The first thing you notice about Tao Porchon-Lynch, AKA “the world’s oldest yoga teacher,” is her smile.
But what’s the secret that keeps her this vibrant, and drives her to continue practicing and teaching yoga at age 99 (she turns 100 August 13!)?
“Every morning I wake up and say this is going to be the best day of my life—and it is,” she says. It seems too cliched, too simple, but coming from her, it somehow rings true. Instead of sharing meditation techniques to help you sit in silence, Porchon-Lynch says things like, “My life is my meditation,” and talks about stopping to watch every time a flock of geese flies overhead.
Here are three more insights she shared on how to shift your life towards happiness today. I mean, who better to trust when it comes to life wisdom than this joyful 98-year-old yogi?
Follow her lead and tell yourself it’s going to be great as soon as that alarm goes off. “Wake up with a smile on your face,” she says. Okay, maybe you can wait until after that first cup of coffee.
Originally published August 30, 2016; updated August 9, 2018.
Indra Devi was another yoga trailblazer—check out her seven inspiring tricks for becoming a fearless, happier woman. Or try this yoga sequence to help you face your fears, from Colleen Saidman Yee.