Eve Grzybowski
Yoga Suits Her
I’ve been teaching yoga since 1980. A lot of my identity is tied up with being a yoga teacher. What does that mean? What should that mean? On this site I explore my personal journey and provide commentary on the state of yoga in the twenty-first century. I invite you to have a look and see what may be here for you.
Photo by: Julie Slavin Photography, Old Bar
Current Post
Teaching a Balanced Yoga Practice
It’s being said loudly and often by teachers of my generation that modern yoga has become too superficial. In an article in the American Yoga Journal, Ann Cushman makes the case for the importance of asana practice. But then, she then goes on to say that when students become more serious about practicing, they need to take on some of the other instruments in the yogic toolkit.
read moreThe Previous 3 Posts
Not Bad But Rather Good for Any Age
Thank goodness yoga is for all ages: the baby in utero, her mother and her grandmother, as well as kids in school and older kids in grad school. Sportsmen, mechanics, and musicians do yoga along with retirees and renunciates.
At every age and stage, we know yoga to be a stretchy system that bends to your needs. Not only that, it helps foster well-being, sweetens your nature and confers long life. Perhaps it will give enough detachment so that as you advance in age, you will be merely amused by any belittlers.
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Friends in Yoga: Benefits of Community
In almost every class I teach, I make a point to give thanks for this community we create when we come together. Whether your particular class happens in a gym or in a school hall, you are likely to connect with like-minded people. These may ultimately become fast friends. Lasting friendships are promoted by yoga teachers who make a point of providing time and space to socialise. Having a cup of tea after class, or in our household, one of Daniel’s coffees, we get to talk about more than yoga postures.
By attending classes regularly, there’s the potential for deepening friendships with classmates. Yoga teachers and students get the chance to bond, too.
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Breast Screening Check-ups: Yogis Do It Too
I told an eighty year old friend that I visited the BreastScreen van every two years. She said, ‘Why do that? After age 70, you don’t have to worry about breast cancer anymore.’ Not true.
This is the true story from the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, which is a fantastic on-line resource.
Cancer rates begin to increase after age 40 and are highest in women over age 70. (The median age of diagnosis of breast cancer for women in the U.S. is 62.)
Classes and Workshops
I’m currently teaching two weekly classes on the Mid-North Coast of New South Wales where I live. I also lead workshops here and in other parts of Australia.
Visit the Vault!
I’ve been regularly contributing to this blog since 2009. There are now over 1250 posts about a very wide range of topics. Click here to explore.
Yoga Resources
Books, videos, teachers, websites, places to buy really hot yoga clothes (kidding), and generally anything I find that I think others might find useful.
A Bit About Eve
I’ve been teaching since I was 35. I’m now 73. In that time there have been a few changes. Click here if you want to find out a bit about my life.
Media
I know, I know. Yoga teachers all want to teach remotely. I’ve been no exception. Here are some video and audio productions that I’ve made. Not many – it’s something that I alway mean to get around to.
Swag
No, I’m not selling yoga mats or clothing. I don’t even have a t-shirt… yet. But from time to time I find myself with something that someone may want. Have a look, I’m never sure what you’ll find.
Join the Conversation
Yoga is changing right along with the rest of the world. It began in a world where the teacher was the authority on all things and students could question nothing. It’s not like that now, but it’s not yet clear what yoga is developing into. The process of change will require participation and communication. Please comment on my posts and let me know what you think of what I’m doing. And, while you’re at it, please share with me some of your experience of yoga. Below are a few comments from previous posts.
“Ah yes the rich tapestry of ageing, sometimes every week there seems to be something new to deal with … and as with a flower it’s petals can’t be forced open early. Neither can we prevent each flower fading away.”
Peter“Thank you Eve for your writings, from my aged perspective I can only say that your yoga teachings over these past two years of my life have helped me enormously in coping with the ageing process. I do my best to spread the word and hopefully share your enthusiasm with others.”
Marie” My music teacher asked me to choose not to be hard on myself. I think when in the moments I can do that it makes a whole lot of space for my expression and being present and awake. It feels like a big part of meeting myself in the mat each day.”
Kate