Happy Birthday To Me

Yogini Birthday Lunch (me in low-cut black with elbow on table)

Yes, March 5th is my birthday, and I am 63 years old today – oh my! You know I really don’t know what being 63 is supposed to feel like, but it sounds kind of old, and I don’t feel old. It certainly is perspective. I’ve actually heard so many people sound upset that they were about to turn 30. Can you imagine that? But, actually, I like being the age that I am. I enjoy all that I have done and the experiences I’ve had. Feeling the thrill of jumping out of a perfectly good airplane and walking across hot coals are just a couple of the exciting moments I’ve had. I like to inspire others to live their lives to the fullest, and I like to be inspired as well.
I collect stories about seniors who inspire me. I used to be inspired by people who were in their 50’s and 60’s. Now I am inspired by people in their 70’s and older. I want to share some of their stories with you.

Maria Amelia Lopez explained in one of the last entries in her acclaimed online journal, amis95blogspot.com. the name roughly translates as “my 95 years.” That was how old Lopez was when she began positing on her blog. She became a sensation reaching more than 1.5 million readers. Imagine that. She died at age 97. Inspirational!

The Washington Post had a feature story with photo about Tao Porchon- Lynch, an 87 year old yoga teacher who has no trouble coming into the Peacock pose (balancing her body weight on her hands, elbows bent, while suspending her torso and legs extended above the ground.) This is one of the most difficult gravity defying power moves. Inspirational at any age!

At 80, Albert Frere still keeps Europe’s business leaders on their toes. He is a self-made billionaire who is sometimes called the Warren Buffet of Belgium. He is not just an investor, he enjoys human relations and works with empathy. He enjoys food, wine and laughter. He said,” I simply erased the word retirement from my vocabulary.” Inspirational!

Famed ceramist, Beatrice Wood, died at age 105. She worked at her pottery wheel in her Ojai, Ca. home. Often citing “chocolate and young men” as the key to her longevity. In 1986 she published an autobiography entitled “I Shock Myself.” Shortly before she died, in observation of her 105th birthday, Wood presented Titanic director James Cameron with the annual Beatrice Wood Film Award at a party in her studio. Inspirational! Beatrice photo.

And, let us not ever forget Mother Teresa. But, you know we can all be inspirational in our own ways. I love the bumper sticker I've seen a couple of times, "Just Be Nice." I think that says it all.

If you are enjoying reading my blogs, I would be delighted if you would "follow" me and write comments. Thank you. Wishing you much love and many magical moments. Osha

Please check out my yoga dvd and watch a sample video at http://www.yogawithosharay.com/