How Yoga Teacher Training Changed My Life at 74

When Karin Paras retired, she expected to discover a new sense of purpose—but finding it took her somewhere she never imagined. At 74, she enrolled in Kripalu's Online Yoga Teacher Training, stepping far outside her comfort zone and into an experience that transformed her confidence, deepened her self-understanding, and reminded her that it's never too late to begin again.

Karin's Story

Retiring at age 61, I was attempting to write a new chapter for the last quarter of my life. I tried this, that, and the other thing; all fun but not fulfilling in the way that my soul craved. Just about turning 74 had me on the ropes. What next? My soul spoke to me: do something way outside my comfort zone to ensure my brain was working and that I was nourishing and working on self-love. Enter Kripalu’s online Yoga Teacher Training course.

This was my chance to do the big things, the hard things, the things that nourish and guide a person’s soul. I had an old computer, had never “Zoomed,” and hadn’t been in a classroom for 30+ years. Two days after my 74th birthday, I began my Yoga Teacher Training.

My life is so much better for having done this training. My self-confidence skyrocketed. Chris taught me anatomy, Sam provided a philosophy perspective, Monique taught her gentle, beautiful yoga flow. We sang, chanted, and became part of a family. It was one of the most amazing times of my life. If you’re on the fence about enrolling, jump off, pull up, and start the most astounding thing you can do for yourself.

This article was originally published in our Fall 2026 catalog. To view the full interactive digital catalog click here.