I started yoga a few years ago, knowing absolutely nothing about it. Since then I've learned, mis-learned and gained new perspectives. Today, these are some perspectives on yoga that I hold and assumptions that I've experienced myself or others hold towards yoga that no longer are true to me about what yoga is and isn't.
Wrong: Yoga = ONLY asanas (poses) or exercise
Better: All yoga leads towards the higher goal of meditation. Yoga is a highly spiritual practice for self-development. It does not have to start with or only is, yoga asanas.
Wrong: I am not flexible enough to do yoga Asanas so I cannot do yoga.
Better: Everyone can do yoga, no matter their skill, size, or age. Yoga is supposed to meet the practitioners where they are in their yoga journey. This is different for everybody. You also become more flexible as you practice.
Wrong: I have to wear fancy yoga clothes to do yoga!
Better: ANY clothes you comfortably can move around in ARE yoga clothes! The tight-fit, and often sexualized looks of modern yoga clothing is a part of a multimillion-dollar yoga industry that has nothing to do with traditional yoga and rarely supports Indian or other minority yoga practitioners in the West.
Wrong: I am not good enough if I can't do the full expression of an Asana!
Better: Your yoga practice is not lesser nor are you receiving fewer benefits of a yoga asana for not being able to do the full extension. Yoga meets you where you are. A part of the yoga practice is to learn to let go of your ego as well. Yoga will meet you without expectations or narratives about the result.
Wrong: Yoga is too expensive!
Better: Yoga has historically been for everyone no matter their age, size, socioeconomic status, ethnicity, etc., and doesn't have to cost money. Today, there are free yoga classes online and endless resources to learn from. You do not need fancy clothes, mats, or equipment to practice yoga - just your body and mind. Normal props or tools can be swapped for everyday objects in your home (blocks -> pillows, books. mats -> carpet, towels, duvet, etc., strap -> exercise strap, rope, towel, etc. clothes -> shorts, sweatpants, teeshirts, hoodie, etc. classes -> youtube)
Wrong: Sanskrit, chanting, etc. has no to little place in yoga classes
Better: Sanskrit and chanting belongs in yoga classes. They add depth to the practice and benefit the practitioner. It's the teacher's responsibility to use it and teach it in a way that is approachable for their students.
Wrong: Yoga with puppies, wine, etc. is amazing!
Better: Recognize that yoga with wine is against yogic philosophy and does not belong in a yoga practice. Puppies, goats, etc. are another distraction that instills the idea that yoga alone is not enough in itself, despite yoga being a spiritual practice requiring deep focus on oneself's body and mind.
Wrong: Yoga is for women or too feminine\girly!
Better: Yoga is historically a practice following a lineage and the physiology of men. Despite that, yoga itself is neither feminine nor masculine. Only a few poses are talked about as primarily feminine or masculine. It is only in recent years that women have taken up this priminent space in the yogic world. This has, among others, led to yoga finding different expressions better shaped to the female body. Everyone can do yoga (if you leave your prejudices at the door).
Indian yoga teachers to follow for more information on how to decolonize yoga, appropriation, and philosophy:
- https://www.instagram.com/nikyyoga/
- https://www.instagram.com/tiwariyoga/
- https://www.instagram.com/yogaandmahogany/
- https://www.instagram.com/susannabarkataki/
- https://www.instagram.com/wanderingmat
- https://www.instagram.com/gree_yogabhyasi/
- https://www.instagram.com/shubhangi_chauhan__/
No comments