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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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“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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Stay connected with Robert Sturman’s work on Facebook.
Daily posts to inspire.
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{Happy Birthday, Tao!}
Add your wishes to this virtual birthday card in the comments. Tao will be reading them.
More Rebelle...
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Marilyn Harding Joyeux anniversaire to a Grande Dame! Like · Reply · 4 hours ago
Jemima Carter Lovely lady happy birthday xx Like · Reply · 4 hours ago via mobile
Heather Owens Happy Birthday Tao! Your radiance and grace are an inspiration to me! Wishing you a happy b-earth-day much love to you Like · Reply · 4 hours ago via mobile
Sarah Cookie Colesanti Happy Birthday fellow Leo! Om Shanti! Like · Reply · 1 · 8 hours ago via mobile
Melissa Powerhouse Perkins Happiest of Birthdays to you Master Tao! I simply adore every single photo of you that Robert Sturman has shared. Keep being fabulous! Like · Reply · about an hour ago
Betsy Cates Calvin Wow!!! What an inspiration. Have a wonderful Birthday!!! Check this out Connie Allen Pease!!!! And she loves wine….. Like · Reply · 2 hours ago · Edited
Audra Williams Happy Birthday! You are an inspiration! Like · Reply · 4 hours ago
Janna Barkin I mean purple next time…. Happy Birthday!! Like · Reply · 5 hours ago via mobile
Janna Barkin Purple Like · Reply · 5 hours ago via mobile
Betsy Wenzel Marple Have a wonderful birthday, Goddess of Life and Inspiration! Like · Reply · 5 hours ago
Suzan Monell What a true inspiration! Happy birthday Tao! Like · Reply · 6 hours ago via mobile
Kara Coleman Oh my word, how supremely beautiful! Happy Birthday, Tao! Like · Reply · 6 hours ago via mobile
Anayra Calderon Happy birthday! A true inspiration to all. Like · Reply · 6 hours ago via mobile
Eva Hargis Happy birthday Tao and thank you for your inspiration. I am turning 56 in October and I feel differently regarding my fitness and yoga practice than I did (of course) even in my 40’s and start to feel sorry for myself, but then I see you all elegant and strong and realize that could be me too one day. (plus I guess I am still a baby!) Rock on! Like · Reply · 1 · 7 hours ago via mobile
Pamela Pam Happy Birthday! You are a beautiful inspiration! ~namaste~ Like · Reply · 7 hours ago
Linda Milagros Violago Happy Birthday, goddess! Like · Reply · 8 hours ago
Lisa Ferry What an inspiration – this is a truly beautiful woman. How I would love to meet her! Happiest of birthdays today! Like · Reply · 8 hours ago via mobile
Jeneen Surad Hagerty Happy birthday! You continue to inspire us with your beauty and grace! Like · Reply · 8 hours ago
Donna Ng Happy birthday, Tao! You spread so much light and happiness through the world through these images of joy and strength. Thank you. Like · Reply · 8 hours ago via mobile
Lisa Molino Lovely! She radiates beauty and yes, I love the ones with the young man too. She is so flirtatious! I adore the sparkle in her eyes in all of them, but especially those with him and the last one. Like · Reply · 8 hours ago via mobile
Deborah Fischer Happy birthday Tao ! Like · Reply · 8 hours ago
Dina Kennedy wow. Wow, wow, wow! How beautiful and what an inspiration! I vote for GOLD next time! Like · Reply · 1 · 8 hours ago
Kathryn Pettit Owen Like · Reply · about an hour ago
Connie Allen Pease I have her picture on my refrigerator . She is amazing !! Hope to be teaching in my 90’s. and drinking wine too :)) Happy Birthday beautiful yogi !! Like · Reply · about an hour ago via mobile
Ann Liburdy Henrie Happy Birthday, beautiful lady. Oh, to be you! Like · Reply · 2 hours ago
Tiara Parafiniuk I am so inspired by this beautiful being! Lovely photos indeed:) Thank you! Like · Reply · 2 hours ago
Stephanie Stepp What beautiful and inspiring photos!! I think she would look lovely in PURPLE!! Like · Reply · 2 hours ago
Victoria Dompé-Evans Happy Birthday! You are an inspiration. Like · Reply · 2 hours ago via mobile
Sarie Booy Lovely! and Hopeful! Like · Reply · 2 hours ago
Lisa O’Meara Happy Birthday sage! Like · Reply · 2 hours ago via mobile
Deborah Linn Ackerman Blessings to an inspirational person and a very happy birthday wish!! Like · Reply · 3 hours ago via mobile
Shannon Malolepszy Happy Birthday beautiful Lady! You are such an inspiration!! Like · Reply · 3 hours ago
Heidi Wallace You are an inspiration, I will be 54 in September and have only been doing Yoga for 2 years. Sometimes I think it’s too late but I love the way I feel when I do Yoga, so I’m going to continue learning. Happy Birthday and Namaste! Like · Reply · 3 hours ago via mobile
Red Door Studios Gorgeous! and in-spiring! Happy birthday dear one! Like · Reply · 3 hours ago
Kimberly Ai Happy Birthday. You are such a inspiration to all of us. Like · Reply · 3 hours ago via mobile
Doreen Lim Happy Birthday all the way from Malaysia. You are an inspiration to me. You make feel young at 60. Like · Reply · 3 hours ago
Shelley FishHead Roberts Hutton Happiest of birthdays Tao! xoxox Like · Reply · 4 hours ago
Melissa Camper Like · Reply · 4 hours ago
Lynne Killey Kennedy I just posted in my organic skin care circle. Quite an inspiring spirit. Happy Bee Day wild thing. Like · Reply · 4 hours ago
Elena Felicio Haaaappy happy Birthday, Beautiful Lady! Like · Reply · 4 hours ago
Tasha Franklin Rockin in at 95! Top Lady! Like · Reply · 4 hours ago via mobile
Anne Kirchgraber-Mckee this is so lovely, and strong and awesome!!!!!!!!!! thanks for sharing! Like · Reply · 4 hours ago
Melissa Blaiklock Happy birthday to my inspiration! You are beautiful! Like · Reply · 4 hours ago via mobile
Vera Ramirez Happy~~Happy….Birthday~~to *You….** Like · Reply · 5 hours ago via mobile
Sharon Laveson what an awesome dress! Like · Reply · 5 hours ago
Nanette Lanin Happy Birthday beauty! Like · Reply · 5 hours ago
Taryn Calhoun Salinas Happy rockin birthday! Like · Reply · 5 hours ago via mobile
Lela Mavroudis xxx Like · Reply · 5 hours ago
Marva Fitzwater-Moore Happy Birthday Tao! My vote is purple for your fall shoot with Tao. Like · Reply · 6 hours ago via mobile
Vu Ng Happy Birthday to master Tao Porchon- Lynch ! Like · Reply · 6 hours ago
Taylor Moffitt awe, inspiration and love in it’s highest form. Happy Birthday Tao! Like · Reply · 6 hours ago via mobile
Laurie Soltzer Horowitz Even more beautiful than when we first met so many years ago practicing yoga in a basement! Wishing you a very happy and healthy birthday! Like · Reply · 6 hours ago
Kris Anderson Leon Happy Birthday, Bella Tao! You express love and inspire so many! Peace, Light, and Love ~Namaste~ Like · Reply · 6 hours ago via mobile
Priya J Prasad Happy birthday Tao..u inspire me Like · Reply · 6 hours ago via mobile
Glenda Lalwani Like · Reply · 6 hours ago
Lin Ostler Good on ya, friend! I’m turning 67 this week and still maintain 12 yoga classes a week. Been sharing/guiding Yoga for over 40 years o n g o i n g. In 30 years, I’ll be the new you! {Inshallah} Like · Reply · 6 hours ago
Jane Vogel Happy Birthday, Tao! Like · Reply · 6 hours ago via mobile
Chira Cassel happy birthday, Tao! We are all celebrating with you. Like · Reply · 7 hours ago
Lisbeth Lippert Sweet Birthday Blissins! Saprema! Like · Reply · 7 hours ago
Kahlee Smith Happy Birthday Tao!!! You are just beautiful! Like · Reply · 7 hours ago
Kahlee Smith Happy Birthday Tao!!! You are just beautiful! Like · Reply · 7 hours ago
Eduardo Ocasio Happy Birthday, Great Picture. She made the red color look amazing!! Like · Reply · 7 hours ago
Kimberly Jean Fortin Beautiful! Like · Reply · 7 hours ago
Tanya Tecce Happy happy birthday Great Lioness Thank You Like · Reply · 7 hours ago via mobile
Susan White Lovely. Enjoy the day. Like · Reply · 7 hours ago
Robin Rose Happy Birthday beautiful Lady! Like · Reply · 7 hours ago
Rita Theis Happy Birthday, Tao.Keep ballroom dancing and teaching yoga. You’re beautiful and awesome. A real inspiration to everyone! Like · Reply · 7 hours ago
Alta LekkerYoga Happy birthday Tao! You are lovely – I hope to stay as cool as you Hope your day is WONDERFILLED! Like · Reply · 7 hours ago
Janet Warnock MacFarlane Happy Birthday! Your joy and beauty are inspiring! Cheers! Like · Reply · 8 hours ago
Sasha Layton What an awesome, fabulous, inspiring woman….and stunning photos Robert. Like · Reply · 8 hours ago
Tracy Rodriguez Forbes Gorgeous photos! Like · Reply · 8 hours ago
Witti Naval Inspired! Happy Birthday yogini Tao! Like · Reply · 8 hours ago
Madelaine Enochs-Epley These photos are priceless. I have many favorites but Im very fond of is the one of her with young man and she looks completely timeless, ageless. I love your work. Like · Reply · 8 hours ago via mobile
Nadi Golberg really nice! and Happy Bday! Like · Reply · 8 hours ago · Edited
Susan Fernald Happy 95th birthday! Namaste….. Like · Reply · 8 hours ago via mobile
Tranquil Bern Beautiful and inspirational! Thank you and Happy Birthday. Like · Reply · 8 hours ago
Suzanne Willett The most wonderful of birthdays to you, Tao! Like · Reply · 8 hours ago via mobile
Claire Denise Pickin Happy 95th Birthday!! She looks wonderful, I have a lady in my class who turned 95 last month and she is still doing shoulder stand and plough with gusto, such an inspiration to us all x Like · Reply · 8 hours ago
Nadia Silva Amazing! Like · Reply · 8 hours ago
Zeeva Natasha Zazhinne Happy Birthday Beautiful Lady! I so admire you–I want ot be like you when I grow up! MUCH LOVE LIGHT & GRATITUDE for the INSPIRATION! Zeeva Like · Reply · 2 hours ago
VIA http://www.facebook.com/RebelleSociety:
Rebecca Wegley Alex 10 hours ago via mobile · Like · 1
Sally Lee We had a yoga teacher in Rishikesh, India who was 103 in 2011, just to share the longevity accolades! http://www.omshanti-om.com/teachers1.html Swami YoganandaMaharajJi was born on 14th September 1908 in Madhya Pradesh. Swam…See More 10 hours ago · Like · 2 · Remove Preview
Alicja Syska I want to be this lady 10 hours ago via mobile · Like · 1
Cathy Reddy Such feminine radiance, inspirational. 9 hours ago via mobile · Like · 1
Michelle Zava Beautiful 8 hours ago · Like
Lisa Molino Happy birthday to you Tao – you are the epitome of grace and elegance. Thank you for sharing a bit of you with Robert. It was such a lovely pleasure to see the pictures and I look forward to seeing the next set! You are so lovely! 8 hours ago via mobile · Like · 1
Wanda Herron Happy Birthday, Tao. You are my inspiration. The joy you exude becomes my joy as well. Blessings to you. 7 hours ago · Like · 1
Michele Gold Johnson I have seen videos of her dancing. Such an extraordinary and inspiring woman. HapPy, happy birthday! 7 hours ago · Like
Glen Ventura Inspiring.. 6 hours ago · Like
Flame Joyce Simcosby Happy happy birthday!!! 4 hours ago via mobile · Like
Sandra San Happy birthday, Tao!…..you are an inspiration! 4 hours ago via mobile · Like
Karyl Averill Tao is incredible! The most youthful 93 year old I have ever seen! 4 hours ago · Like
Linell Broecker I was going to ask you for some photos of senior yogis and yoginis, and these certainly fill the bill. How beautiful and inspiring. Happy birthday Tao…and many, many more. 4 hours ago · Like
Radha Claudia Montaño Namaste Tao, you radiate so much love and energy! happy birthday!!! Robert thanks for sharing these beautiful pictures 3 hours ago · Like
Judy Frustere Kennedy Beautiful. I suggest gold for this year’s shoot. Happy Birthday to Tao! I already know she’ll have a wonderful day. 3 hours ago · Like
Laura Ostrove Namaste Tao. Now I will never forget you and all the beauty that emanates from your smile and twinkling eyes. Your inspiration will flow from each one of us to all the people we encounter in our lives. Wishing love and joy this day and all of your days! 3 hours ago · Like · 1
Schatzie Goble i am insiped and sending love for a happy birthday celebration 3 hours ago · Like · 1
Tanya Lee Markul Amazing and very inspirational! Beautiful artwork! 2 hours ago · Like
Marcia Salmond Tao I wish you the greatest year of your life.You have shown me I can still move thank you for this gift.I too believe anything is possible.You are as wonderous as the trees as free as the wind and as joyful as the birds.Thank you for the hope you inspire.Love Marsh about an hour ago via mobile · Like
Dea DeMarco I’m inspired. Moved to tears. So beautiful. about an hour ago · Like
Elizabeth Fletcher Happy Birthday Tao! You are so Beautiful! 58 minutes ago · Like
Linda Martin Toncrey Koewers Happy Day!!! You are such an inspiration!! I hope to be an active yogi for the rest of my life, too!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, TAO, FROM ALL THE REBELLE SOCIETY TEAM! THANK YOU FOR SHARING YOUR JOY AND INSPIRING US TO CELEBRATE LIFE.