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YOGA LOVE MAGAZINE TEAM
Abhaijot Kaur, Ingrid Baquero, Frances Hunt, Justine Ma, Lauren Beth Jacobs, Miko Hafez, Rina Jakubowicz, Sami Lea Konczewski, Tashya Knight
ISSUE
4. PARTNER DIRECTORY
Where to find your free copy of Yoga Love Magazine
13. WHEN YOGA IS NOT ENOUGH
Adapting your practice
16. SPOTLIGHT: NEW JERSEY
Photographed by Wanda Bogacka-Plucinski
19. THE M FACTOR
Tamsen Fadal discusses menopause, her book and PBS documentary
23. AYURVEDA AND AGE
Author Kate O’Donnell guides us through India’s ancient system of medicine
25. JILL MILLER INTERVIEW
Lauren Cap interviews the founder of Tune Up Fitness
29. LETTERS TO MY YOUNGER SELF
Dianne Bondy, Jivana Heyman, Eddie Stern and many more
42. ARTIST SPOTLIGHT
The art of Graphic Rewilding
48. SPOTLIGHT: PUERTO RICO
Erica Garcia Abergel celebrates wellness in PR
56. THE AGE OF INFLUENCE
Celebrating “Age Disruptors” taking over social media
LETTER FROM THE FOUNDER & EDITOR IN CHIEF
Welcome to the fourth print issue of Yoga Love Magazine.
I recently experienced a milestone in my life: turning the big 5-0! It’s funny, I didn’t really know what to expect from turning 50, but I did know I wanted to mark the occasion with a huge celebration. I started planning a few years in advance, and when the time came, I rented a house in Marrakech and took 10 of my nearest and dearest for a weeklong celebration with delicious food, camel rides, hot air balloon rides, lots of long talks, laughter, and great memories. It was truly the best way to kick off my new decade, and it planted the seed of inspiration for the theme of this issue: Celebrating Age
Being able to navigate this new era of my life, with friends I have known nearly my whole life, has been a great comfort. We all turned 50 around the same time, and our group thread, which we affectionately call the viejas frequently includes:
“Have you noticed this happening in your body?”
“How do you deal with…?”
”How are you doing?”
We also share endless memes about perimenopause and menopause, to keep us entertained, and connect us to a larger community. As these topics start to have more presence in the media, and the medical community is starting to finally pay more attention to women’s health over 40, navigating all these changes is less…challenging.
Our viejas text thread was also the inspiration for much of the content in this issue. Making sure we celebrate people who inspire us at every age, learning how to best handle our money, noticing and educating ourselves on the changes in our bodies, and ways we mark the milestones in life. I hope this issue can contribute to the growing change I see in the narrative about age. I hope it helps inform, inspires, and reminds us to celebrate when we can.
I also have another amazing milestone to celebrate, as this year marks my 10 year anniversary in creating print magazines! What started as a local print magazine celebrating the New York yoga and wellness community has since expanded to a nationally distributed print publication that has a community of over 35,000 amazing writers, artists, photographers, musicians, yogis, wellness enthusiasts, small business owners, and people who all have had their lives shaped by yoga. Even now, 10 years later, we are still a grassroots publication, a small business built on hard work, perseverance, a little bit of luck, and a lot of love.
We have a lot to celebrate in this Celebrating Age issue!
Iana Velez
IANA VELEZ, FOUNDER & EDITOR IN CHIEF
California
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MAX KENNEDY IS REVOLUTIONIZING ACCESSIBLE YOGA
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In New York City where the price of yoga classes can soar up to $50, Max Kennedy is making sure that anyone and everyone has access to yoga by offering pay what you can yoga classes. You can find Max teaching at least three times a week in a studio space he rents on the Upper West Side.
Share your yoga journey with us.
As a lifelong New Yorker, it wasn’t until I was well into my 30s that I was first introduced to this practice. Someone I adored, adored me enough to go out on a limb and invited me to take a class alongside them. And voila, that was that! I was hooked!
When I decided to take the plunge and do a teacher training in the summer of 2018, I had no intention of actually teaching. Like many, my sole intention in enrolling in a training was to deepen my practice, nothing more. But at some point I discovered that in order to receive my certification, I was required to teach at least one 60 minute class.
The moment I learned that I could use my voice, that people could listen with their hearts and minds, I was imbued with an undeniable sense of clarity and commitment. Rather instantaneously it became clear to me, I’d commit myself to opening as many doors for people to make their way through, by way of their own self-directed evolution.
I knew right then and there, this is what I will always do. That *this* is all I would ever want to do. To create some semblance of beauty, to endeavor to end some semblance of suffering and to help people help themselves. I haven’t looked back since.
What inspired you to offer “Pay What You Can” yoga?
Prior to the pandemic, I exclusively taught at a donation-based studio. In 2020 this studio had to shutter all its locations overnight which was a source of immediate devastation for countless people. There was a huge void that was created when this pay-what-you-can model of practice vanished.
“It’s my hope that the future of yoga has inclusivity and accessibility at its nucleus. It’s my hope to be amongst those who help normalize these tenets. That in no uncertain terms, access to wellness modalities must be viewed as being a right — not as a luxury.”
Once again, clarity and commitment entered the equation. I knew I had to do everything I could to once again foster community — to provide access to a practice that didn’t hinge on one’s financial means. To do it the right way. That is how •Offer•What•You•Can•Yoga• came to be.
What is your hope for the future of yoga?
The impetus for launching •Offer•What•You•Can•Yoga• was to simply provide possibility. For people to know it’s possible to have a practice no matter their experience, their age, or their income. That having a fulfilling practice isn’t predicated on their body type, nor their physical abilities — but rather the contents of their heart.
It’s my hope that the future of yoga has inclusivity and accessibility at its nucleus. It’s my hope to be amongst those who help normalize these tenets. That in no uncertain terms, access to wellness modalities must be viewed as being a right — not as a luxury.
While I’ll always champion yoga’s prowess in being a healing, discovery, growth, and acceptance practice — I know full well, it might not be for everyone and that’s okay. But, everyone must have the right to explore what their own holistic wellness can feel like. It’s my unyielding intention to contribute to this reimagined approach. I have every reason to believe that we, together, can usher in this shift in perspective.
Check out Max’s teaching schedule and learn more: @OFFERWHATYOUCANYOGA
Easeful, Peaceful, Useful
The word “Yoga” means union or yoke in the ancient Sanskrit language. It is a perfect description of the science and philosophy of Integral Yoga. Integral Yoga® synthesizes the various branches of Yoga into a comprehensive lifestyle system. The purpose is to support the harmonious development of every aspect of the individual. The six branches of Integral Yoga® are each powerful tools to gain self-mastery. When combined to affect the whole being the results are at once subtle, profound and measurable.
Integral Yoga Institute was founded in the 1960’s, by Sri Swami Satchidananda, a spiritual teacher from India. Located in a beautiful brownstone building on West 13th Street in historic Greenwich
Village, it is both an ashram and a teaching center.
Over the years, the New York IYI has grown to become one of the most respected and beloved Yoga centers in the city, an oasis for busy New Yorkers and out-of-town visitors. We offer in person and online, Hatha Yoga classes at all levels. IYI also offers courses and workshops in meditation, breathing practices, health, nutrition, and other related teachings, to create a unique and rewarding atmosphere for learning and sharing. Students gather for Scripture Study to read and discuss such fundamental works as the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali and the Bhagavad Gita. Kirtans (devotional chanting) and
Satsangs (spiritual discussions) draw people from all over the country. Over the years, IYI’s renowned Teacher Training program has certified hundreds of teachers in Beginning, Intermediate, and Advanced Hatha Yoga, Prenatal and Postnatal Yoga, Meditation, and Gentle and Chair Yoga.
IYI offers many classes and workshops on using Yoga to deal with a wide variety of life-threatening and chronic physical and mental health conditions, including Yoga Therapy, Cardiac Yoga and more. It has introduced programs called Yoga At Work® and Yoga At School™ to promote its message that Yoga is for everyone in every setting.
The New York IYI is a living embodiment of Sri Swami Satchidananda’s teachings, a community where the goal for all people is to have an easeful body, a peaceful mind, and a useful life.
COME EXPERIENCE THE MAGIC OF UNDOISM THROUGH THE PRACTICE OF INTEGRAL YOGA.
LEARN MORE: IYINY.ORG
Hot Yoga 4 You: A Legacy of Community and Transformation
In the heart of Rockville Centre, New York, lies a yoga studio with a rich history and an inspiring story of rebirth— Hot Yoga 4 You. Established August 15, 2003, this was the first original hot yoga studio to open on Long Island. For years, it offered exclusively 90-minute Bikram Yoga classes and boasted two hot studios to meet the high demand. But like many businesses, it faced challenges, including a shift to remote ownership when the previous owners moved to Florida. The studio survived the pandemic but became run-down, leaving its future uncertain.
For Karina Blackstone, the current owner, HY4Y was more than just a studio; it was where her journey with yoga began. “I started practicing yoga here in 2005,” she recalls. “At the time, my husband was deployed in Iraq, and yoga became my sanctuary. It was my way to stay grounded amidst the chaos.” Her passion for the practice grew, and in 2008, she planned to attend Bikram Yoga Teacher Training. However, life had other plans; she became pregnant and had to put her dream on hold. Over the years, Karina navigated a divorce, raised her daughter, earned two master’s degrees, and built a career as an Earth Science middle school teacher. Yet, her love for yoga never wavered.
When Karina learned that the studio was for sale, she felt an undeniable call-
ing. “It wasn’t easy,” she admits. “It took over five attempts to secure a loan and more than six months to close the deal.”
On July 8, 2022, Karina officially became the owner of Hot Yoga 4 You. From that moment, she rolled up her sleeves and got to work.
The studio underwent a transformation. Karina repainted the space, renovated the bathrooms, and cleared out years of clutter. In April 2023, she brought the second studio back to life, converting it from a check-in area to a non-heated studio.
The class schedule has also expanded. While Bikram classes remain the cornerstone, now called Hot 60 (26+2), the studio offers Heated Vinyasa, Yin Yoga, Yoga Bootcamp, Yoga Sculpt, Hot Pilates and more 365 days a year.
HY4Y prides itself on being inclusive, attracting practitioners of all ages, sizes, and backgrounds. “We have one of the largest studio spaces on Long Island, 3 bathrooms, 2 showers, and plenty of room for personal belongings,” says Karina. “Cleanliness and accessibility are top priorities.” The studio also offers competitive pricing, with discounts for seniors, teachers, students, nurses, police and military members.
In July 2023, Karina hosted her first hot yoga teacher training at the studio. “It felt full circle,” she says. “Back in 2008, I couldn’t attend training, but 15 years later, I was able to participate in my own studio. It’s a testament to how everything in life happens for a reason.”
Karina’s decision to leave her teaching job in December 2023 marked another turning point. “Being a single mom, teaching full time and running the studio was too much to juggle,” she explains. “Focusing solely on the studio since January 2024 has paid off. We’re growing and thriving.”
Beyond the physical transformations,
Karina emphasizes the emotional and communal aspects of yoga. “Yoga has been my constant,” she reflects. “Through life’s ups and downs, it’s always been there. It’s not just about the poses; it’s about the peace it brings.” Karina’s daughter, Lily, often helps out at the studio, a source of immense pride for her. “Teaching her the value of hard work and community means the world to me.”
Looking ahead, HY4Y plans to host more workshops, retreats, and special events, continuing to evolve with the needs of its community. For Karina, owning the studio is a dream come true. “At 43 years old, I’ve realized that taking risks and following your passion can lead to incredible rewards. I’m so grateful for our community that make this studio what it is.”
HY4Y isn’t just a place to practice yoga; it’s a sanctuary, a community, and a testament to the transformative power of passion and perseverance.
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In a world that often feels overwhelming, creating a personal sanctuary is essential for balance and well-being. Cobble Mountain Hammock Chairs are more than just chairs—they’re handcrafted sanctuaries designed to help you pause, breathe, and reconnect. Built with sustainable materials and crafted with care in New England, each chair offers a gentle embrace, inviting you to find stillness and rediscover your center.
What inspired the design of Cobble Mountain Hammock Chairs?
At Cobble Mountain, we believe relaxation is an art. Our chairs are designed to cradle you in comfort while promoting the natural alignment of your body. They’re perfect for meditation, breathwork, or simply being present—a practice that’s deeply tied to yoga and mindfulness.
How do the chairs support mindfulness practices?
The gentle sway of our chairs mimics the calming rhythm of nature, creating a space for you to ground yourself. Whether you’re focusing on pranayama, journaling, or soaking in a moment of stillness, the chair becomes a vessel for deeper self-connection. Plus, its eco-friendly design reflects the mindful choices we strive to make in all areas of life.
Why are hammock chairs a good fit for yoga practitioners?
Yoga is about balance—of body, mind, and spirit. Our chairs extend this philosophy into your everyday life. They allow you to create a sacred space for relaxation and recovery, complementing yoga sessions by helping release tension, encourage deep breathing, and foster a sense of gratitude.
Whether you’re practicing mindfulness, unwinding after yoga, or simply seeking a moment of calm, Cobble Mountain Hammock Chairs provide the perfect setting. Discover your personal sanctuary today. Visit CobbleMountain.com to learn more.
What was the inspiration to create Ohm Center?
In 2017, I was planning to move out of NYC, hoping to reduce my workload as an acupuncturist down to 3 days a week. But I realized that I loved teaching meditation and all things energy/spiritually related; at the time, I had 3 weekly classes running out of my home. So instead, I found our current location, completed a 9-month buildout, and opened Ohm’s doors in October 2019.
Ohm Center is more than a meditation center. From the moment you walk in there is a feeling of community and you can’t help but notice how people spend time before and after classes hanging out on the couches in the lobby and seem to know each other. Was this part of the vision?
Yes! I want people to feel like Ohm is a good 3rd space (after home & work), where they feel safe, secure and welcomed... especially in a large city like NYC, where sometimes it feels like not enough people acknowledge or care about us. At Ohm, we care! We also want people to meet others on their self-development journey, to share experiences. At the end of class, people often share briefly, which helps us connect and learn. This leads to people being friendly with one another before and after class. A community formed naturally as a result, without pressure or the sense of “insiders” and “outsiders.”
We hope everyone leaves our space feeling included and welcomed! OHM stands for Open Heart and Mind, but lately I’m writing it Ohm, so that people don’t call it the O-H-M Center!
What are the most popular offerings at Ohm Center?
Our most popular classes are our daily Sound Baths! People love the sounds and vibrations of the singing bowls, and we incorporate them into most classes like Breathwork, Gentle Hypnosis, and Yoga Nidra. Also in demand, Ohm regularly offers a 25-Hour Level 1 Sound Healing Certification, which includes in-person weekly classes & lots of practice time. When our students complete the course, they’re able to give sound baths for their friends & family. We also have a 4-Hr. Energy Healing Training that is very popular. Self-healing is in!
The theme of this issue is “celebrating age.” What advice or practices would you recommend to someone who is interested in improving wellness as they get older? From the spiritual perspective, the KEY antidote to aging is to release our natural reflex of becoming tense, worried and upset when we respond to situations. Everything works out one way or another...ALWAYS! As we release stress and strengthen our trust, acceptance and faith through regular sadhana, we will absolutely age more gracefully. The practices we teach at Ohm like chanting, breathwork and meditation, all help you uplevel, which relaxes you, decelerating the speed at which gray hair, wrinkles and arthritis appear. Celebrating our age is about celebrating our wisdom. We’re going to age no matter what, we might as well get wiser!
“Love is awareness. When we realize we were born to be happy, we start to create love.”
THE OM FESTIVAL
IS NOT WHEN YOGA ENOUGH
ADAPTING YOUR PRACTICE FOR LONGEVITY AND SUSTAINABILITY
BY: JAI SUGRIM
PHOTO: GREG McMAHON
As a longtime NYC Jivamukti Yogi and Broome Street Temple Ashtangi, I had mastered all of the asanas with dedicated practice in my late 20s and through all of my 30s. I remember training up to five hours per day in the beginning of my yoga journey. For a 12-year stretch, I immersed myself in vinyasa yoga while abandoning the strength training and running which had been part of my holistic training as an athlete.
However, at around age 40, I began to notice subtle but significant shifts in my body—changes that made me realize yoga alone wasn’t enough to sustain my well-being. Approaches to the practice that once yielded success, were now causing injuries and frustration. I was a world-famous yoga teacher with a successful yoga TV show and teaching sold out, 75-person classes at the most popular studio in Manhattan. Why were asanas failing me? After coming to terms with the idea that I was now in the second half of life, and that my personal records were behind me, a new perspective dawned.
We must remember that an important aspect to yoga is “letting go of our attachments,” and keeping a pliable, flexible mind. Taming my ego opened a deeper exploration into how to adapt my practice to support a more sustainable approach
to mindful aging. I realized that I needed to re-integrate the strength training that focused on weak areas that yoga did not train, and cardiovascular training for toning my heart, that I did before my days in yoga began.
There are supplemental practices and approaches to asana that will keep you practicing through every decade of life, as long as you remain open to changing your routine, shifting things around, and tweaking what needs to be tweaked. As we age, our bodies undergo several transformations that can impact our yoga practice. Let’s explore four key things that change for all of us by age 40.
1. DECREASED FLEXIBILITY DUE TO FASCIAL CHANGES
As we age, the fascia—the connective tissue surrounding muscles and organs—becomes less hydrated and more rigid. Muscles that are draped upon other muscles, at the shoulders and hips, no longer slide as smoothly on top of one another as they once did. This leads to reduced flexibility and a diminished range of motion.
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WITH DR. STEFFANY MOONAZ FOUNDER OF YOGA FOR ARTHRITIS
INTERVIEW
BY: MEGAN
Every one of us has a different story of how we found yoga. Often, new students come to my studio, Sonder℠, located in the Washington D.C. area, because their doctor prescribed yoga to manage the aches and stiffness that seem inevitable as our bodies change. This truth led me to seek out advanced training as a yoga therapist which is how I was introduced to Dr. Steffany Moonaz. She is the founder of the Yoga for Arthritis organization, a certified yoga therapist, professor and research director at Southern California University of Health Sciences. Her philosophy is that everyone should have access to feeling as free as a dancer, even as our bodies change. She calls yoga a ‘whole person practice,’ a successful method for pain management and a way to access what matters most – a sense of self as we age.
Thank you so much for being a part of this interview for the Celebrating Age issue. Can you tell us about your professional roles and background?
I am the research director at Southern California University of Health Sciences which trains integrative health professionals. I research the use of yoga for arthritis, chronic pain, and musculoskeletal conditions. I am also the founder and director of Yoga for Arthritis, an organization that I started over 20 years ago. The landscape of yoga was very different then because there were not a lot of ways for people living with arthritis to access safe, accessible, appropriate, evidence-based yoga practices. I train yoga teachers and yoga therapists, provide yoga to people who are living with arthritis, mentor emerging professionals, and I advocate for access and a change in the conception of how we manage arthritis and chronic pain.
I have a PhD in public health from Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, where I also worked in the rheumatology department. That's where my training and background in arthritis and rheumatic diseases comes from. I also have a Master of Fine Arts in dance, which is relevant in the way I think about movement and the moving body and expression. I'm also a certified health and wellness coach, yoga teacher, and yoga therapist.
I love your connection to dance. You’ve mentioned the balance between stability and free range of motion that happens simultaneously in dance and yoga; can you elaborate on this?
In my memoir, Yoga Therapy for Arthritis, I quote a song that says, “Are we human or are we dancers?” Which is something that my son and I ask each other all the time. What we’re talking about is the otherworldliness, the different ways of being in the world. When you have access to that, it’s transformative. It doesn’t require any particular movement ability to find ways of relating to and being in embodied experience.
I know you spent some time in an ashram, and it was there you experienced real clarity about how to serve through yoga. Can you please share more on this?
There are many yoga teachers who do not intend to become yoga teachers; they pursue a yoga teacher training program out of a desire to dive deeper into their own yoga practice and their own experience of yoga, to learn more about yoga in a deeper, different way. I was one of those. So when others come to me for training and say, “I don’t really want to teach,” I chuckle. Yoga was the one thing that I did only for me.
In my early 20s, I was teaching at multiple universities. I was already leading and training in a variety of ways, but my yoga was mine. I went to an ashram because I wanted to have an immersive experience of yoga. When you’re trained to be a yoga teacher at an ashram, you are immersed in the yogic lifestyle along with the yogic teachings for the duration. Since this and many other experiences after, I am certain of Divine guidance.
I never would have gone to that yoga teacher training to become a leading expert on the science of yoga as it applies to arthritis and chronic pain. But clearly, I needed that training along with everything else that happened since. It was because of that training that I was hired as a research assistant in the Johns Hopkins Arthritis Center. A researcher there took a yoga class and thought that it was really a powerful, viable option for the patients with arthritis in their clinic and needed somebody who was a yoga teacher to partner with in order to begin studying this. Going to the ashram gave me the tools that I needed beyond asana, the physical postures. In the West, a lot of times, that’s what we think about when we think about yoga. But it is such a small fraction of what yoga is, and being at the ashram allowed me to get a broader understanding of the expansive toolbox of yoga, so that when I did take it into the clinic, I could optimize
“ARTHRITIS HAS NO CURE. IT’S IRREVERSIBLE. YOU CAN’T BUILD BACK THE CARTILAGE THAT YOU’VE LOST, BUT YOU CAN STRENGTHEN THE STABILIZING MUSCLES THAT SURROUND THE JOINT AND HELP IMPROVE THE INTEGRITY OF THE JOINT EVEN WHILE IT’S LOSING TISSUE.
”its usefulness for the patients there and beyond.
You mentioned that arthritis is a “whole person” disease. What does that mean? I get the impression that everyone’s going to get arthritis to some degree or another as we age. I first want to say that when we’re talking about the arthritis that is associated with aging, we’re generally thinking about one specific form of arthritis called osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, and the prevalence of osteoarthritis does increase dramatically with age. Age is a primary predictor of osteoarthritis onset. Arthritis, though, is an umbrella term that includes over 100 different diseases, and it can affect people anywhere in the lifespan.
There is juvenile arthritis in many forms that can affect babies and toddlers all the way up to the onset of arthritis at the end of life and everything in between. Each of these forms of arthritis has different characteristics and different risk factors. If you are fortunate to live long enough, then your body tissue will start to age. What starts to happen is that we have cell turnover all of the time. Our body is shedding old cells and making new ones throughout the lifespan.
When we’re young, we grow more cells than we lose. That’s the growth that happens in early age. We have some homeostasis in the middle, where it’s an
even balance. Then at a certain point, there’s more death than birth. We are losing connective tissue in the joints at a faster rate than we’re building it. We could think about that as being a natural consequence of aging, but there are reasons that it happens to some people earlier and more than others.
We are all losing connective tissue past a certain age, but not everyone feels it. Not everyone suffers from the experience of it because there actually is very little relationship between the amount of tissue damage and the symptoms that we experience. There are some people who have a lot of pain from very little tissue damage, and there are other people who have very little pain with a lot of tissue damage. You don’t go to your doctor about your knees unless they hurt. You may have what we would call pre-arthritic changes. There may actually be a wearing down of the cartilage in some of your joints, but because you’re not experiencing symptoms, it doesn’t really affect you.
And this gets to the “whole person” aspect of arthritis, because when you do have symptoms of arthritis, which for osteoarthritis the most prominent symptom generally is pain. But there’s also stiffness, swelling, fatigue, disability, and changes in the activities we’re able to do. All of this is different depending on the experience of arthritis, but also all of it can be changed without changing the tissue damage in the joint.
While the experience of arthritis is a whole person experience, there are ways to address it that span all of the aspects of a person, too. Oftentimes, when people hear that I study the effects of yoga for people with arthritis they go, “Oh, well, yoga is movement, and movement is good for arthritis. Arthritis is a disease of the musculoskeletal system. Movement is good for the musculoskeletal system.” What they fail to realize is actually what yoga offers to a person living with arthritis. Yes, it can directly affect the joints, but goes so far beyond changing the structure or the tissue and how it’s organized in the joint.
Can you share how yoga is a “whole person” practice?
Arthritis has no cure. It’s irreversible. You can’t build back the cartilage that you’ve lost, but you can strengthen the stabilizing muscles that surround the joint and help improve the integrity of the joint even while it’s losing tissue. We can slow the progression of the disease. We can also maintain physical function, even if we’re losing joint tissue.
We can also use the tools of yoga to help change things like pain. People think of pain as being in the part of the body where you’re feeling it, but pain is actually a set of signals between the brain and the body.
For example, if we’re talking about the knees, there’s a message that goes from the knee to the brain, that is the ascending pain pathway. Then there’s another signal that goes from the brain back to the knee, that’s the descending pain pathway. This is happening in the nervous system, not the cartilage, and there are all kinds of tools that we can use in yoga that change the functioning of the nervous system, including things like breath control. When we deepen the breath, we’re changing the state of the nervous system, which affects pain even if the cartilage doesn’t change. Tools of
continued on page 68
Local Spotlight
NEW JERSEY
PHOTOS AND ARTICLE BY: WANDA BOGACKA-PLUCINSKI
New Jersey, nicknamed the Garden State, is surprisingly a very culturally diverse state and it’s home to iconic names like Frank Sinatra, Albert Einstein, and Thomas Edison. It is not only diverse culturally, it has undeniable differences in its landscape too. The northern New Jersey landscape is mountainous and rocky, while southern New Jersey has beautiful flat farmland. But what New Jersey is probably most known for is its famous beaches, which stretch for 130 miles along the Atlantic Ocean coast, from Sandy Hook to Cape May. It’s also the home of some of the best yoga teachers and studios in the nation, who like me, happen to call New Jersey home.
Paul and Shire Lopresti are the owners of Yoga Revive yoga studio as well as Revive Juice and Bowls vegan restaurant in Marlton, New Jersey. Paul is a truly rare teacher, and has been dedicated to health and fitness his whole life. As a young adult, due to some pretty serious health problems that left him in debilitating pain, he tried yoga as a means of healing himself. After taking just a few classes, he was hooked and knew that yoga had the power to be transformative. So, in 2014, he got his Bikram yoga certification, followed by Barkan Hot vinyasa in 2017, and most recently cYoga in 2020. As a teacher, he is extremely passionate about helping everyday people, as well as athletes, overcome their struggles through the act of movement and mindset. I’ve taken many of his classes, and although his style of teaching is tough, it’s also deeply caring and compassionate. He’s a teacher who is not only well-trained, rooted in years of knowledge and experience, but also comes from a genuine place of understanding.
Paul is married to Shire, whose curiosity and love for yoga is what lead her to practicing hot Bikram yoga and eventually even meeting Paul. She fell in love with yoga and Paul! She went on to get certified in various styles of yoga, as well as inferno hot Pilates, kettlebells, barre, and yin yoga. Shire’s
“As an aging yogi, I would tell my younger self that yoga can be the best gift and tool in life. It’s been a journey of self-discovery: physically, it’s a way to unwind, to relieve tired muscles and calm the mind, but also a way to connect with myself, heal, a way “through” difficult times of daily life, and a path with which to walk on to the next life with grace.”
Paul Lopresti @thebudoyogi
goal is to not only focus on the physical aspects of yoga and wellness, but to also continue to build a genuine community of yogis at the studio. After all, what’s a yoga studio if not for its community? Because Shire has an incredible intuition and deep sense of caring for others, she’s able to bring support, harmony, and love to the yoga studio. Most students will say that the studio is their home away from home and their community because she is able to create that for everyone who comes there. Shire is a certified cYoga teacher, as well as a meditation and breathwork instructor. She is also a dedicated student, expanding her knowledge under Jimmy Barkan.
Our third featured yogi is also a lawyer. Meet Jennifer Mohamed, affectionately known as Jen the Yoga Lawyer. Yes, you read that right! Jen has been practicing law since 1998, and teaching yoga since 2011. Her journey into yoga began in college and law school to help her manage stress and build strength, but Jen also credits yoga for helping her heal, discover her voice, and embrace her life’s purpose. She holds a 500 hour certification in Hatha Yoga, certificates in Vinyasa Flow, meditation, and lifestyle coaching, and extensive training in Eastern philosophy, shamanic healing, and Pilates. Jen offers an online wellness membership community and teaches in person at HealthQuest in Flemington and Dig Yoga in Frenchtown. What is so refreshing about Jen is her authenticity and fearlessness in being herself. She is passionate about helping others harness the power of yoga, especially women in the demanding field of law, to effect positive change and transformation. Her mission to empower others to be their best self through yoga is inspiring and frankly contagious.
As part of the Celebrating Age issue, I asked these inspiring yogis to share here the advice they would give to their younger selves.
“Yoga has been a unique gift throughout my life; from a newbie, to a teacher, to opening a studio, then to opening a vegan restaurant, each stage holds a special place in my journey. Looking back, I would tell myself to trust where you are in this very moment, and always be yourself!”
Shire Lopresti @shiremaclo
“You know who you are more than anyone else ever will. Trust your instinct and be that person, and everything else will fall into place.”
Jennifer Mohamed @jentheyogalawyer
The Factor M
BY: LOULOU PISCATORE
AWARD-WINNING JOURNALIST TAMSEN FADAL TALKS TO US ABOUT MENOPAUSE, HER NEW BOOK, AND HER PBS DOCUMENTARY.
Tamsen Fadal is rewriting the narrative for women in midlife. After more than 30 years as a news anchor, she made the decision to pivot her career to focus on all things menopause. She co-produced the documentary, “The M Factor: Shredding the Silence on Menopause,” which premiered on PBS in October. She also wrote the book, How to Menopause: Take Charge of Your Health, Reclaim Your Life, and Feel Even Better than Before. Her goal is to eliminate the stigma of menopause and foster an environment where women feel comfortable discussing their midlife transition. From the boardroom to the doctor’s office, Tamsen advocates for a world where women can manage their lives with confidence, no matter their age.
PHOTO BY: JENNY SHERMAN
Tell us about what drove you to be a menopause advocate?
One night while I was reading the news, I was blindsided by heart palpitations, brain fog, and symptoms I later learned were part of an epic hot flash. For the first time in decades, I didn’t finish the newscast. It turns out I was in menopause, and it started me on a journey to understand what was happening. I was shocked by the lack of open conversation and resources available to women. I became a menopause advocate after experiencing the complexities of menopause myself and realizing how underserved this phase of life is in both society and healthcare.
Let’s talk about women’s health: how hard is it to get medical help with menopause symptoms?
It can be really challenging for many women to find the right medical help for menopause symptoms. There’s often a lack of awareness and understanding among healthcare providers about menopause, perimenopause, and the management of symptoms. Luckily, we are seeing more doctors seeking to understand it, and we are helping women not feel fear or shame when it comes to seeking help. There is no excuse for a woman being dismissed when she is trying to be treated.
Which kinds of practitioners do you find to be the most helpful?
It would be ideal if all practitioners were educated about menopause, which is why I am so thrilled our documentary, The M Factor: Shredding the Silence on Menopause, has been accredited for continuing medical education (CME) credits. We need every type of provider to understand this, from gynecologists to endocrinologists to mental health professionals to holistic practitioners like dietitians and physical therapists, who can offer lifestyle advice to help manage symptoms.
You mention “34 symptoms of menopause,” what are some of the most surprising ones? Some of the surprising symptoms
“I BECAME A MENOPAUSE ADVOCATE AFTER EXPERIENCING THE COMPLEXITIES OF MENOPAUSE MYSELF AND REALIZING HOW UNDERSERVED THIS PHASE OF LIFE IS IN BOTH SOCIETY AND HEALTHCARE.”
include changes in body odor, electric shock sensations, and a feeling of dread or doom. These less talked about symptoms often catch women off guard because they are not as widely recognized as hot flashes or night sweats.
What is the most common question you get asked about menopause?
The most common question I get asked is, “Why don’t I feel like myself?” Many women are looking for reassurance that their menopause symptoms are a typical part of the transition and not something more serious. And that they are not alone.
You have said that “menopause is a transition, not a disease.” What advice would you offer someone navigating their own transition?
I would advise women to embrace menopause as a natural part of life and focusing on self-care. This can include educating yourself about what to expect, seeking support from other women, and advocating for oneself in medical settings to ensure you receive the care you need. Plus, we can’t leave men out of the conversation — they must understand what we are dealing with and how to recognize the symptoms.
Research shows that women are generally happier post menopause, why do you think that is?
Many women find a sense of freedom and relief after menopause. The challenges of menstrual cycles and fertility concerns are behind them, which can lead to a newfound sense of control over their bodies and lives.
Tell me a little about your book. How to Menopause is the expert-driven, girlfriend approved guide for women navigating this transition. It covers everything from understanding and managing symptoms to lifestyle changes and relationship advice. I interviewed 42 experts to get the resources and advice in the book, so women can learn to not just survive but thrive during menopause and beyond.
What do you think the future looks like for women’s health and menopause care?
I’m optimistic about the future of women’s health and menopause care. With increased awareness and advocacy, we’re seeing more research, better healthcare solutions, and a growing number of resources dedicated to supporting women through menopause. Plus, we are seeing telehealth companies, such as Alloy Women’s Health, Midi Health, and Maven, reaching more women than ever before. I am excited to see it happening.
How do you feel that attitudes about menopause are changing?
Attitudes toward menopause are definitely changing, becoming more open and informed. There’s a growing recognition that menopause is a significant life stage that deserves attention and care, not something to be whispered about or endured in silence. But we are nowhere near done making noise — this is not just a moment that menopause is having — this is a movement.
The&BrainAging
BY: JANIE LARMOUR
Dr. Tharusha Jayasena has a professional background in medical research spanning over 15 years and has dedicated her career to exploring brain aging and dementia. Her work has mainly focused on advancing the discovery of blood biomarkers for Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia. She obtained her MSc and PhD degrees at UNSW Sydney. Dr. Jayasena is also the founder of Mantra Skin, an Ayurveda-inspired skincare brand influenced by the synergy of science and self-care, promoting holistic wellbeing through intentional rituals and affirmations.
How does yoga benefit the brain and its aging process?
Yoga has been shown to enhance the brain's ability to reorganize and form new connections. Studies suggest that a regular yoga practice can increase the thickness of the prefrontal cortex, a region involved in decision-making, attention, and cognitive control. Yoga also promotes connectivity between different brain regions, supporting better cognitive function and emotional regulation.
Yoga reduces cortisol levels, the body’s main stress hormone. Chronic stress is associated with brain shrinkage, particularly in the hippocampus, an area crucial for memory and learning. Research also indicates that yogis often perform tasks more effectively that require concentration and memory, suggesting that yoga can support sustained cognitive health, particularly in aging populations. Chronic high levels of cortisol can also lead to impaired brain
function, increased inflammation, and a weakened immune system.
Physically, a regular yoga practice has been shown to lower blood pressure, particularly when yoga incorporates deep breathing and relaxation techniques. This is also important for cardiovascular health, as high blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke, both of which can impact brain health.
What benefit does meditation give to the brain?
Meditation improves emotional regulation by strengthening the connection between the prefrontal cortex and the amygdala (the brain region involved in processing emotions) allowing us to have better control over emotional reactions, mental clarity, and stress management. Regular meditation will also reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress, as it helps to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, our relaxation response. This reduction in anxiety and depression is important for brain health, as chronic emotional distress can contribute to cognitive decline.
Meditation, especially mindfulness meditation, has been linked to increased grey matter in areas of the brain involved in learning, memory and emotional regulation, such as the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex.
Just like yoga, meditation is effective in reducing cortisol levels and lower-
ing blood pressure. A regular practice (particularly mindfulness and guided meditation techniques) can improve sleep quality and reduce mental and emotional factors that contribute to insomnia. Poor sleep patterns are associated with increased risk of dementia and cognitive impairment.
Inflammation is another risk factor that contributes to several age-related conditions including dementia, arthritis, swelling, obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Meditation has also been shown to reduce inflammation in the body. By lowering inflammatory
“Meditation has also been shown to reduce inflammation in the body. By lowering inflammatory markers, meditation may help protect again neurodegenerative diseases and promote overall health.”
markers, meditation may help protect against neurodegenerative diseases and promote overall health.
Both the physical movement of yoga and the mental focus of meditation create a powerful synergy. This contributes to healthier brain function throughout our lifespan by lowering stress, improving mood, and enhancing cognitive ability, while improving quality of life. Yoga and meditation will not prevent dementia alone, but they may help reduce the risk of dementia and delay cognitive decline.
continued on next page
How does quality of sleep contribute to brain health?
While lack of sleep may not directly cause dementia, it is increasingly recognized as a significant risk factor. Poor sleep quality and disrupted circadian rhythms can contribute to conditions such as inflammation, oxidative stress, and the accumulation of harmful proteins like beta-amyloid and tau, which are associated with cognitive decline and dementia. Moreover, disruptions in hormones like melatonin and cortisol further impair memory and cognition. Long-term sleep issues and circadian rhythm disturbances (such as those seen in shift workers or those with sleep apnea) significantly heighten the risk of cognitive decline and dementia. Addressing sleep disturbances and promoting good sleep hygiene early in life may help reduce these risks and support long-term brain health.
What role does diet play in brain health?
Diet can significantly impact brain health, and fatty acids like omega-3 and omega-6 play crucial roles in cognitive function. Both are essential for brain health, however excessive omega-6 combined with low omega-3 can promote chronic inflammation, so it is important to have a good balance with more omega-3 than omega-6.
Are there specific foods we should eat for brain health and function apart from focusing on omega-3 and omega-6?
Yes, our ability to produce antioxidants and repair enzymes declines as we age, reducing our ability to neutralize free radicals. This imbalance leads to oxidative stress, which accelerates cellular damage, and this increases our risk of cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases over time. Certain foods are recognised for their potential to support cognitive function and reduce age-related brain decline. These foods give us antioxidants, anti-inflammatory compounds and essential nutrients that protect neurons.
Omega-3 fatty acids are found in:
FATTY FISH
ANCHOVIES
OYSTERS
CAVIAR
COD
LIVER OIL
SEEDS
(INCLUDING FLAX AND CHIA)
WALNUTS
SOYBEANS
BRUSSELS SPROUTS
What lifestyle choices will help reduce the risk of dementia?
Learning new skills: engaging in activities such as learning a new language, musical instrument, or a new hobby promotes neuroplasticity – the brain’s ability to form and reorganise synaptic connections, keeping the brain resilient and maintains cognitive function.
Social connections: emerging research highlights the importance of ‘social cognition’ – the mental processes that enable us to understand, interpret, and respond to the behaviours, emotions, and intentions of others. This includes skills such as empathy, recognising emotions, and understanding others’ perspectives.
Building new social relationships: rather than just maintaining family and close
Omega-6 fatty acids are found in: VEGETABLE OILS
PINE NUTS
ALMONDS
WALNUTS
SUNFLOWER SEEDS
TOFU
friendships, new social interactions stimulate social cognition, improves memory, empathy, and problem solving as we are challenged by new situations and behaviours.
Exercise and movement: aerobic exercise (such as walking, swimming, and cycling), strength training (for metabolic conditions that harm the brain. This also improves bone density), and balancing exercises (yoga and tai chi to reduce falls).
Is there anything else we should consider about wellbeing as we age? It is important to remember that aging is NOT a disease to be cured. The idea of longevity and extending lifespan has
continued on page 69
Ayurveda & Age
BY: KATE O’DONNELL PHOTO: CARA BROSTROM
Ayurveda is India's ancient system of medicine. I have been teaching, consulting, and writing about Ayurveda for over 20 years, and have studied in both India and the US. This system encourages us to catch imbalance before it begins to create disease. Through food, spices, herbs, natural oils, daily and seasonal rhythms, and gentle seasonal cleansing, the body, mind, soul, and senses are brought into balance — and maybe even bliss. Ayurvedic practices improve digestion, nourish the tissues, calm the mind, and discourage toxicity.
The science of Ayurveda links an intuitive understanding of the qualities of our world to how we are each affected by foods, lifestyle, and environment. When we try to live outside the laws of our universe (like sleeping in the daytime or eating foods out of season), we end up swimming against the current of nature, which drains our vital energies and results in low immunity, and eventually disease.
The Ayurvedic system of medicine recommends changes, often simple ones, in diet, lifestyle, and environment to bring individuals into balance with the elements of their constitution, climate, and daily life.
The Ayurvedic Perspective on Aging Ayurveda is a longevity science. Age is said to be a natural process of change, which has predictable effects on the body and mind. Longevity practices, a restorative diet and medicines can be applied to support the body through changes of aging.
The field of Ayurveda is constantly evolving and gifted teachers continue
to apply the science to women's health, and recently to menopause symptoms. When viewed inside the context of lifestyle, climate, and stress levels, ayurvedic medicine can certainly also be applied.
What We Need More of as We Age
Ayurveda recommends a class of foods and medicines called rasayana, which support juiciness and builds deep tissues like bones and nerves. Coupled with supporting digestive strength and metabolic fires, these foods are the basis of a longevity regimen. In addition, the application of warm oil to the skin regularly is said to "ward off old age" and is a large part of ayurvedic practice for aging.
What We Need Less of Overall
Less stress over the small stuff— make more space for contemplation, spirituality, and enjoyment. Processed foods (which require energy to digest, but give little) are also something to reduce in favor of whole foods.
Managing Change
Staying focused on what we want, whether that's good digestion, sleep, libido, or all of the above, is key. Keeping the mind on the goal in a world where we are often pulled in many directions holds our healing energies close to home. The older we get, the more important it is to direct our energies towards that which is important to us, and reduce the other stuff. This is a philosophical journey and a non-negotiable aspect of aging well.
Moon Milk
makes one 4-oz serving
Imbuing milk with the energy of moonlight makes a targeted tonic for reducing excess heat and supporting reproductive tissue. Silver’s luminescence aligns with the moon, and using a silver vessel, if you can, provides added shakti. Natural, organic cow’s milk is the favored option if you have access to a trusted dairy. If this is not available, use Almond Milk or Coconut Milk.
• 4 oz natural cow’s milk (or homemade plant milk)
• pinch of ground cardamom
• 3–5 dried rose petals
Pour the milk into a silver vessel, if you have one. If you don’t have something made of silver, use clear glass. Stir in the cardamom, and crush a few dried rose petals into the milk.
Place the vessel in direct moonlight for a few hours. You should be able to see the moon’s reflection on the surface of the milk.
This can be taken at night if the moon rises early enough. Or wait until morning and gently warm the mixture, but do not expose it to the sun.
Slowly drink the Moon Milk while sitting down and doing nothing else. Visualize the tonic entering your generative tissues.
Learn more: healwithkate.org
Cool-the-Flash Tea and Spritz with Rose & Sage makes 1 quart
I asked Brighid Doherty, founder of Solidago School of Herbalism, if she had a most-recommended recipe for hot flashes. This was it! This infusion is composed of dried rose petals and sage leaves. Rose petals are energetically cooling and nourishing to women’s reproductive and nervous systems. They taste floral and divine. Sage leaves are cooling and drying. Sage is an astringent herb that is known to dry body secretions from sweat to breast milk, making it ideal for counteracting hot flashes and high pitta.
This tisane can be enjoyed in the evening before bed to cool night sweats or sipped throughout the day from a water bottle to help cool hot flashes. It’s most potent when made fresh daily, but it will keep in the refrigerator for up to five days. To make a cooling face or body spritz, soak a washcloth with the tisane and rub it over the body, especially during night sweats, hot flashes, or reddening of the skin. Fill a spray bottle with the tisane and mist it on the face for cooling on the go.
• 2 tbsp dried rose petals
• 2 tbsp dried sage leaves
• 1 qt boiling water
Place the herbs in a 1-qt mason jar or 4-cup teapot. Fill the jar or teapot with boiling water, and steep for 20 minutes.
Use a wire mesh tea strainer to strain the tisane into another jar. Enjoy it hot by the mugful or iced by the glassful, or carry it with you in a thermos—either hot or iced, depending on your preference—throughout the day. Store in the refrigerator for up to five days in a mason jar with a tight lid.
Working therapeutically with herbs for women’s health is surprisingly effective. I have witnessed herbal therapies heal all manner of imbalances—and been healed myself. Many people have affinities with certain plants. Once you discover the ones that work for you, the relationship between self and plant only grows stronger. Keep in mind that herbs are precious resources, and use them judiciously. Do not overbuy and waste them or let them languish. Start small, buy half a pound at most, and establish a consistent herbal practice before procuring more.
Editors note: This article contains references to disordered eating.
In early 2013, I signed up for Jill Miller’s Yoga Tune Up® teacher training as a new yoga teacher looking to learn more about the body. This training, and many of the others under Tune Up Fitness, surpassed any curiosity I had about anatomy, fascia and movement. Now in my 40’s, interviewing Jill for this Celebrating Age themed issue, felt like perfect timing.
Jill Miller, C-IAYT, is a fascia expert, cofounder of Tune Up Fitness Worldwide Inc. and bestselling author of Body by Breath and The Roll Model. Here, she shares her thoughts on aging and how her life experiences shaped the course of the work she teaches today.
This issue is themed Celebrating Age. What are ways you celebrate your age? I remind myself of all of the wisdom that has accumulated, which gives me perspective and it also has dampened a painful and unquenchable desire to strive. I think that striving is something that is definitely baked into our culture. (Not that I’m not continuing to want to strive or strive towards excellence or be the best that I can be.) It’s given me the ability to have gracious reflection, perspective, and it’s deepened my appreciation of love.
I also recognize that I’m not the baby anymore, and the benevolent responsibility as a human citizen to share with younger people and share with others.
That has been a really delicious part of aging—realizing that people look up to me. Parenting has taught me a lot of that, but also being a business owner and a teacher of teachers has taught me that. You don’t age in isolation. You age in community, and you age in relationship to all these other age groups.
Can you tell us a little about the evolution of your yoga practice and how it brought you to Tune Up Fitness? I started practicing yoga when I was around 11 or 12. My mom had brought home the Jane Fonda Workout video and the Raquel Welch yoga tape. We lived off-the-grid in a solar home outside of Santa Fe, New Mexico, so we didn’t have a television. These videos lit me up, and I became obsessed with them. What happened over the next 8 or 9 years of my life was a spiral of disordered eating, orthorexia, and using yoga as a way to regulate my nervous system. There was a certain point in college where I knew
that my bulimia was absolutely not going away, and I needed help.
My roommate, who was pre-med, was taking the same pilates class as me. She would always be sore in her abs, and I was never sore. I had a feeling that the reason I was never sore was because I couldn’t feel my abs, and I was just bypassing them because I was bulimic.
continued on page 70
As we explore this issue’s theme of Celebrating Age, we wanted to learn more about the people whose life’s work is to share in the journey of someone’s first, or last breaths. Doulas are trained to provide emotional and physical support, and while many may have heard of birth doulas, there are also death doulas. Amanda Gloria Valdes is a full spectrum doula (one who offers support during the full spectrum of pregnancy from preconception, to birth, abortion, miscarriage and adoption) and her training includes everything from Integrative Lactation and Feeding Specialist, to Postpartum Training Immersions. Kristina Lopez, is a death doula, and her training includes everything from the Psychology of Death at the Art of Dying Institute, Buddhist Mindfulness studies, and New York Zen Center Foundation’s Contemplative Care program. They share more about their work here.
Can you share some of your thoughts on the similarities between end-of-life care and beginning-of-life care?
Beginning-of-life care parallels end-of-life care in many profound ways, emphasizing the need to plan for the unknown and to hold space for the delicate balance between life and transition. At its core, this care focuses on meeting individuals and families exactly where they are — whether they seek education to make informed decisions, mindfulness practices to navigate the journey, or nourishment for their bodies, minds, and spirits.
BIRTH DOULA
BY: AMANDA GLORIA
Clients in beginning-of-life care often experience a spectrum of emotions that mirror those encountered at the end of life: anxiety about the unknown, grief over the loss of a prior way of life, joy and awe at the unfolding of a new chapter, relief in moments of clarity, and profound gratitude when everything aligns.
Birth and death, though seemingly opposites, are intimately connected, often described as crossing through a "thin veil." At birth, a soul moves through this veil to arrive earthside; at death, the journey reverses. Both transitions reveal the fragility and beauty of life, underscoring the need for care that honors each moment with intention, respect, and love.
Just as end-of-life care holds space for the emotional, physical, and spiritual needs of the dying, beginning-of-life care creates a container for the tender, raw, and transformative process of bringing new life into the world. By embracing the duality of these experiences, we honor the cycle of life and recognize the interconnectedness of all transitions.
What was your inspiration to become a birth doula?
My journey of inspiration began in my teens with a deep fascination for the science behind the reproductive system. This curiosity evolved into a
creative passion as I channeled my love for acting and writing into performing with an off-off Broadway company that used theater as a powerful tool for health education. Later, I transitioned to teaching prenatal and postpartum yoga in New York City, a role that allowed me to support and connect with countless individuals on their journeys to parenthood.
After witnessing and supporting thousands of experiences, I realized I wanted to contribute even more. The pandemic became a pivotal moment in my life — bringing my yoga and acting careers to an abrupt halt, but also clarifying my desire to make a deeper impact. It was during this time that I committed to advancing birth and reproductive justice, driven by a vision to better support my community through education, advocacy, and care.
How would you describe the role a birth doula plays in a person’s life?
A birth doula, or in my case, a traditional birthworker, embodies a multi-faceted role that is both deeply personal and profoundly impactful. At its heart, this work is about holding space for individuals and families during one of life’s most transformative experiences.
As a traditional birthworker, I serve as an informant, offering evidence-based knowledge and resources to help families make empowered and informed decisions. I act as a guide, walking alongside them through the physical, emotional, and spiritual journey of pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.
I am also a listener, providing a compassionate ear to honor their fears, hopes, and dreams without judgment. In moments of uncertainty or challenge, I step into the role of an advocate, ensuring their voices are heard, and their choices respected in medical and personal settings.
continued on page 69
INTRO: IANA VELEZ
Can you share some of your thoughts on the similarities between end-of-life care and beginning-of-life care?
To be honest, I have no idea about beginning-of-life care! It's always funny to me as a death doula (as more people are familiar with birth doulas), and I have to tell them, “No, I specialize in end of life!” I think one overlap must be the relief we offer to our clients. For me, death doula work is tied to liberatory practice and exploring ways we can live better in the present, too. My project, Liberating Death, was a community deathcare advocacy tool that tied together social justice themes with awareness of death and end-of-life practices.
What was your inspiration to become a death doula?
I became interested in death doula work after the death of my grandfather. I was there holding his hand during his last breaths, but didn't even know what to do once it became clear he had probably taken his last breaths. My mother had cared for him throughout his cancer journey and at first, I recommended that she look into being a death doula since she was so good at caring for others through the end of life process, something she had also done for my grand-aunt. After completing a few meditation trainings, death doula work ended up seeming like the next logical step in my own journey. For me, meditation helps prepare my mind, and what better way to help prepare for one's own last breaths?
My interest in death doula work coincided with the Covid-19 pandemic, which meant that more people were engaged in conversations around end-of-life. During this period, I participated in certification programs with the New York Zen Center, INELDA, Going with Grace, and the Open Center's Thanatology program. These trainings helped me gain a foundation that included best practices in both the practical and magical aspects of death doula work.
How would you describe the role a death doula plays in a person’s life?
A death doula can serve many functions, from helping one get their affairs in order, helping plan rituals around the end of life, or simply being there.
My core skill as a death doula is being able to intently and compassionately listen. There will be times when the people we work with are no longer communicative, and yet, we still find ways of being together. A death doula can also help ease the transition for families and friends by offering
“A DEATH DOULA CAN SERVE MANY FUNCTIONS, FROM HELPING ONE GET THEIR AFFAIRS IN ORDER TO HELPING PLAN RITUALS AROUND THE END OF LIFE, TO SIMPLY JUST BEING THERE.”
rituals to honor those in our life who are in the dying process too.
Share with us an impactful memory from working in your field.
One impactful memory I have was working with a person who had never meditated before, and they wanted to try practicing before they died. We did a few calls together where I guided them through meditation. After our practices, I could sense the benefit the practices had not only for them, but for their family too. Sometimes the people around the dying person are the ones who need the care of a death doula even more.
What advice would you give anyone looking to become a death doula?
Doula work is a commitment to serve others beyond ourselves. As a death doula, a big part of the work is stepping into that space of care that exists between medical professionals and families/ friends. There is space for everyone to show up and share our abilities.
Can you share inspirational books, web or social accounts on the topic?
One of my favorite death doula social accounts is @cait.deatheducation who specializes in suicide education. Another great account to follow is @phillydeathdoulas as they share content from many death doulas in their network. Stephen Levine's book, A Year to Live is a great guide to try the practice of living as if you are dying, which we are, but don't often recognize.
BY: KRISTINA LOPEZ
DEATH
DOULA
Learn more: ritualwerk.com
Conversat ion Wit h
K ris h n a Das
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO YOUR YOUNGER SELF?
I started doing yoga when I was like 18, 19
In those days, I felt like everybody I met, all my relationships were very superficial, and also, I was unable to have deep relationships with the opposite sex. So, I was very unhappy. I always felt it was like I was in a dark cloud. So, I started doing this stuff because a friend of mine gave me “The Gospel of Ramakrishna," and I think I was still in high school when he gave me that, and I couldn't believe what I was reading. It's a whole other universe. Anything was better than this universe. So, really, I thought, "Okay, I need to know more about this."
Everybody's in pain.
So, when you meet people and you see people, we take everything so personally. Somebody's cranky, you think they were cranky with us. But how do you tell that to a kid? You can't. They're still trying to inhabit their bodies and their minds. Everybody is doing the best they can. It might not be very good, but they're doing the best they can.
..you have to trust your intuition...
You have to trust your mind. It’s not a good idea to do what other people want you to do, unless you want to do it. But some people find themselves in situations where they can't get out of that. Their parents are too controlling.
The other thing I would tell a young person is that you don't know who your parents are. You only know them as parents. You don't know their lives. You don't know their heartbreaks. You don't know how many times they've been hurt, they've been used, they've been manipulated. You don't know their trauma. You don't know what they've gone through. All you know is how they present themselves to you, and that's unfortunate.
Everybody's been shot out of a cannon, and nobody knows where they came from.
Letters: to my younger self
If you could write a letter to your younger self what would it say? We asked these amazing people in our community to write letters, and were blown away by the love, compassion and humor they shared. Enjoy this feature with letters from: Dianne Bondy @diannebondyyogaofficial, DJ Taz Rashid @djtazrashid, Donna Davidge @sewallhouseyogaretreat, Eddie Stern @eddiestern, Hailey Kinter @unbrokenwave, Jivana Heyman @jivanaheyman, Stephanie Jade Wong @stephaniejadewong and Octavia Raheem @octaviaraheem.
Jivana
Donna Davidge
Stephanie Jade Wong
Hailey Kinter
Eddie Stern
PHOTO CREDITS:
Stephanie Jade Wong: Grant Henry
Octavia Raheem: Kelley Raye
DJ Taz Rashid: Aziz Halabi Musaweron
Eddie Stern: Darren Keith
Heyman: Sarit Z. Rogers
DJ Taz
Rashid
Octavia Raheem
Jivana Heyman
Dianne Bondy
Dearest Dianne,
It's me, your older self. I LOVE YOU. I want to tell you something important. If everything seems overwhelming, I assure you that childhood is just a phase, a small part of your entire existence. I know it's tough; you might feel small, awkward, and unseen. But your uniqueness is what makes you special. School is temporary, and it's okay to feel this way. It's just a tiny part of your journey. I know no one looks like you at school or in your friend circle, and it makes you feel ugly. But you are not ugly; you are beautiful. Societal beauty standards are ugly. Authenticity is what makes people beautiful. People will make fun of and underestimate you based on their insecurity. Kids are cruel. I know school is hard. You will learn later in life your grades don’t reflect your intelligence. You are not stupid. You learn differently.
You have a learning limitation that is not yet diagnosed or known. You will overcome it. You will learn to manage it. You will teach yourself. The teacher in 12th grade who told you that you were illiterate will eat those words when you write two best-selling books. Yes, you will become a writer and published author. Yes, you, the one with the bad grades. School is a limiting force for
you. You need to get through it.
Ignore the bullies.
With all its challenges, high school is just a temporary phase in your life. It is meant to teach you important lessons. One of the most important is to choose your friends carefully, observe how people treat you, and keep your friend circle small and close. Not everyone is for you, and that’s okay as long as you know who you are and what you believe. Stay true to you. I want you to celebrate your fierce independence, outspoken will, and dedication to justice. These qualities will serve you well in the future. Your independence will help you make bold decisions,
being outspoken will give you a voice in important matters, and your dedication to justice will guide you in making fair choices. It feels inconvenient for people around you who want to keep you small. It is because of their insecurity and small ideas of how young women and girls should behave.
One of your most significant challenges will be believing in yourself. Your father will both feed and thrive on your insecurities, not out of malice, but from his unhealed wounds. Your strength threatens him, yet you will be the one to break this cycle of generational pain. You will be the one to chart a new path forward. Stay strong and trust your instincts — you’re exactly where you need to be. Trust the little voice in your head. It’s your higher self moving forward. Ignore the voices that drag you down.
You are brave, strong, and beautiful. You don’t look like everyone else, which makes your beauty unique. Stay true to your dreams, and don’t let anyone shake your confidence. You are brilliant, and one day, the world will know this. You will survive this and flourish.
Believe in the future that awaits you, Dianne. You will be a changemaker, an innovator, a disruptor, a culture shifter. You will build a beautiful family and lead a good life. All this is possible if you trust the process. The challenges you face now will only make you stronger. Your unique qualities and experiences will make you a successful and compassionate individual.
Trust in yourself and the journey you’re on. Love you, Dianne
You are brave, s trong, and beautiful!
Dear Jivana,
Sending you love and support for your journey ahead. I know there will be challenging times, but you’ll find your way through. You have more strength than you realize. In fact, your biggest weakness is your self-doubt. The sooner you let it go, the more you’ll enjoy life, and the more service you’ll be able to offer the world. Embrace your queerness as quickly as you can, and as fully as possible. Being queer is a gift, not a curse.
Your youthful idealism is a strength, not a weakness. Keep on imagining a world full of peace and justice, even if they constantly tell you that you’re naive. In the end, the love and care you have for other people and for nature is all that really matters. Love your friends, family, and pets even more, but don’t become too attached at the same time. Nothing is permanent, and many of them will leave you, and many will die.
Keep practicing yoga and meditation with your full heart, and start teaching as soon as you can. Don’t get stuck in imposter syndrome and wait so long to share the practice you love with your community. It’s a great way to deepen your practice and be of service simultaneously. (In fact, we’re going on 30 years of teaching in 2025!) Teaching yoga is the biggest gift you’ll receive. Appreciate it for what it is, and recognize the awesome power and responsibility that it brings.
Remember that ethics are the heart of spirituality. They’ll protect you and keep you on the right track. In fact, the yamas, yoga’s ethical principles, are the protection that you need to navigate the challenges that life will continue to throw at you. They are like a shield to help keep you safe when things feel dangerous.
That reminds me– work on your boundaries! They are the key to everything. Love everyone, but don’t fall in love with everyone. Be open and welcoming, but don’t let people trample all over you. In fact, that’s my main message. Find a way to believe in yourself that is stable and grounded. I don’t mean that you should become egotistifeel your strength in your mind and body, and know that it’s a reflection of your spirit, which is shared with all beings. Allow your strength to be a vehicle for connection with others, rather than separation. In general, people are good, but that doesn’t mean you have to listen to them. Instead, listen to that small voice in your heart and don’t ever stop listening. Remember, meditation is the language of that voice, so the more you practice, the easier it will be to understand the messages that are coming from deep within you. Like sonar echoing in the deepest ocean, meditation will help you navigate the dark, treacherous waters of the world. You’ve got this! Love,
Photos: Ken Heyman
Dear Little Hailey,
Your life is going to appear very different, yet feel just as ordinary as anyone else’s. Life is hard.
Your childhood will suddenly be taken from you.
There will be many terrifying 911 calls, ambulance rides, and traumatic resuscitations. You’re going to survive this to see your twenties, but you won’t be “okay” for a long time.
Doctors won’t take you seriously until you require CPR at 18. You won’t get diagnosed for several more years, and there’s no cure yet. You will get very familiar with suffering. You will have countless heart, vascular, GI, and kidney surgeries.
You will experience physical pain so severe you will beg for your life to end.
You’ll fight hard but remain sick. Sometimes you will lose hope, and feel helpless. You’ll spend numerous birthdays and holidays in the hospital. Doctors, nurses, and sometimes even people you love will say hurtful things out of frustration, fear, and denial. Friends and family will get desensitized to your suffering and fragility. Only people who are brave enough to love someone who is facing death so often will stick around. You will forever grieve.
You will be made to feel not disabled enough, while at the same time too disabled. You will never be enough for other people. You will make many mistakes. Because you’re human and you’re not special.
Acceptance isn’t giving up, it is waking up. You are always enough, you’re perfectly imperfect.
Even though sometimes you’ll feel alone, you never truly are. You are loved and appreciated so much more than you know. The unlimited love you shower others with is returned to you every day. You just have to remember to open your eyes. Your courage to stay vulnerable and open is rewarded with others around you feeling safe to do the same. Your kindness creates a ripple effect that spreads in ways you do not see.
The most important person in your life is you.
Prioritize how you treat yourself, how you talk to yourself, and how you love yourself over any other relationship. Your
opinion of yourself, your validation, your acceptance, is the most important. What do you want? What do you think?
When life gets you down, don’t fret; downhills are much easier than uphills when you’re in a wheelchair. The comforting thing about rock bottom is that it’s only up from there. After rock bottom, your sensitivity for joy and gratitude are heightened.
Most people are not awake to the small ordinary moments, they lack appreciation. They don’t look for the beauty amongst the pain. Being human means suffering. Feeling alone, not having others validate our experiences, looking outside of ourselves for acceptance and love…everyone experiences that.
You’re still going to be educated. You’re still going to be successful.
You’ll save lives and make a difference as a paramedic. Then your disability will change, and you’ll have to adapt the ways you impact others. Don’t underestimate the power you have in sharing your story. Your resilience will help and inspire people to keep going when they’re in the dark themselves. When you light your path, you light the way for others, too.
You’re going to fall in love.
When you are least expecting it, you will fall in love with a lifeguard who you’ll grow and laugh with for eight years. Then you’ll grow apart and fall out of love. Your heart will break and heal many times. You’ll learn to fall in love with yourself, and your life. You’ll fall in love again, in many ways, like with your zebra friends, yoga, and parasurfing.
In the end, none of us get out of this alive, so celebrate each day you wake up. Rock your scars and wrinkles, you’re a survivor! When life gets tough, lean on people, we weren’t meant to suffer alone. Keep your head up, and your heart open. Strive to be present, but not perfect.
We made it to 29, Hailey
Dear Eddie,
I have only a few suggestions for you. Looking back on your life, well, ours, I guess, you’ve done some cool things, and had a few missteps. Since you are 18 and just getting started, watch out for these things:
1. Listen to your conscience and gut
If something doesn’t feel right, turn the other way. I didn’t listen as well as I should have and ended up in situations that caused a lot of pain for myself and others. Sometimes things can’t be avoided, but I wonder where we would have ended up if we had listened more closely to my intuition in the moment.
2. Don’t start teaching yoga right away.
It’s true, you were asked to teach, but you also could have said no. Try saying no. Practice for a good 10 years or so, learn a little more, struggle a little more, and then after you’ve put in the inner work, start teaching. It will help with the troubles that arose in point 1.
3. Learn a second language right away.
Preferably an Indian language, since you are about to spend a lot of time in India. Don’t delay, and don’t lapse. Sanskrit doesn’t count, since we kept that up.
4. Not going to college was a great idea.
You’ll get a degree after 54, and there isn’t really anything between 18 and 54 that is going to demand that you need to have gone to college. All good.
5. Prioritize friends and family more.
I got too caught up in work, and still am, to be honest. Don’t wait ‘til you’re almost 60 to do that. It’s time wasted. If you are diligent about a work schedule, work doesn’t ever need to become all-consuming.
6. Keep a journal.
You did for a while, then stopped. They are fun to look back on.
When David Bowie tells you he’d like to do yoga with you, please follow up with him.
7. You’ve been great about physical health.
All good on food and exercise. But you ignore your emotions a little too much—get a therapist and figure some stuff out early on. We’ll be better for it when we get to my age.
8. If it hasn’t happened already, you’re going to have an apartment on Cornelia street.
One night you’ll be lying in bed with your girlfriend, and she’s going to be challenging you on your looks—you had just dyed your hair black and green—and she said, “There’s no way you’re going to be dressing like this and doing your hair like this when you are 50.” And you are going to say, “Probably not, but that doesn’t matter. When I am 50, I am going to be the same, exact person I am right now; I might dress different, have different (or no, as it were) hair, but my awareness is going to be the same, and knowing who I am is going to be exactly the same as it is now. Only my appearance is going to change, but that is not me.”
Guess what? This thought, was 100% accurate. We are past 50. But the awareness of observer consciousness, the awareness that things change externally, but the inner being is constant, was the end of your yoga journey before we started actually doing yoga. When we did start to practice, it was just to learn things to remind us of that direct perception.
9. You’re not going to do this, but I’m going to tell you anyway:
Never stop listening to punk rock, never let music not be your muse, and always let your heart be blown wide open by beauty and pain and sorrow in all of its forms.
10. When David Bowie tells you he’d like to do yoga with you, please follow up with him.
It’s going to happen, and you totally let fear get the best of you. Don’t!
11. Last but not least, please don’t use so much hairspray.
It’s bad for the environment, and it’s most likely (along with the hair bleach) going to make you go bald. Save the
environment, save your hair. It’s not a vanity thing— you are actually going to be a lot warmer in the winter and conserve heat.
Love you, homie, Eddie
Dear Little Stephanie,
Hey, this is You-In-Your-30s speaking. Without spoiling too much of your future, here are some things to keep in mind as you age. Remember when you felt bad for knowing the answer when no one else did in class? Or when you were embarrassed to be the only student from your class who made it into the grade-wide spelling bee? Those are things to be proud of, because there will be plenty of moments where you’ll feel like the dumbest person in the room. You’ll become a lifelong learner, so be proud of your brain, always.
Remember when you’d cry but wouldn’t be able to pinpoint why because you were crying for multiple reasons? You’ll learn you hold a lot of emotions inside, and I want you to loosen up that lid and just let it all out. It’s OK to talk about how you feel. It’s OK to cry. It’s OK to be sensitive. No one’s going to be mad at you, ashamed of you, disappointed in you, or less proud of you. You probably won’t understand any of your emotions because you’ve never talked about them before, but you can. You can trust the people in your life. Open up to them.
You know how when you’re looking at a long string of numbers and there are multiple consecutive zeroes, and you can best count how many there are when you tilt your head? Yes, that’s because of your eyesight, but you’ll realize that there isn’t one path for everyone. If you do something differently compared to others, just stick with it. There’s no right or wrong when you can come to the same conclusion, there’s just different. And Different is OK.
You’re so used to looking different that it’s just another part of you, and I love that about us. You are so beautiful. You are so loved. You will find out who’s there for you when you need them the most. You love so much, and you feel so much, and that’s not a bad thing. You are kind by nature, and that’s hard to come by. Never stop doing what you think is right. You are not too much. You may be “too much” for some people, but you’re just enough for the ones who count.
While you can find your voice through writing easily, it’ll be difficult to find your voice when it comes to standing up for yourself and speaking your mind. It will come to you in time. Keep writing. Keep dreaming. Spoiler Alert: You made it to NYC, and you’re a writer and editor! I hope that keeps you going, because you are stronger than you know.
Love, Stephanie
Dear Little Donna:
Remember writing in your daily diary about the butterfly you saw one day when you were nine years old? You are going to continue to love butterflies. I wish I could tell you that the innocence that I sense in those diaries will protect you. But it will not.
Back when you were a 21-month-old girl, your mother jotted these words about you on a scrap paper, “Donna likes to say ‘hi’ to everyone and loves seeing daddy, especially when he has been away.” You’re going to take that exuberance, curiosity, and trust out into the world. The thing you will learn is that trying many things in life, which you will do, and being open to many experiences will teach you how to feel deeply, including being hurt and deeply challenged. Your openness will both help and harm you.
You will ultimately find a path to help and heal yourself, through and over the hurdles and challenges that arise. The path you find will fit your lovely, caring temperament (and suit your love of living things).
Beware, I say with love to you, as many will see and appreciate your kindness while others will come in like vultures to harm your health, your money you have worked so hard to earn, and anything else they can trick you with or about.
You will prevail. Emerging as your own butterfly with the path you have been gifted to find – studying and teaching yoga will help you, and others, find their own way.
You will ultimately find a path to help and heal yourself, through and over the hurdles and challenges that arise.
Signed, Your 70-year-old Self
Dear Taz,
Hey buddy, it’s your future self here, writing to you from 2025. I’m sure that must feel impossibly far in the distance as you prepare to enter high school there in 1996…I’m writing to you as an “older” man in my early 40s, to share with you some of the things I wish I had known when I was your age.
First off, I want you to know that you’re doing great. The things you’re about to dive into and explore in high school and college will, believe it or not, end up shaping you in ways you can’t even imagine right now. As it all unfolds, try to pay attention to how you connect with people. The friends, teachers, and mentors you meet will open doors, challenge you, and inspire you. Listen to and learn from them, but stay true to yourself and always keep your word, even when it’s tough. Those qualities will become a compass that guides you through some of life’s most important moments.
I know it can feel like you must have it all figured out to show up as an adult in this world, but if there’s one thing I can stress:
You don’t.
Trust me on this.
There’s power in exploration, in trying new things, in failing, and in letting curiosity lead the way. It can feel overwhelming to not know what’s coming next, but you’ll find that some of the most incredible opportunities come from stepping into the unknown. I’m not going to give you any specifics about your/our future, because honestly, the adventure is in the discovery. Just remember: it’s okay not to know exactly where you’re headed. Trust the process and let your interests guide you, whether that’s choosing the right university, deciding on a major, or pursuing a new career path.
Never be afraid to change course!
The pieces will come together with time.
Here is a gem for you (you’ll learn this slang in time): Conventional success is NOT the goal. Life’s most sacred secret is that you always have control over your attitude, no matter the situation. Practice an attitude of gratitude, even on days that feel difficult. Take a moment to give thanks for the good things, celebrate the
small wins, and honor the people who show up for you. Moments of challenge, even the ones that break your heart, will teach you resilience.
Keep creating, too — whether it’s music, art, or any other form of self-expression. Lean into the things you truly want, and don’t get caught up in who others think you should be. Living life authentically
will bring more fulfillment than anything you can gain by following someone else’s expectations or ideas of success.
Speaking of music — keep playing! Right now, music is a fun outlet, but one day it’s going to mean so much more. You’ll come to see that music isn’t just about beats or melodies; it’s about connection. Music has the power to bring people together, to heal, to help others find their own rhythm in life. You’ve been playing since fifth grade, so don’t stop now. Keep that energy alive and know that this part of your journey holds something truly transformative for both you and the people around you.
And hey, here’s a little advice that you may be happy to hear. Yes, our parents are strict when it comes to dating and girls, but don’t let that lead you to hold back. Say “yes” to the amazing girls who approach you, to the dances, and to the small moments that make high school special. It’s okay to feel shy but know that I remember you as far more handsome, charismatic, funny, and charming than I felt I was. Looking back, I wish I’d taken more social chances, even when they scared me. High school only happens once, so be open and enjoy it fully.
music, art, or any other form of self -expression
Give thanks for the good things
Above all, enjoy life!
Above all, enjoy life and learn to give more along the way. Giving, whether it’s through kindness, music, or just being there for others, will bring a richness to your life that’s beyond anything you can imagine. There is so much beauty in store for you.
With love,
Dear Little Octavia, Brilliant Little One:
You will be presented with a lot of lies that masquerade as truth. Trust yourself.
Not your achievements.
Not just what you can do.
Not just the roles and responsibilities you will have.
Trust your essence, the cosmic dust of your marrow, the tunnel of wind and light in your heart, your natural rhythm that was born before time.
Trust that your innate pace is enough.
Trust your breath.
Trust your own vision.
The
world
will tempt you to try everybody else’s way and pace.
Trust yourself.
Trust your way.
You are Brilliant, Creative, and Worthy.
No one and no system gets to define your worth. You are worthy of your dreams. You are worthy of work that feels good. You are worthy of rest.
You may forget who you are sometimes. You may forget your brilliance, and your inner light may be clouded over by the exhaustion that comes trying to prove your worth in a world invested in devaluing girls and women like you.
Beloved, when that happens, you’ll need a way to remember.
That way to remember may be surprising because it is simple, obvious, and often ignored in a culture that confuses hustling toward burnout with grit. You know that the heavy, yet steady, palm of grit is best paired with the fiercely gentle interlocked fingers of grace.
Little
Octavia, my Brilliant, Brilliant one, your future is planted in the Stars You planted seeds that bloomed in the sky. These are your dreams. Remember?
Brilliant One, when you forget this. When you forget who you are and lose your footing, rest is the way. Rest will not ask you to do anything or to be anyone other than who we actually are.
Rest will always clear your eyes and restore your vision.
When you rest, the opportunity to remember yourself beyond your conditions or conditioning emerges. When you rest, you remember.
When you remember, you reclaim your distinct power and possibility. Then continue. When you rest, you can look up and see the course charted before you had a name, before you had a body, and definitely before you had a job.
Always look up, that’s where you planted your dreams.
When you gaze up you see your map. The map has a full view of the way. May you always remember that you are sacred.
Your rest is sacred.
I hope you never forget. And if you do, may you have the wisdom and awareness to slow down, lean into a pocket of stillness, and reclaim the brilliance that you are. You’re gonna make it. In fact, you already made it. I love you. In light,
Big Octavia, Brilliant One.
ART MENTAL HEALTH & NATURE
INTERVIEW WITH ARTISTS LEE BAKER AND CATHERINE BOROWSKI
BY: IANA VELEZ
PHOTOS: PIETRO ANSALDI
What is your art training?
Both Lee and I went to art schools in the U.K., Lee specialised in painting and art history, and I specialised in sculpture and installation. Lee then spent the next few years in bands and as a composer creating music for TV (all the time painting flowers in his studio). I became a producer/curator of public art and fashion shows.
We came back full circle to visual creativity after meeting on a flight to New York and bonding over our love of art, especially public art. From that point on we started working and creating together and soon started the SKIP Gallery, a mobile exhibition space in a dumpster/trash can.
SKIP has become an ongoing series of collaborative, site-specific artworks housed in dumpsters in public sites, bringing unexpected eruptions of art into the everyday urban landscape. Since setting up SKIP, we have collaborated with some of the biggest names in contemporary art, including David Shrigley (Look At This, June 2017), Gavin Turk (Transubstantiation, November 2017), Richard Woods (Upgrade, June 2018), and Ben Eine, as well as ‘the world’s most artistic football club’ A.S. Velasca in Milan. We’ve curated over 24 shows in London, Milan, New York, Rotterdam, the Scottish Borders, and a Greek Island.
In 2021 as an artistic counterbalance to the severe lack of green space in cities, we co-founded Graphic Rewilding to create vast, flower inspired, attention grabbing, positivity inducing artworks and immersive environments in oftenoverlooked and under-appreciated urban spaces. Lee is responsible for creativity, and I am responsible for production and implementation. All of our works are hand-drawn by Lee, who is the color expert, whilst I bring my expertise in fabrication, making things happen, making sculptures, and working in public spaces.
Do you each have a personal movement or meditation or wellness
practice? Does it influence your art? Each of us has our own definition of wellness on a personal level. I practice Reformer Pilates most days to move my body. I’m lucky enough to have an incredible teacher in the U.K., Ilana Gaia, who ensures that every class feels like a journey of the body and the soul. I never know what to expect, except that she will take me through some cosmic experience and I’ll leave class feeling fabulous, transformed, and alive. Even if there is a lot of work to do, I know I have to exercise and breathe consciously. For me, happiness is a fusion of feelings. Pilates means moving my body, clearing my mind, and a good mood.
For Lee, the balance of mind and body is crucial to feeling in a good state. He sits at the computer or canvas working, painting, and drawing, which in itself is a kind of meditation, especially when creating the sweeping calligraphic lines of the flowers.
We both love life drawing, there’s something extremely calming in sitting at an easel and creating on paper or canvas in silence. There's no talking in the drawing studio because everyone is focused on the model, the lines, the perspective, and the negative space. It feels like a dynamic meditation. It’s one of the things we like to do and actually close to a meditation practice. It stimulates alpha waves in the brain and calms the brain.
We spend a lot of time dreaming up ideas, actively manifesting opportunities, and making shizz happen. Even when the opportunities are sparse, we make them up ourselves. If we don’t have a commission, that doesn’t stop us; we’ll set up our own lighting installation by poking our projector out of our studio or apartment building and lighting up the building opposite with our flowers. That sort of thing keeps us excited and busy.
Can you share more about the connection between mental health, nature, and art?
It’s been shown that a 20-minute walk in
Kate’s Picks
“THERE'S NO TALKING IN THE DRAWING STUDIO BECAUSE EVERYONE IS FOCUSED ON THE MODEL, THE LINES, THE PERSPECTIVE, AND THE NEGATIVE SPACE. IT FEELS LIKE A DYNAMIC MEDITATION.”
nature is enough to significantly improve your mood and reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. However, as nature becomes less available for many in urban environments, it’s also been shown that exposure to simple pictures of nature has a positive effect on the mind. For example, patients who have images of nature in hospital waiting rooms have lower levels of stress and anxiety. Though these images could never provide the same environmental and psychological benefits as real nature, we want to inspire people to connect and empathise a little more with the natural world, hopefully mitigating some of the negative effects of a lack of exposure to green space.
What is your process for creating large installation art works?
We always start with a place, all our works are site-specific and rooted in the community and place where they’re going to exist. We spend time getting to know an area, its people, and of course its flora and fauna. We create drawings of the flowers and colours we feel represent the commission and build from there. Our works vary wildly, sometimes we’re creating animated digital arangements that get projected onto tall skyscrapers, designing sculptures, or at other times we’re painting real grassroots murals in under-loved areas of the city. We spend a lot of time working with technical partners on production, print
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and fabrication, and of course all works need to be 100% on the health and safety front.
How did the collaboration with lululemon evolve for Shanghai’s World Mental Health Day?
We had one of those life-changing phone calls (that I didn’t answer at first), inviting us to collaborate with them on World Mental Health Day, and to be honest, the partnership was a match made in heaven. We have a complimentary ethos and love of moving the mind and body.
We created the concept of The Wellbeing Garden and worked closely with lululemon to bring our ideas to life (pictured here on the right). Each of the flowers we selected – iris, sunflower, torch flower, and chrysanthemum –represents a different movement/activity. Yoga, running, training, and recovery, each becomes its own space, an individual garden of our imagination.
You’ve collaborated on projects that range from wrapping paper to large urban installations, from London to China. Share your dream project and dream location for your next art piece? We’ve got so many ideas, some are locations we’d love to work in and others are specific ideas. We’d love series of high-rise apartments featuring our single stems all in a row, plus there’s a really long industrial building/factory on the coastal road from the airport to Reykjavik in Iceland which we would love to get our hands on. Locations include:
The Highline in New York
Naoshima “Art Island” in Japan
Turbine Hall at Tate Modern in London
Arken Museum in Denmark
The Kunstsilo Museum in Norway
WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY
THE WELLBEING GARDEN: SHANGHAI, CHINA
YOGA
For this contemplative composition, we selected each flower to embody the essence of yoga — a practice rooted in harmony, growth, and the deep connection between mind, body, and spirit. The artwork serves as a botanical metaphor for the principles of yoga, weaving together the origins, the tranquility, and the transformative power of this ancient discipline.
RECOVERY
Learn more: graphicrewilding.com
These flowers celebrate recovery as an essential, beautiful, and natural part of the physical activity cycle. They remind us that growth, healing, and strength are nurtured not just through activity but through rest and care for the body and mind. This image serves as a visual homage to the quiet yet powerful process of recovery, highlighting the botanical allies that support and enhance this journey.
RUNNING
We chose these flowers to embody strength, speed and the pursuit of light. At the heart of this narrative are sunflowers and nasturtiums, plants celebrated not only for their rapid growth but also for their inherent quest towards the sun, mirroring the human race against time and our collective journey towards enlightenment and warmth.
TRAINING
These plants weave a narrative of growth, resilience, unity, and transformation, paralleling the journey of individuals dedicated to training and exercising. They symbolize not just the physical aspects of this journey, but also the mental and emotional growth that accompanies a commitment to personal health and well-being.
MEET THE ARTIST
COVER ARTIST NATALIA SKEBA
BY: IANA VELEZ
Natalia’s beautiful artwork graces the cover of our Celebrating Age issue. We asked her to share a bit about her creative process, inspiration and her personal wellness practices. Check out her beautiful Instagram account @thesoulshineco to learn more.
Do you have a personal yoga, meditation or wellness practice? Movement and mindfulness influence my work immensely. One of my favorite phrases when I am in a spiral is “get out of your head, and into your body.” Movement brings momentum, momentum brings creative energy, that creative energy is what births my work and art.
How do you stay inspired? Can you share your creative process?
I keep some sort of pen and paper with me anywhere I go so I am ready for inspiration at any given moment! It often happens when I step outside and simply start to notice — the art of noticing is vital to my creative process and staying inspired. For example: a sentence in passing that strikes resonance, a lyric or tune that gives me instant chills, the way that sunlight hits a flower in a particular time of day, how colors show up in nature. I like to quickly write down words, sketches, and feelings. When inspiration hits, the idea often turns into art on a piece of paper, and I digitize it on my iPad in Procreate, then complete it on my laptop in Illustrator and Photoshop.
Can you share some artists who inspire you?
There are countless artists across all mediums that I admire. Classic artists like Hilma af Klint, Henri Matisse, Gustav Klimt, and Andy Warhol instantly come to mind for their use of texture, color, composition, space, and abstract shapes. Since words are woven within my work, I have a deep appreciation for
type. A few of my favorite type designers are Scott Downey, James Coffman, Abby Leighton, and VJ Type. I am very inspired by the works of multidisciplinary artists Tess Guinery, Teresa Freitas, Jasmine Dowling, and Luke Edward Hall. I also really enjoy discovering new artists and buying art when I travel, here are a handful of artists whose art I love, and have in my home: Rachele del Nevo (Italian mixed media artist), Pariwat Anantachina (Thai collage artist), Tamara Venn (Cambodia
based British painter) and Devon Grimes (Brooklyn based artist). It’s clearly difficult to make a concise list!
What advice would you give to an artist starting out?
Get out of your head, and into your body. Create to simply create, PLAY, have fun in the process, and take rigidity and outside noise, out of the picture.
Learn more: thesoulshine.co
“MOVEMENT
BRINGS MOMENTUM , MOMENTUM BRINGS CREATIVE ENERGY, THAT CREATIVE ENERGY IS WHAT BIRTHS MY WORK AND ART.”
"Life won’t
get easier, but stay with your yoga, meditation, and prayer practices. It is here that you will be able to remain living authentically, stay grounded, and rebuild you as you age. With grace you will always lead by example."
Erica Garcia Abergel @ericagarciayogavida
Photo: Brooke Hjelle
Local Spotlight
PUERTO RICO
BY: ERICA GARCIA ABERGEL
Puerto Rico—a land of vibrant culture, stunning beaches, and rich traditions. As a Nuyorican, I made annual pilgrimages to visit family, but it wasn’t until my fifties that I found the courage to leave the corporate grind of the Northeast and fully embrace life on my beloved isla del encanto. After the pandemic, my husband, our dog Luna, and I needed a change, and there was no better place to reconnect with ourselves than the island that had always called me h-om-e. These days you can find me teaching in the Humacao area hosting yoga classes on the beach and single day women’s retreats.
While Puerto Rico has been slower to embrace yoga, the tides are turning. With an influx of global tourists, digital nomads, curious locals, and mainland transplants, the island is emerging as a hidden gem for yoga enthusiasts. Just a quick flight from the East Coast with no passport needed, Puerto Rico is now the go-to destination for those seeking both adventure and serenity. Picture practicing yoga on pristine beaches, near waterfalls, or in tranquil farm-to-table spaces. Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or just beginning your journey, Puerto Rico offers the perfect blend of beauty, culture, and healing. It’s a sanctuary for those looking to slow down, reconnect, and find peace amidst paradise.
Puerto Rico’s yoga scene continues to expand, and it's impossible to talk about it without mentioning some of the island’s pioneers: Lizelle Arzuaga and Carla Francesca. Lizelle is the owner of Samadhi Yoga Ayurveda Institute in San Juan, and has spent over two decades cultivating a vibrant yoga community in the metro area. Carla leads breathtaking full moon yoga sessions at the historic Castillo San Felipe del Morro. This monthly gathering is a must-experience for any yogi visiting the island. As part of the Celebrating Age issue, I asked them to share here the advice they would give to their younger selves.
“This life is yours—own it. You are the source of your happiness, so love yourself fiercely and study your heart with devotion. Remember, you are stardust, harnessing all the creative potential of the universe within you. Trust the game of life—each moment is a win, whether it’s a step forward or a lesson to guide you. Focus on the process, not the outcome; every ending births a new beginning. Keep playing, because no matter what, you're always exactly where you need to be.”
Lizelle Arzuaga @lizellearzuaga
Photo: Fernando Samalot
“If I could give advice to my younger self it would be to live in the present moment, to trust that everything that is unfolding will be the pathway to becoming a better version of myself. I would also have told my younger self to stay true, to speak up and not be afraid to be seen or heard. But then again, I would be a totally different person today, had I followed that advice. And the person that am I today is very grateful for who I have become.”
Carla Francesca @mundo.namaste
Photo: Yashira Berrocal
AM I A SELF-CARE MONSTER?
HOW MY SELF-CARE SHIFTED AS I GOT OLDER
BY: TASHYA KNIGHT ILLUSTRATIONS: VICKY REISTETTER
I’m not sure I ever thought about my self-care while in my 20s. Sure I heard the term, but it wasn’t something I prioritized. Even in my 30s, I still wasn’t thinking about self-care: I was working multiple jobs, went to grad school, said “yes” to every invitation, and wasn’t even sure what “slowing down” meant. But as I entered my 40s, something began to change. Maybe it was going back to therapy, reading wellness books, my changing energy levels, or taking my yoga teacher training, where I began to see the importance of self-care.
The term “self-care” was originally used by the medical community in the 1950s, but gained popularity thanks to the Black Panthers and other activists of the 1960s and ‘70s Civil Rights movement, as they wanted to take care of the mental health of their communities. Some even used mindfulness techniques and yoga among other practices.(1) Today we describe self-care as “taking care of yourself and doing what’s holistically healthiest for you.” This can mean a variety of things, and the wellness industry has capitalized on that.
But why is our self-care important? Well, for one, it prevents burnout which allows us to create a happy healthier life. Most importantly, it helps our mental health. Taking time for ourselves calms our anxiety, reduces our stress, eases our sense of being overwhelmed, helps our depression, and creates more of a sense of peace in our lives. Taking time for self care allows us to prevent the burnout from happening in the first place–prevention versus fixing the problem after the fact.
But why is it so hard for us to prioritize the self-care we all know we desperately need? Because putting ourselves first has always been considered selfish, we feel like we are letting others down or offending someone if we choose to do what is best for ourselves and take a little “me” time.
Here's the thing though, self-care isn't just about taking that time, it’s also letting yourself be selfish and say, “No, I need a break. I need a minute. I can’t do all of that right now. My mental health is more important at this moment.” And that, my friends, is called “setting boundaries,” which my 45-year-old self has come to realize is the cornerstone of self-care.
One thing I have learned in my 40s is that I am much more mindful of my needs and my health. It took going back to therapy and reading Set Boundaries, Find Peace by Nedra Glover Tawwab for me to get to this place. I also think this comes with the wisdom we acquire as we age. We start to embrace an attitude of, “I am going to live how I want and do as I please.” Not in a rude way, but more of not caring so much what others think and always trying to please everyone. We reach an understanding that this is our life, and our choices.
I work more than one job and volunteer for a few places, so there are many demands on my time. I don’t want to let anyone down, but I can only do so much in a day or a week. In the past, I have made myself accessible at all hours, answering emails, sending texts, picking up items, and I did all of this without any regard to my own wellbeing. But if I want to live a life of peace, then I can’t live like that. I now prioritize rest more than I did when I was younger.
“IT COMES DOWN TO UNDERSTANDING HOW TO PROTECT YOUR ENERGY AND WHO HAS ACCESS TO YOU AND WHEN. THAT MAY SOUND HARSH (OR LIKE A MONSTER!) BUT THIS IS WHAT IS HEALTHIEST FOR YOU.”
So, how do boundaries work for me in terms of my self-care? Mostly it’s about time: work time, rest time, and play time. I’m better at saying “no” and my phone automatically turns on “do not disturb” at 9pm each night. I take Sundays just for me to read a book, meditate, clean my apt, meal prep, and in the fall watch football. I don’t touch or look at my
phone on Sundays until around 11am or 12pm. I am a bit monstrous about this Sunday thing, to be honest. I have even turned down dates in order to preserve my quiet day. Yes, there have been Sunday exceptions, but they are few and far between.
I also usually take about one weekend night each month for running a bath, putting on a face mask, doing a hair treatment, and other items on my personal self-care list that are important for me. I now often take many nights at home to watch TV or read a book. I don’t find the need to go out as much as I used to. Maybe another perk of getting older: we prefer the comfort of our own home, creating those cozy vibes for rest, especially in the fall and winter.
It comes down to understanding how to protect your energy and who has access to you and when. That may sound harsh, (or like a monster!) but this is what is healthiest for you. This is what protects your mental health. I have gotten better at saying “no,” if I did too much this week and I need a night in. Of course, I feel bad about turning a friend down, but that little self-care monster inside me knows when it's time for a break. We can not be at our best if we are always on the go. Just like the airplane attendant says, we need to put our mask on first before we can be there for others.
I guess in the end, you have to decide how much of a monster you want to be. Are you going to let the guilt or FOMO get to you? Or are you willing to be selfish with your time and mental health? How far are you willing to go to protect your peace? At my age, I’m willing to be that quirky older lady at home with her books, tea, and monstrous protection of her peace. Oh, and a big smile of JOY on my face while doing it.
It's hard to conjure anything more comforting than your grandmother's cooking. If that is something you find yourself missing, you can experience it again at Nonnas of the World Restaurant in Staten Island, New York, where the chefs are all grandmothers.
Jody Scaravella grew up spending a lot of time with his grandmother. “My nonna Domenica was an amazing cook and the sweetest woman I’ve ever known…we would go to the fruit market, the butcher, and the fish market regularly. When we got home, I would watch her cook everything we bought. I can still remember eating her pasta with peas and often find myself making it today.” Every Sunday the whole family would have dinner at her house. He describes grandmothers as the “glue that holds the family together.” After his grandmother and mother passed, it was something he missed. The inspiration for the restaurant was to try and “recreate what had been lost” — the culture, the comfort, the wisdom, the memories, and the recipes.
In the beginning, Jody focussed on Italian food. He placed an ad in an Italian newspaper, and then grandmothers started showing up to his house. “It was an amazing moment in my life. All these ladies chasing me around with plates of food to try, I often compare it to a Fellini movie.” Over time, he noticed that the customers of the restaurant were from many different nationalities, and he was inspired to expand to celebrate multiple cultures. Now the restaurant runs two kitchens — one is always Italian, and the other is the cuisine of whatever nonna is working that night. “We have nonnas from Greece, Japan, Italy, Peru, Bangladesh, Egypt, Azerbaijan, and more! I hope to be able to represent every country.” He finds that food is a unifying force, and describes it as “taking people across the border, safely” to experience another culture. “I think what we don’t understand makes us anxious and uneasy. My feelings are that when you break bread together, our preconceived notions may change and truths become clearer.”
At the heart of Nonnas of the World are the nonnas. Many of them have lost husbands or are empty-nesters. The opportunity to cook their food and share their culture has brought them back to life. According to one of the nonnas, “There isn’t a better feeling than watching a customer enjoy your food.” And they have so much to share. They carry the traditions and the recipes, and pass them down to the next generation. Now, they get to pass them down to a whole community. “I think we’ve struck a nerve,” says Jody, “and our popularity rests squarely on this principle; whenever a Nonna is in the kitchen hundreds of years of her culture flows from her fingertips.”
Learn more: enotecamaria.com
“Celebrate your age by going back in time to help your younger self to fill with meaning their experience of life. May the insatiable search for knowledge about yourself guide you, let it be your motivation and your goal at the same time.”
"Celebra tu edad retrocediendo en el tiempo para ayudar a tu yo más joven a llenar de sentido su experiencia vital. Que la búsqueda insaciable del conocimiento de tí mismo te sirva de guía, que sea tu motivación y a la vez tu destino."
Joaquín Martínez Mellado @abhyasayogasala
Local Spotlight SPAIN
PHOTOS AND ARTICLE BY: DANIELLE STACK
I moved from Greenpoint, Brooklyn to Palma de Mallorca, Spain, 13 years ago to work as an English language assistant through the Spanish government. I always wanted to live abroad and immerse myself in another culture and immediately fell in love with Mallorca for its beauty, diversity and the quality and rhythm of life, and met my husband Adrián shortly after. Adrián and I decided to spotlight two of our favorite local teachers: Joaquín Martínez Mellado and Cristina Sánchez Ruiz.
In 2019, pregnant with my first child Lennon Rose, I heard about a yoga studio nearby for pregnant and new mothers run by midwives. Centre 1més was founded and run by Cristina who is a midwife, offers a variety of exercise classes and workshops for expecting and postpartum mothers, and their little ones. At 7 months pregnant, the pandemic hit and Spain went into a very strict lock-down and all prenatal care halted, as the world figured out next steps. Cristina kept the classes going online and organized weekly Zoom meetings to talk about all things baby. She kept us updated with the latest Covid-19 protocols in the delivery rooms, giving us peace of mind as rumors circulated around about having to give birth without your partner or be separated from your baby. Cristina really saved my sanity on a number of levels, and for that I am forever grateful.
Joaquín has been Adrián’s yoga instructor since we met and he likes his meditation technique yoga flow. Coincidentally we bought a house 4 years ago that is next to Joaquín’s studio Abhyasa Yoga Sala, so now we are neighbors and students! As part of this Celebrating Age issue, I asked Joaquín and Cristina (pictured below with one of her students) to share the advice they would give to their younger selves in Spanish, which I translated to English.
“To connect with the essence of life remember the importance of maintaining your energy through breathing, nourishment and healthy habits. If you take care of yourself, your body and soul will feel full of energy to live all stages of your life in abundance! Love and take care of yourself.”
“Para conectar con la esencia de la vida recuerda la importancia de mantener tu energía a través de la respiración, alimentación y hábitos saludables...si te cuidas tú cuerpo y tu alma se sentirán llenos de energía para vivir todas las etapas en plenitud! Cuídate y amate.”
Cristina Sánchez Ruiz @centre1mes
THE AGE OF INFLUENCE
Social media has historically been a young person’s domain. But that is beginning to change. Suddenly, web savvy seniors are everywhere. They are women and men “of a certain age,” “age disruptors," “silver foxes,” and ”grandfluencers.” They are putting themselves out there instead of fading into the background, and I, for one, am here for it. They are breaking barriers and shattering stereotypes in fashion, beauty, and fitness, sharing their age-positive message, and showing us that aging is nothing to fear, instead, it is something to celebrate. Welcome to the age of the Age Influencer.
BY: LOULOU
PISCATORE
Photo: Gary Lindsay-Moore
How long have you been a model?
I was street scouted in 2019; I was very close to turning 62, and had spent most of those years avoiding the camera, so I had some adjusting to do!
How do you feel that attitudes around aging are changing and how are you contributing to that? How have your ideas about aging changed?
The early boomers, those who grew up in the ‘60s, have shown us that aging is not maybe what we expected – look at Mick Jagger at 81. But society is still very ageist: loving its stereotypes and very quick to jump to conclusions, make assumptions about your abilities, your interests, etc. My ideas around aging have changed entirely; I am sure I had many of the same assumptions; my grandmother looked like a “granny!” Am I delighted about every aspect of the process of getting older? Certainly not! But my expectations have been confounded, and I hope very much that by being open about my life, my approach to life, and my physical abilities, I am in a small way breaking down some of those ageist assumptions.
Who inspires you? Who do you feel that you are inspiring and how?
I hate to say I am not easily impressed; I am most inspired by people who stick their heads above the parapet irrespective of the vicious social media campaigns. I hope for my small part, I inspire younger women to approach their lives with positivity, in the knowledge that aging is simply another word for living; there is only one much more permanent alternative! A young woman did approach me at a festival to say she followed me on Instagram and felt I had shown her getting older was first a privilege, but also nothing to be ashamed of.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Don’t set your sights so low; no one else knows what they are doing either. They are just better at pretending than you are. Never be ashamed of who you are; you are unique.
ARLINDA MCINTOSH @funkingafter50
How did you become a digital creator?
Once upon a time, a whole lotta years ago, I started a little skirt brand and called it Sofistafunk. This collection of sofistacated yet funky bottom frocks needed the world to know about them, and what better space than the World Wide Web. I've been on social media since the dinosaurs roamed the earth! I started waaaaayyy back when, on a platform called Black Planet, then MySpace, Facebook, etc. I found out I had been marketing, aka content creating, before I knew there was a name for what I was doing. I was just being my peculiar quirky "Older is Bolder" self, then like magic, other business owners started reaching out to me to create content for them, and here we are! LOL.
How do you feel that attitudes around aging are changing?
How have your ideas about aging changed?
I feel great about seeing us elders being represented positively in all aspects of the media. The fact is that since aging begins at birth and continues until...it should be celebrated at EVERY stage, and not limited due to a few (or a LOT) of grays, wrinkles etc. As I continue on my personal journey and live with the many detours, hills, valleys, and surprises that come with aging, my acceptance of Mother Nature's sense of humor has become more open. My mantra is that "Older is Bolder."
Who inspires you? How do you feel you are inspiring others? Me. I appreciate me for showing up for myself and others every day, even in the midst of adversity. I designed and rewarded myself with the "IDQ Award" which stands for "I Didn't Quit" which I made into branded merch that I sell on my website so that others can have the opportunity to use them as a daily-when-needed reminder that THEY ARE AWESOME. Since I never assume anything, I can only go on what has been expressed to me, and that is that I inspire people to just have as much fun as humanly possible and do the adulting ONLY when necessary!
ALISON MONTEITH @thin_latin_moose
GARY LINDSAY-MOORE
@glmmodel100
Photo: The Model Camp
How long have you been a model? What has the response been to your recent work?
I've been modeling for about eight years. I think the best response I had was modeling underwear for the brand JustWears. I was genuinely surprised that an underwear brand would book someone like me. It's very rare to see men of my age (64) modeling underwear, also rare to see guys that are plus size, like I am. Also, I am very hairy and I have a lot of tattoos. Complete kudos to JustWears for booking me.
How do you feel that attitudes around aging are changing?
I've noticed a gradual increase in the presence of older, more individual looking models. I do see more articles and social media about embracing the person that you want to be at an older age and letting go of the things that we think we should be doing when we get "old.” I love being my age and I've really enjoyed my journey.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
I'm going to quote Daniel Lismore, "Be authentic…it's necessary and powerful." And at some point in your life, you are going to try and change yourself for other people. Then you are going to realize that you are really unhappy, so never let that curious and adventurous Gary go. You won’t ever be everyone's cup of tea. However, you'll find your tribe again. You just have to get up and do something about it.
CLAUDIA FABIAN @thebeautydebut
How did you become a "Pro-Age Beauty"
I decided at 52 that I was tired of the anti-aging rhetoric that permeates all aspects of our society. I decided to take the first step and embrace my gray hair. That may seem trivial and such a small step, but in the face of our ageist society, it's a bold and rebellious act.
How do you feel that attitudes around aging are changing and how are you contributing to that? How have your ideas about aging changed?
My generation, Gen X, is really making steps to change the way we see aging. Social media is a part of that change. I am putting myself out there not only to inspire women my age, but to show younger women that aging is nothing to fear or dread. Glamour and beauty never expire! Working as a makeup artist and esthetician for the last 35 years, my views have definitely changed. I now know without a doubt that aging is a blessing and not something we need to prevent.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
I would tell myself that you have everything you need within you to be successful. No need to search. And to always trust your intuition.
How did you become an "influencer"?
I’m currently 61, but when I was 55, I was trying to figure out my middle-age world. Why was I so stressed? What’s going on with my body? Is there nothing but decline ahead? I was desperate for information, and through a lot of exploration and learning, I prioritized movement, building muscle, getting stronger, and attaining a growth mindset. I discovered that the stereotypes and baked in beliefs about getting older (ageism) were lies. I started writing a blog about midlife because I didn’t relate to the info I found, which was either overly optimistic “50 is the new 30!” or made me feel defective, “Anti-aging! Age-defying! Ageless!”
A year later, I started posting regularly on @heymiddleage to encourage midlifers to move their bodies. I shared my fave fitness workouts, including boxing and shuffle dancing. To my shock, a few Reels went viral, and here we are.
How do you feel that attitudes around aging are changing and how are you contributing to that? How have your ideas about aging changed?
“I WAS DESPERATE FOR INFORMATION, AND THROUGH A LOT OF EXPLORATION AND LEARNING, I PRIORITIZED MOVEMENT, BUILDING MUSCLE, GETTING STRONGER, AND ATTAINING A GROWTH MINDSET.”
My wish is that we become more age neutral and put less value on chronological age. The same tired message, that getting older limits us in all ways, is baked into our culture. Are attitudes changing? Maybe slightly? I’m in a proaging bubble so it’s hard to tell. I think there are some mild cultural indicators; books about menopause are on bestsellers lists, Wiser Than Me is an award-winning podcast, shows with older characters like Hacks are a hit. But ageism is a major issue in employment, healthcare, media, culture, marketing, and policy. It really is the last acceptable prejudice, which is so strange because it will affect all of us if you’re lucky enough to get old.
Who inspires you? Who do you feel that you are inspiring and how? I love seeing people who defy negative beliefs about aging, whether that’s an athlete, entrepreneur, activist, or creative. I’ve received lots of messages from around the world, mostly from middle-aged women who have started all kinds of movement from walking, to strength training, and dancing after seeing an Instagram post. One of my favorite comments was from someone who said that she was in her 40s and after seeing me, she wasn’t afraid of getting older anymore.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
I would tell her not to worry so damn much, to drop the perfectionism, seek out trial-and-error, fail fast, and to embrace the unpredictable and unexpected.
How did you become "The Fabulous Miss K?”
I have always loved clothes, and in my career in fashion as a stylist, I have helped women to find their style. When I joined Instagram, I was seeing so much about what women of a certain age should and shouldn’t wear, and I wanted to share my style and encourage them to wear what they love and rather than what so-called "fashion experts" say they should wear.
How do you feel that attitudes around aging are changing?
Attitudes are changing slowly, but we still have a long way to go as older women are not represented in positive ways in the media. I like to think that I am blowing the lid off age-appropriate dressing.
Who inspires you? How do you feel you are inspiring others?
I am inspired by so many different people – the late great Vivienne Westwood, Iris Apfel, and I follow some inspirational women on Instagram. I would like to think that I inspire women of every age to find their own style, embrace their individuality.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Don't pay attention to what anyone else thinks about you – be true to yourself.
KAREN JAMES WELTON @fabulousmissk
MIMI ISON @heymiddleage
ANGELA BELLIAS @silverskatergirl
Share with us how you became an “age disruptor?”
The age disruptor in me comes out in my fashion choices and playful spirit. Without hesitation, I boldly wear crop tops, fishnets, and short skirts. Some may balk at my choices, and that’s okay with me. I am not dressing to please anyone but myself. I believe this simple fashion truth: Wear whatever makes you happy!
How do you feel that attitudes around aging are changing? How are you contributing to that?
I have noticed more and more older models on posters in clothing stores and products. This representation is critical to move the idea that older, senior, or mature people still exist. We don’t fade into the background of life and suddenly wear muted colors and only sit on park benches. When I see another lady rocking her silver hair and wearing something I think is cute, I go out of my way to compliment her and tell her how stunning she looks. I deliberately want to build up our community’s self-esteem and encourage
“WITHOUT HESITATION, I BOLDLY WEAR CROP TOPS, FISHNETS, AND SHORT SKIRTS. SOME MAY BALK AT MY CHOICES, AND THAT’S OKAY WITH ME. I AM NOT DRESSING TO PLEASE ANYONE BUT MYSELF.”
those who have decided to not dye our hair or get botox on our face; not that there’s anything wrong with those who choose to alter their aging process. I will go back to my future point: whatever makes you happy.
Who inspires you?
My style as I age is more represented by fashion designer Betsey Johnson, fashion model and author Paulina Porizkova, and interior designer and fashion icon Iris Apfel (R.I.P.). These amazing ladies showcase what being over 50 looks like in a dynamic, bold, and unapologetic way. I applaud their voices, visions, and vulnerabilities for representation. I also love to follow dancer/choreographer Dr. Drea Kelly and roller skate instructor Dirty Deborah Harry (Dirty School of Skate). These ladies are showcasing incredible talent and beautiful creative skills at an age that inspires this silverhaired senior to keep moving and challenging myself.
What advice would you give your younger self?
1. There is nothing to fear about passing another year on the calendar: age really is just a number.
2. Don’t listen to the antiquated voices in your head that say, “That skirt is too short for you. You shouldn’t wear glittery eyeshadow anymore. Those heels are a little too much, don’t you think? A one-piece swimsuit is more appropriate for you than a bikini, right?”
3. Embrace your age and everything that comes with it, including gray hair,
wrinkles, and laugh lines; because wisdom, elegance, and experience also accompany this time in your life.
4. Keep challenging yourself to learn something new. Learn a new language, try playing mahjong, try playing a new instrument, take a drawing class, try paddleboarding or even roller skating. Celebrate life and keep living.
How did you become an "influencer"? I started by documenting my silver hair journey on Instagram and connecting with many amazing like-minded women. Brands began to approach me to work with them after my second breast cancer, and it was so much fun! It kickstarted my journey into content creation around the themes of clean beauty, healthy living and pro-aging and I haven't looked back.
How do you feel that attitudes around aging are changing and how are you contributing to that? How have your ideas about aging changed?
I think it's becoming more acceptable to see older women in the media and on catwalks, etc. and I hope this migrates downwards into the workplace where I fear it's still a very unequal place to be. In the beauty world, I still see lots
JULIE KNEAFSEY @thefiftyist
Photo: Patrick Kneafsey
of brands who don't use older women models, but they are missing a trick as women in my demographic have the most disposable income. It's changing but too slowly! Also, the biggest beauty brands claim to be pro-age but still include anti-ageing language and perspectives in their promotions which is unfortunate.
I post regularly around the topic of proageing and allowing women to be seen any way they like without judgment by society. There's no right or wrong way to age, and having wrinkles for example, is not something to be ashamed of. I see myself differently as I've aged and now I'm only interested in aging naturally. I hope that in not filling and Botoxing, I can lead by example and show that it's acceptable to be an older woman on social media and show up as yourself.
Who inspires you? Who do you feel that you are inspiring and how?
In my everyday life, my mum! She's nearly 80 and an amazingly strong woman who has been through so much.
APRIL COLE @perrsnicketee
How do you feel that attitudes around aging are changing and how are you contributing to that? How have your ideas about aging changed?
“IN THE BEAUTY WORLD, I STILL SEE LOTS OF BRANDS WHO DON'T USE OLDER WOMEN MODELS BUT THEY ARE MISSING A TRICK AS WOMEN IN MY DEMOGRAPHIC HAVE THE MOST DISPOSABLE INCOME.”
Her and my grandmother's motto was 'Persevere' which has stayed with me though my life and struggles with breast cancer. Online, I was initially inspired by Cindy Joseph, the beautiful model who had silver hair way before the silver trend took off. She was a key influence on my silver hair journey which has changed my life. More recently, I'm inspired by the strong women in Hollywood, such as Jamie Lee Curtis and Pamela Anderson who have allowed their grey hair to grow through and show their beautiful natural faces in such a pressured environment. They are changing how women are viewed and show that beauty isn't exclusively for the young. I hope that I'm inspiring women to ditch the dye and show their true selves perhaps for the first time in decades. Also,
I believe attitudes around aging are evolving, with more emphasis on selfcare and enjoying life at any age. Many older adults are prioritizing their health and happiness, breaking stereotypes about what it means to grow older.
I contribute to this shift by sharing my own journey and celebrating the choices that empower me. My ideas about aging have transformed; I now see it as an opportunity for growth and self-discovery rather than a limitation.
Who inspires you? How do you feel you are inspiring others?
I’ve always admired aging women who embrace life and take care of themselves, regardless of societal expectations. They inspire me to make choices that resonate with my values. In turn, I aim to inspire others by sharing my journey and the lessons I’ve learned. I hope to encourage women to embrace
I'd love to think that my obsession with clean beauty inspires some women to think about what they are putting on their bodies and to look harder at the ingredients lists, as some of these are potentially damaging to our health.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
I was always scared to speak up, so I'd tell her to care much less what people think. I've always been under confident and thought that others knew more than me. Now I realize that's not true, that everyone is winging it and that I can say what I feel and I'm perfectly allowed to do that. I'd like to give her a big hug as well, just because a hug is always lovely and she needed some at times.
their authenticity and live their best lives, showing them that they can thrive at any age.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
You are valuable, deserve love and belonging. Be intentional; remember that what got you here won’t get you there, so focus on growth. Always be kind; show empathy and understanding to yourself and others. Be yourself with confidence; you have so much to offer. Believe in your abilities; you can achieve more than you think. Don’t sweat the small stuff; love yourself through every phase of life. Embrace challenges and savor joyful moments. Stay true to your values, keep your heart open, and stay curious. Prioritize self-love and pursue what makes you happy, not just what others expect. Do what you’re good at, and never give up!
FRIENDS 40S
HOW DID WE GET HERE?
BY: TASHYA KNIGHT
As I approached the age of 45, I knew it was coming. I know my age and the year I was born, but the thing is, I don’t feel 45, I don’t look 45 either, so this can cause some confusion for me. In my mind, I’m still in my 30s.
So imagine my surprise as I woke up after my 45th birthday and everything started to change. I started gaining weight, when I have a pretty consistent workout schedule and eat a plant-based diet. After the sudden hot flashes and the night sweats that woke me up, I started wondering what was happening to me.
Was I sick? No, turns out I was just in perimenopause. But how could that be? I’m still in my 30s, right??
Getting older is a part of life, but I had never really thought about it. I’ve just gone along with my life, going to college, grad school, moving to a new city, finding my purpose and what I want to do with my career, making friends, losing friends, and just generally living my life. It wasn’t until this past year that I really began to understand that I might be getting older and that I might actually be in my 40s after all.
I couldn’t possibly be the only one surprised that I ended up here. And it turns out, I’m not. I have a few people close to me who don’t look or connect with being in their 40s, so I thought it was time to have a little chat about how we all arrived here and if we were celebrating this stage in our lives.
MEET THE FRIENDS
JONEÉ 40
Hasn’t encountered any big surprises yet, but she said she has noticed that her workouts are less intense and she “can’t do some things anymore, and that’s okay.”
AMBER 42
Was surprised with “How quickly it happened overnight. All of a sudden, I’m exhausted and there’s all these aches and pains.” She equated it to the joke of, ‘you know you’re old when everything hurts.’ Well, now everything hurts.
CRISSY 46
Felt it hit her like a ton of bricks going from 39 to 40. She also said she doesn’t feel her age, but that her body sends her little reminders, such as when she tries to do something she did years ago and her body tells her she can’t do that anymore.
Since this aging had snuck up on us, what were the changes that were the most pronounced? How had life, or our bodies, decided to betray us here?
Crissy and Joneé: Feel the societal pressure of what turning 40 means. Joneé said she had a list of items she was supposed to have accomplished in her 30s, yet she didn’t check off all those boxes. It's part career and part family planning, where she's said she’s not set as society says she should be. But at the same time, she said she feels confident in who she is. It's a daily battle of confidence, but also pressure that she “should” have her life figured out.
Crissy : Thought she would be where others are in life traditionally at 40, but said she realizes she doesn't own a home and she’s not married. It doesn’t bother her too much, but she told me she has begun to think that it’s time to act her age in the way she talks and dresses and behaves. We know society has a lot to say on that subject!
In terms of physical changes, Crissy said she noticed her activity level has changed and finds herself very unmotivated to do things. Not just a workout, but also going out to meet friends or go to an event as well. She said she would much rather be home in her bed or watching her shows. She told me she also started noticing gray hairs and her eyesight getting worse. So even though like me, she thinks she's younger, her body started showing its true age.
Joneé: Noticed gray hairs popping up in unexpected places, along with her energy changing. She shared she’s never considered herself a night owl, but now, it’s worse, and she really likes to be in bed early. She’s noticed some body changes as well, especially in her face with fine lines and losing some volume, and wished she had started a skincare routine earlier in life.
Amber: Noticed changes in weight, or more so that she can’t seem to lose the weight. She also shared the biggest
“AMBER SAID SHE KNEW ABOUT MENOPAUSE, BUT LIKE ME, NOTICED PEOPLE DIDN’T REALLY SHARE EXPERIENCES, AND THERE WAS NOT ENOUGH INFORMATION.”
change for her was the brain fog. Amber, who is also my sister, is known in our family for remembering everything (and I mean everything!) And as someone who is always on top of things, she said she wasn’t sure what was going on at first because it felt weird not remembering details.
As we were all experiencing these changes, what was it we needed to know about entering this new decade? What wisdom were we lacking? I wish more people had been straight with me about this perimenopause business. What did my friends wish they had known before turning 40?
Amber: Knew about menopause, but like me, noticed people didn’t really share their experiences, and there was not enough information. But she said she feels positive because “now we live in a time when women mean something and our health actually matters, so issues are talked about more. It’s almost like a new trend of talking about menopause and perimenopause. There’s more research, sharing more information, more voices being heard, more education. They are showing that women’s health matters, but this has happened only in the past few years.” Amber shared she now wants to take advice and tips from women doctors who have gone through it before her.
Crissy: Wished people had explained what “over the hill” really meant because she learned real quick turning 40 was rather drastic from her eyesight to back issues. She said she also wished she understood the importance of savings
continued on page 71
Aging with a Quinceañera Twist
Embracing Life’s Milestones
BY: RINA JAKUBOWICZ PHOTOS: MARIANA MENDOZA
Aging is a universal experience that touches us all, yet it can stir up a mix of emotions—ones we are oftentimes not prepared for nor have been trained for. The oft-quoted words by author George Bernard Shaw, “Youth is wasted on the young,” reminds us of why we aren’t trained for these inevitables. When we are young, we don’t have enough depth or perspective to see a time when we won’t be energetic, vibrant, fit, healthy, curious, and adventurous. We live in a bubble that we must remember and connect to as we age so that we can relive that inner experience, even if the externals like our bodies and environments have changed.
How we think about growing older can shape our happiness in this new era of life. To help us with a better outlook, let’s view this journey through the profound wisdom of Vedanta, the philosophy rooted in the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita. This ancient text offers rich insights into how we can approach aging with grace and purpose so that we can make the most out of life’s later years. And stick around for a fun twist—how a quinceañera might just inspire a fresh take on celebrating life at any age!
1. Understanding the Self Beyond the Body
One of the core teachings of the Bhagavad Gita is the distinction between the Self (Atman) and the body. According to Vedanta, the Self is eternal and unchanging, while the body is temporary and subject to change. As we age, the physical form may change, but our true essence remains constant.
Imagine this: A 50 year old corporate executive might be experiencing physical changes and feeling the strain of a demanding career. By embracing Vedantic teachings, she can view these changes with detachment, recognizing that her true self is not defined by her physical appearance or job title. This perspective allows her to focus on inner growth and spiritual well-being, even as she adapts to new physical realities.
2. Embracing Duty and Dharma
The Bhagavad Gita emphasizes the importance of performing one’s duty (dharma) according to one’s stage in life. As we age,
our responsibilities and roles might shift, but the principle of dharma remains. The key is to continue fulfilling our duties with dedication and purpose.
Consider this: An older father may transition from an active role in local projects to offering wisdom and guidance to younger generations. By embracing his new role with a sense of purpose, he fulfills his dharma in this stage of life, contributing to the community in a different, but equally valuable, way.
3. Cultivating Detachment and Non-Attachment
Bhagavad Gita teaches the importance of practicing detachment from the results of our actions. This doesn’t mean abandoning responsibility, but rather performing our duties without attachment to the outcomes. This principle can be particularly liberating as we age.
Visualize this: An older artist, having created a lifetime of work, might find joy in simply creating art for its own sake, rather than for recognition or accolades. By focusing on the act of creation
itself and letting go of attachment to external validation, she embraces the Gita’s teachings on non-attachment and finds fulfillment in the process.
4. Finding Joy by Looking Within
The Bhagavad Gita teaches that true contentment comes from within, through self-reflection and inner growth, rather than from external achievements or material pursuits, aka shiny objects that become more attractive as we are less fulfilled within ourselves. As we age, we often find that external accomplishments and possessions offer only fleeting satisfaction. True and lasting happiness, as the Gita suggests, is rooted in a deeper understanding of ourselves and our purpose.
07 09 10 11 06
Imagine this: Imagine a 53-year-old business executive who has spent decades climbing the corporate ladder, amassing accolades and material wealth. As he approaches his mid-50s, he starts to feel a sense of emptiness despite his outward success. Inspired by the Gita’s teachings, he begins to explore personal development and volunteer work. Through these inner pursuits, he starts to connect with a deeper sense of purpose and fulfillment. Rather than chasing after the next promotion or luxury item, he finds joy in nurturing meaningful relationships, contributing to causes that need his support, and engaging in self-reflection. This inward focus not only enriches his life but also provides him with a profound and lasting sense of contentment.
By embracing the Gita’s teachings on finding joy within, he discovers that true happiness comes from understanding and cultivating his inner self, rather than from external achievements.
5. The Quinceañera Spirit: Celebrating Life with Joy
Let’s add a fun twist with the quinceañera tradition! In many Latin American cultures, a quinceañera is a grand celebration marking a young woman’s transition to adulthood. It's a joyous event filled with life, family, and festivity.
Why not bring some of that festive spirit into aging?
Picture this: Two 45-year-old best friends decide to throw themselves a lively birthday party with a quinceañerathemed “Under the Sea.” They rent a Miami banquet hall, set up a DJ, lights, and a dance floor. The event features delicious food, hors d’oeuvres, a bar with cocktails, full decorations, a photo booth, and a princess dance. Their celebration includes a court dance choreographed to "It Takes Two" by Rob Base and DJ E-Z Rock, with one husband dressed as Prince Eric and another as Sebastian from The Little Mermaid Friends and family are invited to dress as quinceañera princesses, and everyone dances and embraces the moment with zest.
Yes, those two best friends were me and my best friend Maite Mendiola. We did this on August 10, 2024. Everyone had the time of their lives because we set the bar really high that night. By celebrating our lives with the same enthusiasm and simplicity as a 15-year-old’s quinceañera, we demonstrated that
aging can be a time of joyful celebration, not just reflection.
Aging doesn’t have to be a heavy or somber journey. Especially when viewed through the lens of Vedanta and the Bhagavad Gita. It transforms from a time of concern into an opportunity for profound spiritual growth and fulfillment. Whether through understanding the Self beyond the body, embracing one’s dharma, practicing detachment, finding joy within, or celebrating life’s transitions, Vedantic teachings offer valuable insights into navigating the later years of life. The key is to pick up the teachings today and start shifting your perspective from within. This aging process is up to you. Consider these approaches and maybe even throw in a bit of that quinceañera spirit—celebrating life’s every stage with pure joy and spirit. Learn more: rinayoga.com
T0 EXPERIENCE ROADMAP THE
BY: JUSTINE MA
Society often pressures us to establish a career path by a certain age, reach specific milestones to measure success, and conform to expectations that define our identity. However, true self-discovery comes with experience, and only you can determine who you are and what you stand for. Regardless of your age, experience is invaluable. Invest in yourself—embrace the new, fail, try again, learn, and keep going. Life isn't about perfection; it's about learning, connecting, creating, loving, sharing, and appreciating each moment as it comes. Here are 11 things I wish someone would’ve told me when I felt lost and confused.
DO SMALL THINGS, MAKE BIG IMPACTS:
Whatever brings you joy will make a difference in the world. Keep dreaming and pursuing all of your passions.
EMBRACE THE UNKNOWN:
Life can be challenging at times, however that’s where the growth happens. Appreciate your experiences as they unfold. Lessons will show you what you still need to work on, or, it will show you how much you have learned. If you start to notice a pattern that isn’t supportive to you, change the way you approach the situation.
SPEAK YOUR TRUTH:
Choose what requires your attention, and be unattached to anything that doesn’t. Communicate your boundaries. Do not shrink yourself for another person’s comfort. Insecurity is loud, confidence is silent. Always act with kindness and gratitude.
LOOK WITHIN:
Focus on your growth and try to make decisions that align with your future rather than a temporary high or some sort of ego boost. Everything you need to succeed is already within you. Let go of external validation.
SELF-CARE IS KEY :
Invest in yourself and prioritize your well-being. Book the appointment, show up and enjoy the experience.
AUTHENTICITY MATTERS:
Be true to yourself. Avoid mimicking others or taking advice from those who don’t resonate with you. Only seek guidance from respected sources. Trust your gut. Free advice from others can cost you a lot when they do not understand your goals.
LIVE FULLY:
8 9 10 11
SIMPLIFY AND DECLUTTER:
Remove what doesn’t serve a purpose from your space. A clearer environment can lead to a clearer mind. This can apply to humans as well.
HEALTH AND WELL-BEING:
Pay attention to your physical, mental, and emotional health. Seek out the right professionals for guidance and advocate your needs.
ADJUST YOUR ENVIRONMENT: Give yourself some space. Step away from your everyday life for a fresh perspective. Perhaps you’ll want to redecorate your room, sign a new lease, change countries, or travel abroad for a few months. Understand what works best for you.
ADAPT AND TRANSFORM:
Solutions may not always be grand. Sometimes, simple changes in your environment or perspective can lead to profound shifts. Stay in your lane and win. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Be okay with trying something new. Don’t wait on others to be ready. Don’t make excuses. Stay present. Be you. Embrace whatever brings you joy, whether it’s a solo activity or a shared experience.
Did you know that women are statistically better at investing than men? Did you know it’s never too late to start investing? Wouldn’t it be great if all women knew this and were able to build real generational wealth and craft their dream life? Wendy Raizin, is empowering women with this knowledge.
As a former Wall Street trader, and now chief investment officer, commercial real estate firm owner, and the co-creator of MoneyChick, she’s passionate about educating women on the concepts of money, investing, and being financially free. Because having your own money gives you boundless options.
The theme of this issue is Celebrating Age. Should a person in their 30s be doing the same investing or savings strategy as a person retired in their 60s? Not necessarily. While we are constantly recalculating our budgetary needs at different stages of life, each stage requires a totally different money strategy. For instance, in our 20s we can take on more risk because if an investment goes south, we have more time to make up that loss. As we get closer to retirement age, we cannot afford to take on as much risk with our investments. Usually, we’ve accumulated more money at this older stage and putting that ‘life savings’ in too aggressive of an investment would not be a wise move. In our 30s we might be dealing with childcare expenses and during retirement years, we might need more of an income generating strategy.
AGE AND MONEY
BY: SHARI VILCHEZ-BLATT
I would definitely recommend that if you are in some type of high interest debt to get out of that as soon as humanly possible. If your debt is charging you 20% interest for example, just paying that off is like making 20% return on an investment. Debt will weigh you down both mentally and physically. Even if you can’t pay off the entire amount, you can chip away one chunk at a time. You may even be able to call your creditors and negotiate better terms because at the end of the day, they would rather have some money now than wait years to get paid back.
A big issue is people think they can only start investing or thinking about future finances if they have a ton of money…
I want people to know that they don’t need a windfall of money to start. Even just $50-$100 a month is better than nothing. It’s the habit that’s important. Think of your saving/investing habit like a muscle you need to strengthen and flex through practice. Get in the habit of putting away a percentage of your earnings every time. The more you do this, the more natural and automatic it will feel to you. Tiny fragments of
“JUST LIKE IT’S NEVER TOO LATE TO START MOVING YOUR BODY, IT’S NEVER TOO LATE TO START INVESTING.”
investments add up over time like grains of rice. Before you know it, you have a decent amount to work with.
Having said that, I would not recommend risking your hard-earned money on risky investments that you don’t know a lot about. Start with an index fund like SPY, SPYG or VOO. These index funds track the biggest stocks in the market and allow you to participate in the big players without having to invest in individual stocks, which can be a bit riskier. The most important step is the first one. Don’t wait until you have a ton of money lying around. “I have so much extra money, I don’t know what to do with it...” said no one ever!
Is it ever “too late” to start saving/investing?
Just like it’s never too late to start moving your body, it’s never too late to start investing. True, earlier is better, but being on top of your financial situation is part of a healthy lifestyle. Money stress is still stress and it is not good for our overall health and well-being.
Best financial advice anyone ever gave you?
Live below your means. It still holds true. I started investing when I was 16 and someone told me then: Don’t think about what you might make, instead make sure you’ll be ok with what you might lose.
Arthritis continued from page 15
yoga can also help to lift our mood and can help change our mindset.
Do you have any success stories?
So many! There was one situation in a Yoga for Arthritis class at the Johns Hopkins Clinic with a patient who had a systemic inflammatory form of arthritis called rheumatoid arthritis, but she believed that she had osteoarthritis. The treatments are completely different, and she was not receiving the medical treatment that she needed. She was middleaged and very disabled. She had a very difficult time getting around, let alone engaging in a physical yoga practice.
She was able to get down to the floor with some difficulty but could not get back up to standing on her own. One day, I walked over to support her and reached out my hand, and she waved me off without saying anything. It was clear that she wanted to do this herself. And so she was leaning forward, had one foot up, one knee down, struggling, but was finally able to bring herself up to standing. I was nervous about everybody staring at her struggling to get up, but as soon as she got to standing, the whole room burst out in applause.
It was such an important moment for her. It was the first time that she had been able to get up from the floor in as long as she could remember, and it also emphasizes the importance of community and support in that experience.
If there were someone reading this that is suffering from arthritis and is looking at yoga as a potential means to help themselves, are there any pieces of advice?
Something you can do immediately by yourself, without any assistance, is to breathe in a way that can help to manage pain. We all have experiences in our lives of using our breath to manage pain. We do it automatically, and don’t even think about it. An obvious example for anyone who has gone through child-
“I THINK THAT IT’S UNFORTUNATE THAT IN OUR SOCIETY, WE TEND TO DEVALUE THE WISDOM OF OLDER PEOPLE. WE HAVE A LOT OF WORK TO DO TO CHANGE THAT SOCIETALLY, BUT WE CAN CHANGE THAT OURSELVES BY APPRECIATING OUR OWN WISDOM AS WE AGE, BY SEEING ALL THAT WE GAIN INSTEAD OF ONLY LOOKING AT WHAT WE LOSE.”
birth, because you definitely are using your breath for pain management there.
We can shift our energy by changing how we breathe. If you put a hand on your belly and a hand on your chest, you should notice that as you breathe in, your whole torso expands, and as you breathe out, it softens. The first thing is, if your belly doesn’t move when you breathe, change that. Some of us who are feeling stressed are breathing high up into the chest, we’re holding tension in our abdomen as a coping strategy, we’re not getting the benefit of full deep breathing. So that’s one way to start, just take deeper breaths, allow your belly to move.
Another way is to slow down the exhale. Take a deep breath in and then let it out nice and slow, it helps to take us out of stress response into relaxation response. Stress makes pain worse, and pain makes stress worse. If we start breathing more deeply, and especially lengthening that exhale when we’re feeling stressed or when we’re feeling pain, you can feel an immediate shift in your state of being with just that simple technique. If there’s one thing that you’re going to do, it is to breathe more deeply.
If you also want to get started with a yoga practice, with that whole big toolbox of postures and breathing practices, mindfulness, meditation, relaxation, applied philosophy, and all of the rest, you’re going to want a teacher. You want to look for a teacher who has training
and experience working with people who have different needs, who have physical limitations. It can be called a lot of different things, yoga for seniors, chair yoga, or gentle yoga, but instead of just going by what the name of the yoga class is, contact the studio and ask, “Hey, I have arthritis. It’s hard for me to get down to the floor. Is this class appropriate for me?” Or, “I’m new to yoga, I’m a little bit older. Do you have a class that would be a good place to start?” If you can’t find a class that’s right for you, you might want to start one-on-one with a yoga teacher
Arthritis continued from page 68
or a yoga therapist who can help you learn the basic skills of how to practice yoga at home, or how to go into a yoga class and know and keep yourself safe no matter what the instruction is that’s being provided.
If you try a class and it is not a good fit, don’t assume that there is no yoga for you. It’s the same when you go to a medical visit and you think “this is not a good fit.” You don’t give up on medical care, you go find someone else.
Is there anything else that you would like to share on the topic of “celebrating age.”
I think that it’s unfortunate that in our society, we tend to devalue the wisdom of older people. We have a lot of work to do to change that societally, but we can change that ourselves by appreciating our own wisdom as we age, by seeing all that we gain instead of only looking at what we lose. We’re gaining far more than we’re losing as we get older, and we can be such an asset to our families, to our communities.
In yoga, there is this idea of different stages of life. And as we get older, we move from growing and developing as individuals to creating families, creating careers or creating households. Then we move into this stage of life that is stepping back and passing the torch to the next generation. Being mentors, being guides, being spiritually wise, intellectually wise. No matter what, you have a unique perspective to offer. Yoga provides a model for how we can show up as we get older in a way that is fulfilling to us and also useful to the world.
Age & Brain continued from page 22
Birth Doula continued from page 26
Learn more: arthritis.yoga
“From
a yogic perspective, aging is not viewed as a disease, but as a natural process
that reflects the cyclical nature of life. In yoga philosophy, the body is seen as a temporary vessel for the soul and the aging process as part of the soul’s journey.”
garnered increasing attention in scientific circles and popular culture over the last few decades, with scientific research toward regenerative therapies leading to the belief that aging can be treated, if not reversed.
From a yogic perspective, aging is not viewed as a disease, but as a natural process that reflects the cyclical nature of life. In yoga philosophy, the body is seen as a temporary vessel for the soul and the aging process as part of the soul’s journey. Rather than focusing solely on prolonging life, yogic teachings emphasize living in harmony with nature, cultivating mindfulness and embracing the stages of life with acceptance and grace. Aging, in this context, is not something to be feared or fought against but something to be approached with inner peace and spiritual growth. The focus is on vitality, wisdom, and balance rather than on an extended lifespan, with the ultimate aim being the realization of one's true self.
Ultimately, aging is not something to fear or fix, but a natural and beautiful part of life. By changing the way we think about it and practicing self-love and acceptance, we can approach the process with empowerment and wisdom, living fully in each stage of our limited time here on Earth.
Learn more: mantraskin.co
As a researcher, I delve into the nuances of care to tailor support that aligns with each family's unique needs, culture, and values. Above all, I am a space holder, creating a safe, nurturing, and sacred environment where birthing individuals can embrace their power, vulnerability, and intuition.
This work is a profound honor — blending tradition, care, and advocacy to ensure that every person’s journey into parenthood is supported, respected, and celebrated.
Share with us a favorite memory working in your field.
Some of my favorite memories stem from building my own company, AV STUDIOS LLC, a multi-faceted platform that serves as an umbrella for my passions and expertise. Through this venture, I’ve had the privilege of operating as a high-level wellness content creator, witnessing the growth and flourishing of my doula families, and serving as a thought leader in bringing traditional birth work into non-traditional spaces. Each facet of this work reflects my commitment to innovation, community, and holistic support, creating meaningful impact in every space I touch.
What advice would you give anyone looking to become a birth doula?
I highly recommend studying with a midwife or an organization that offers a robust curriculum centered on birth justice and traditional care. Some training programs are also culturally specific, providing an invaluable opportunity for BIPOC individuals to learn within a lineage that honors and uplifts their culture and ancestors. This approach not only deepens your knowledge but also fosters a meaningful connection to the traditions and values that shape your identity and practice.
Learn more: amandagloriavaldes.com
Jill Miller continued from page 25
Ihad this disconnection from myself. So I confessed to my yoga teacher that I was bulimic, and that I felt numb in my abs. She showed me a prop that they use in the Iyengar space that looks like a hamburger bun stuffed with sand. She said, “put it on your belly and lay down and breathe into it.” It was absolute agony. But I finally felt. The pain that emerged connected the dots for me about what I was doing to myself with the bulimia. I started to wake up every morning and roll up a hand towel (which was a lot gentler than this bean bag) and I would lay on the towel and move it around my abdomen. What ended up happening was I was able to move beyond the bulimia. I attribute a lot of that in part to creating this connection from my guts, my heart, and my mind. The self-massage work has been instrumental for being able to locate myself and being able to locate my emotions. In the context of practice, I am practicing as safely as possible. But also while in myself and not bypassing myself or continuing to objectify myself the way I used to.
That’s an incredible story and very inspiring. I appreciate you sharing that. Can you explain to the reader what self-myofascial release is?
Self-myofascial release is using a tool to attempt to improve gliding motions between tissues, to improve overall mobility, eliminate pain, address muscle imbalances and improve one’s proprioception (the ability to know where you are in space). I use self-myofascial release to help people improve their embody map, which is that body’s sense of itself. This concretizing of your soma, your anatomy, so that you can be a better participant with what you intend with your movements. The self-myofascial release that I teach is called Roll Model Method®. I use soft, pliable rubber balls of different sizes to help people locate tissues, improve mobility, and transform pain. This is the work that I teach to clinicians, to sports and athletics
communities, to the general population, people that don’t like yoga, people that love yoga. All sorts of people can benefit from self-myofascial release.
“...I WAS ABLE TO MOVE BEYOND THE BULIMIA. I ATTRIBUTE A LOT OF THAT IN PART TO CREATING THIS CONNECTION FROM MY GUTS, MY HEART, AND MY MIND. THE SELF-MASSAGE WORK HAS BEEN INSTRUMENTAL FOR BEING ABLE TO LOCATE MYSELF AND BEING ABLE TO LOCATE MY EMOTIONS.”
Because the science behind anatomy and movement changes so rapidly, how do you adjust your training and teaching to align with the new information? What are your thoughts on the people who challenge the effectiveness of rolling?
When people challenge the effectiveness, it’s really easy to counter because we have evidence. In the fascia research community, we’ve moved on from a lot
of terms. For example, a lot of people get caught up in this term, “adhesions.” That’s really not frequently used anymore. We’ll hear people talk about agglomerations or lack of gliding or true visceral adhesions, but people don’t really talk about adhesions in a musculoskeletal way very often anymore. That is a term that I used to use because that’s what was used a decade ago. My book, The Roll Model, was written when that term was popular, but in the new book, Body By Breath, I have been able to update those terms and try to continue to evolve. Science is as much an art as it is a science, so we have to keep updating our terms and explain what we mean.
What is your recommendation for women over 40 who want to maintain longevity in their fitness routine and everyday life?
I am a manual movement medicine person! I believe (and the research shows) that load bearing exercise is so important for the aging body, especially with women over 40. The loss of estrogen is deleterious for every system of the body. However, you are working with the symptoms that come along with the disappearance of estrogen in your system, there is no good reason to not do load bearing exercise to continuously stress your muscles so that they stay healthy. We lose our fast twitch muscle fibers at a very fast rate as we age. We also lose our ability to generate power, which weakens the muscles and weakens the bones, so our connective tissues stiffen,
and we are more likely to have ruptures and tears. It’s important to do load bearing exercise that is likely beyond yoga. Yoga is important for whole body motion as well as stability. It’s incredible as a mind-body exercise to enhance focus and induce the relaxation response.
The aging body also needs self-myofascial release. Self-massage can get into nooks and crannies of the body that, unbeknownst to you, aren’t being moved by your exercise. Therapy balls can create motion where motion is not occurring well and can also help you update your mind’s ability to connect to your tissues so you can get a more robust contraction. There’s really great evidence about rolling being able to improve a muscle’s ability to create torque or force generation as well as improving your body’s proprioception. Slips and falls are the highest leading cause of hip fractures, and hip fractures are the leading cause of death in aging bodies. We want ankles that move well, and we want to have good reactive hips and strong bones in those hips, so if we do fall, we are less likely to fracture.
Is there anything else you like to share with the readers?
My newer book, Body by Breath is all about that journey through the gut to embodiment. What I realized when I started to teach these methods to other people is that I got lucky because I healed my eating disorder. But these were applications that ended up helping people with neck pain, with asthma, with chronic shoulder pain, and with low back pain. There were so many varieties of people that were helped by doing these types of gut, massage, rib cage massage applications, and now I see it’s really quite an endless side-effect free application. The traction just blows me away. This simple thing. This sad little bulimic girl laying down in her dorm room trying to wrestle with what she was struggling with, but there is this universal application that is way beyond what I thought.
Learn more: tuneupfitness.com
40s Friends continued from page 63
“AGING
IS GROWTH AND COMING TO AN UNDERSTANDING OF YOURSELF. WE ALL SHARE AGING AS IT'S WHAT WE ALL GO THROUGH. IF WE ARE FORTUNATE TO GET OLDER, IT'S SOMETHING WE ALL SHARE. IT’S A COLLECTIVE EXPERIENCE, PART OF THE BIGGER CONTINUUM OF LIFE.”
and retirement plans, as no one really expressed how important that was. Now she looks at other adults and notices they have savings or investments, and she told me she would like to be financially stable.
Joneé: Wishes people talked about age as a journey, and a self-discovery rather than something to dread, then maybe we would have all arrived at 40 in a different mindset, not something to fight against. Women always want to hide their age and be young forever, rather than celebrate getting older.
What should we celebrate in our 40s?
Amber: “I don’t tolerate the BS anymore, I’m not catering as much to others and I’m working on setting my boundaries, prioritizing my peace and self-care more.” She realized that prioritizing ourselves comes much later in life, but “this is what helps with getting older as you have to pay attention and push yourself to take care of your own self.”
She also shared, she feels more free and cares less about pleasing people. She is here to take care of herself and her family, because that’s what matters most.
Joneé: Has an appreciation for quality over quantity, being intentional with her friendships and career goals. Strengthening those relationships that will be with her long term. She said she is “celebrating a deeper self-awareness, level of peace and confidence, and knowing career and purpose alignment comes with experience and age.” She said she
is embracing the idea of balance, as her younger self was always on the go, so now she establishes boundaries and holds firm to them.
Crissy : Has become more of a homebody, choosing to say no to invitations more. She now picks and chooses what she would like to do, not doing everything, such as she did back in her 30s. She shared she also feels wiser and ready to share her wisdom with those younger, and her biggest celebration is taking better care of her skin now so she can age gracefully.
As for me, I know I’m celebrating all the boundaries I have set and the healing I have done over the past few years. Using the knowledge I have gained, I feel better about who I am and the choices I am making in my life. Maybe this 45 isn’t so bad after all. Amber did remind me, “You get older, you get wiser. You're learning more.” I’m also holding onto something Joneé said to me, “Aging is growth and coming to an understanding of yourself. We all share aging as it's what we all go through. If we are fortunate to get older, it's something we all share. It’s a collective experience, part of the bigger continuum of life.”
And isn't that what we are all here for? To experience life, at all stages, young and older.
Learn more: wellness13.com
is Not Enough continued from page 13
SOLUTIONS FOR A SUSTAINABLE YOGA PRACTICE
2. REDUCED MUSCLE MASS AND STRENGTH
Known as sarcopenia, the loss of muscle mass and strength is common with aging. This loss of muscle mass brings with it a reduction of our metabolic rate, and increased body fat.
3. SLOWER RECOVERY TIMES
Older bodies generally take longer to recover from physical exertion. This slower recovery can lead to overtraining and increased risk of injury if not properly managed. Doing long, grueling workouts every day will now lead to injury.
4. DECREASED BONE
DENSITY
With age, bone density often decreases, increasing the risk of fractures and falls. This change necessitates special attention to maintaining bone health through physical activity.
As you integrate these practices into your life, you will find that it’s important to exercise six days per week. On the days you lift, you may skip vinyasa yoga and add static stretching or self-massage. On your vinyasa yoga days, you may add 10,000 steps. The idea is that your aging body will crave variety and stay happy when you mix things up and adapting to these changes has transformed my yoga practice into a more holistic and sustainable routine. By integrating these supplemental practices, and doing less vinyasa yoga, I have been able to address the physical challenges of aging while continuing to enjoy the benefits of yoga. This approach has not only enhanced my physical health, but also provided me with a deeper understanding of how to care for my body as it evolves.
For those of you in the second half of life, I encourage you to embrace these changes with a proactive mindset. Healthy aging is all about staying pain-free while remaining active. Your yoga practice can remain a powerful tool for well-being, provided it is adjusted to meet your body’s new needs. By incorporating strength training, cardio, restorative practices, and mindful adjustments to your training program, you can maintain a vibrant and fulfilling yoga practice well into the future.
Remember, yoga is not just about the poses—it’s about nurturing your body and mind through every stage of life. By adapting your practice thoughtfully, you can continue to reap the rewards of yoga while honoring the unique needs of your aging body.
Learn more: jaiyogashala.com
ADDRESSING DECREASED FLEXIBILITY
To counteract the effects of fascial rigidity, incorporate a comprehensive warm-up routine before your yoga practice. You can experiment with gentle dynamic stretches, mobility exercises, a brisk walk or slow jog, and breathwork to prepare the body and enhance flexibility. You can also try walking 10,000 steps per day, six days a week. This will keep your fascia from getting sticky, and maintain hip extension, while enhancing your basal metabolic rate. Walking is low impact and low cost, while providing high yield, high return on your investment. Walking 10,000 steps per day will keep the heart, your body’s engine running smoothly as you age.
Additionally, use myofascial release techniques, such as foam rolling, to maintain fascial elasticity. Self-massage is an incredible form of self-care and maintenance.
COMBATING REDUCED MUSCLE MASS AND STRENGTH
The aging yogi must incorporate weight-bearing poses that involve weight-bearing on the arms and legs. Longer holds for downward dogs, planks, warrior asanas, and tree pose stimulate bone growth and strength. Bringing in resistance bands to warm up the body with rows and pulling motions, and doing core work before the start of your yoga sessions would be incredible for adding strength and toning up the body holistically. Perhaps warm up longer, and cut the length of your yoga practice to strike the balance between stability and flexibility.
MANAGING SLOWER RECOVERY
Master sleep. Get eight hours of it. Go to bed and wake up at the same time to tune the circadian rhythm of the organs. Proper rest will enhance the functioning of your androgenic hormones, which help you to recover from training sessions. You can also incorporate restorative yoga practices, such as Yin Yoga and Yoga Nidra, to facilitate deeper relaxation and recovery. To resist the pull of gravity, you will have to engage in positive habits. Getting older can be paired with increasing wisdom and refinement of our personality.
MAINTAINING
BONE DENSITY
Lift heavy things in a variety of planes. Kettlebells, dumbbells, and medicine balls are great, but bodyweight exercises like high-rep air squats, push ups, and assisted pull-ups will do the trick. In the second half of life, frailty is a disease. Lift. Heavy. Things! Two 30-minute weight lifting sessions per week will extend your health span, and help to keep you on the yoga mat well into your golden years.
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