles away, could I have been more alone?  My self-confidence had reached a fragile low.

One of my first teachers at the institute was an immensely kind woman, Mignonet Montez.  I’m pretty sure she would have been in her late 50’s, early 60’s.  It was hard to tell, because she was so nimble in her movement with graceful posture and a slow steady way of conducting her classes.  She was always impeccably dressed in colours that complemented her blue eyes and silver hair.  In her presence, I felt something solid and consistent and reliable.  But I also remember, that I never thought of her as “old”; to me she seemed ageless.

I’ve been reflecting on the importance of having older teachers when I was younger because I’m often asked, “What is your student demographic?”  Naturally, many of my long-time students have aged with me, and are either a little younger or a little older than me.  Or we are peers sharing our evolution.  That’s to be expected.  But I can’t help but think that there is a strong case for encouraging the young and restless to seek out senior teachers.  Looking back, the last thing I needed during those tumultuous 20’s (and equally tumultuous 30’s . . . ) was someone with as little life experience as myself. 

As I now move into my mid-60’s, I want to challenge the assumption that young yoga practitioners want only to study with young teachers.  This is not to discourage younger teachers who do provide an important opportunity for students who need and want physical challenges.  Often these same people need solid ground to stand on. 

In honour of all teachers, young and old.  And all students, young and old.

Warmly,

Donna