11.09.2011

STILES & PORCHON-LYNCH: 2 YOGA GENERATIONS



Lately, I've been delving back into the healing, holistic, happy world of yoga. I've had a serious lack of balance in my life since September trying to juggle my demanding school work and a new job. I've had the pleasure of interviewing several yoga instructors from around the city over the past few weeks for an article I'm writing for Prairie Yogi Magazine. They've reminded me why I love practicing yoga.

While doing some research for my article I scrolled through my "go-to" yoga websites. My favourite being Tara Stiles. The coolest, down to earth, even keel, beautiful little soul you'll ever come across on You-Tube. She is an absolute yoga sensation, yet so completely grounded. Stiles is my yoga guru - we hang out in my living room and do sun salutations together. And, yes it still counts even if she is on my Mac Book screen. Technically she is there, otherwise I would be lost!

Stiles owns Strala Yoga Studio in NYC. She has used social media in such a powerful way and now reaches thousands of people everyday, no matter where she is in the world. Stiles has developed an app with Deepak Chopra (Stiles is Chopra's personal yoga teacher), partnered with Jane Fonda and Brooklyn Decker on yoga DVDs and has written best selling books.

Now I'd like to introduce you to my newest yoga guru. Imagine being 93 and having the ability to still touch your toes, not to mention keep up with a yoga class full of 20-somethings? This is Tao Ponchon-Lynch's reality. She is a yoga master and has been practicing yoga since she was a child - before women practiced yoga.

Porchon-Lynch has produced documentary films, worked as an actor in the 40's & 50's, written screenplays, and has over 45 years of experience teaching yoga all over the world. She's also marched with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr and Ghandi. Actually.

So here are my two favourite faces of yoga: Tara Stiles and Tao Porchon-Lynch. Both amazing women brought together by the love and practice of yoga.

4 comments:

  1. I'm so jealous! I'd love to meet her, I admire Tao Porchon Lynch soooo much! What an amazing Lady. Lady being the operative word here!

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  2. Amazing Monique! So inspiring! Thanks for sharing x

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  3. So cool, thanks for the introduction to these great women!

    I recently started doing yoga again after a four month hiatus, and I've loved every minute of it. I've developed a habit of indulging in a post-yoga beer after class, though... probably not the best decision, but oh well!

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