Tao Porchon-Lynch loved yoga, and she wasn’t going to let three hip replacements stop her. When she was introduced to the practice back in 1926, she was told it was not ladylike and that she should let it go. Instead, she stood up to the naysayers and build her life on what made her happy. 

I believe that if you live a centered life, your goals become realities. Yoga is a unique practice and it may not be for everyone, but trying new things is what life is all about.

Tao Porchon-Lynch

A Jack of All Trades

For years, she was a sought-after yoga master and inspired people around the world with her youthful enthusiasm.

Don’t think she limited herself to yoga either. The former model and actress was also an author, winning an IPPY Award and three International Book Awards for her autobiography, Dancing Light: The Spiritual Side of Being Through the Eyes of a Modern Yoga Master. She even decided to pick up ballroom dancing at the young age of 87. After auditioning for America’s Got Talent in 2015, she earned a standing ovation.

I credit my active life, enjoying little luxuries I love, as well as my mindset, for my energy and happiness … I always look for the good and my next adventure.

Tao Porchon-Lynch

An Ambassador for Women

Who says a girl can’t do what a boy can do? Tao didn’t accept that back in the 1920s and, quite frankly, never did. In 2016, Athleta launched their Power of She campaign to empower young girls. The idea was to encourage girls to be unafraid, to step outside of gender roles, and to let loose their potential.  In all honesty, women of all ages, not just girls, could use some encouragement. It didn’t take long for Athleta to turn to Tao, a fearless partner, as an ambassador for the campaign.

Women have the power to nurture our world and inspire others to be fearless. Like dawn wipes out the darkness of ignorance, women radiate the beauty of life.

Tao Porchon-Lynch

A Role Model for All

Let’s face it. Tao Porchon-Lynch was a role model for off of us. She taught us to be resilient, to be unafraid, to live a simple life. Age and gender are just labels. Do not be bound by them. Instead, find what makes you happy and go with the flow.

It is far more important to spread the word that regardless of your age, you can do anything your heart desires. There’s no such thing as being too old.

Tao Porchon-Lynch

Tao Porchon-Lynch passed away peacefully at 101 years of age on February 21, 2020. She will be missed.

Tao Porchon-Lynch quotes courtesy of Athleta and Shape Magazine.