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We’ve heard it before. You’re never too old to try something new. It’s more than a statement for Hamilton’s Joyce Hirasawa who decided to tackle yoga for the first time at age 85.
Even the start of a Hatha yoga class invokes a sense of calm. And that is the ultimate goal of this particular form of the centuries old practice.
Alex Bovkiss is with Shanti Yoga Studio. “It’s a style that leads us toward balance. Heating and cooling poses. Active and passive poses. So that we’re seeking centre.”
Finding that centre is something Joyce Hirasawa likely could have used about 5 or 6 decades ago, when she was raising her 6-children. “I think I was so busy running around I think I got my exercise.”
Yoga is relatively new to the 88-year old. She used to swim — likes to dance — and walks when the weather isn’t so bad. But three years ago she thought she needed another form of exercise. “First, I was going to try Tai Chi and the class was full or something. They told me they’d start a new class if I got 9 more. So I switched to yoga. And I’m glad I did.”
She got a warm welcome at Hamilton’s Shanti Yoga Studio. Teacher Alex Bovkiss had no reservations about adding Joyce to the practice. “We just had a quick conversation and she understood that she can stop at any point. She can as for help at any point. And I watch her closer. And if I see she’s not getting something then I’ll assist her.”
Joyce said. “I did as much as I could. Alex is very good. She lets us use props if we need them.”
Joyce believes everyone should do yoga. Alex says anyone can — especially when you view yoga as something internal. She says it’s not a fitness program. “It’s a much deeper practice of inner connection to your self and to the devine. And finding that peace and balance and comfort and learning how to shake things off. When you think about it that way it’s less important how far you can bend. It’s more important how long do you stay angry.”
Joyce turns 89 in August and plans to continue yoga for at least another year. And maybe the one after that. “Age is just a number right.”
To further illustrate how yoga works for anyone, Alex Bovkiss says some of her students have been in wheelchairs. They focus on their breathing technique — and visualize themselves performing the poses like everyone else. She says it’s a method that still offers benefits.
