Last Interview with Mary Cavanaugh
Beloved Yoga Teacher and TV Celebrity passed away at the age of 84-yrs old, shortly after she recorded her final yoga TV shows and videos.
Do you need to take a secret elixir or drink Starbucks
all day long to maintain a healthy energy level? How can some folks keep up the pace, and others can't?
We asked Mary some thought-provoking questions that we know many others would like to ask. We
caught up with her on a
sunny San Diego day and here is what she shared with us:
What is your diet like?
I don't believe in abstaining from anything. Moderation is the key for me. I never want to feel deprived. Heck,
after living 83 years, I should be able to do just about anything I want. But, I do try to eat as many fruits and
vegetables daily as I can. I have been a vegetarian for some time because meat doesn't
sit well with me, but I still like my sweets and coffee.
Do you take any kind of vitamins or supplements?
I used to take a multi-vitamin, some extra calcium and Vitamin C when I was run down. But I discovered that you can
get all of the necessary nutrients you need through fruits and vegetables. Only problem is, I don't always get
my 5-7 servings, so I take a whole-food
supplement. It is made up of 17+ fruits and veggies
and it gives me everything I need to keep up my busy pace.
How did you start yoga?
I fell off a horse when I was in my 20's and every since then, I have had problems with my back. I went to many
doctors, and surgery was recommended quite alot. There was no way I wanted to go that route. I was
in my 40's when I realized I had to do something.
Yoga was not in the mainstream in the 60's like it is today, but it made sense to me. The body really can heal
itself - so I opted for a more natural, gentle approach rather than something drastic. And I've
been doing yoga ever since.
Why did you want to record a yoga video at the age of 81? Shouldn't you be knitting in your
rocking chair?
Laugh! That's just not me, I like new challenges and keeping busy. I started our company, YogaJP,
for the sole purpose of helping improve the quality of
life for seniors and folks that feel
hopeless about their ability to ever experience the physical enjoyment of body movement again. Yoga is
a big part of what our company is about because it is what has kept me healthy and active for many years.
But, we also try to share lifestyle and nutrition information, because Yoga alone will not solve
all your physical and mental issues.
Life is meant to be experienced fully and happily - but if you feel bad, you are cheating yourself out
of alot of happiness.
What is the number one thing you attribute to your good physical condition and healthy state of mind?
A positive attitude! Life has its ups and downs. I have had my share of them - both physically with multiple surgeries, and
mentally with financial and business issues. But, I've learned that I have created the life I have and only
I have the control to change it. And that's what I share to all of you - if you don't like your life or physical
condition, take the first step to making a change. You will feel proud of yourself! And that's the
beginning of positive change.
