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The World’s Oldest Yoga Teacher Turns 95 Today.

 

“Yoga is a dance within…and then something inside you grows so big, it spills out like champagne, that’s when you dance on the outside.” ~ Tao Porchon-Lynch

Master Tao Porchon-Lynch is a yoga master, ballroom dancer, oenophile (lover of wine) former actress, and, without a doubt, my favorite model/person/woman/yogi in the whole world.

Tao surprised me last year and showed up for a shoot in a gorgeous red dress in New York City’s Central Park, shortly before she officially entered the Guinness Book of World Records, as the oldest living yoga teacher.

The following 16 images are from three separate shoots over the last year and a half. Each time, Tao wore a different color.

She is turning 95 today, August 13. And I just wanted to wish her a Happy Birthday and show her off to you.

I could go on and on about what an inspiring, bright & joyful human being she is, but my job is to tell peoples stories with images. And so, here’s a few from our last three shoots, all taking place at different locations around New England.

Enjoy!

The Red Shoot

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“Nothing is Impossible” ~ Tao’s words after coming out of this pose (reminder: 93 years old)

The Blue Shoot

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Tao with her dance partner, Hayk Balasanyan

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“Autumn is a reminder that while the leaves die and fall,  there will always be Spring, a chance to replenish and be reborn again. We all have the opportunity to replenish ourselves, to be reborn.” ~ Tao at 94

The Green Shoot

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“I never say goodbye, I say, “au revoir.”  Goodbye is so final. ‘Au revoir’ means ‘I will see you again’.” ~ Tao Porchon-Lynch

I’m seeing Tao in October for another autumn foliage shoot.

Any color suggestions for her?

 

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{Happy Birthday, Tao!}

 Add your wishes to this virtual birthday card in the comments. Tao will be reading them.

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Robert Sturman

Robert Sturman

A dedicated Yoga practitioner, photographer Robert Sturman has increasingly focused on capturing the timeless grace and embodied mindfulness of asana in his work. His portraits, whether set in the lively streets of Manhattan, the expansive beaches and canyons of Malibu, the timeless elegance of Walden's New England, or the bleakness of Marin County's San Quentin Prison, remind us that there is beauty everywhere. In Sturman's own words, "I often think of Rumi's words, 'I can't stop pointing to the beauty.' That feels right to me." Sturman's honors include Official Artist of the 47th Annual Grammy Awards, 2010 FIFA World Cup Artist Representing America, and Official Artist 2007 United States Olympics. In 2012 and 2013, Sturman was the subject of two separate New York Times articles celebrating his photographs of Yoga from around the world. You can find out more about Robert’s work at his online studio and connect with him via Facebook and Twitter.
Robert Sturman
Robert Sturman