Last week in my Copy the Pose, Not the Right blog, I shared with you guys the importance of being aware of digital tattoos as well as cross-checking information. I also provided many social media accounts to help motivate and inspire current and future yoga practicers. In today’s post, I am going to dive deeper into the many myths that surround the world of yoga. Many of these myths make people second guess whether yoga is something that they truly believe is worth incorporating in their lives. However that is why I am here! I am going to bring to light the truth and continue to enlighten you all with the many wonderful benefits that yoga has not only brought to my life, but also the lives of others.
Myth 1: Yoga belongs to one religion…
While yoga was created through a religious eye, it does not mean that in order to practice yoga you must also practice a specific religion. In one of my previous blogs, Clear Your Mind and Your Search, I talked about certain pieces of information to stay away from, such as the article by Charisma. I believe that one of the greatest things about yoga, is that you can take from it what you want. Whether you benefit more from the exercise side, the mental side, or even the religious side, yoga allows you to in simple terms, personalize it.
Myth 2: Yoga is only bodily postures…
One thing that I have not touched on much is the fact that there are many forms of yoga. Thus, yoga is more than just a pose. What all these types of yoga have in common though is the idea of common together to find your inner peace and relaxation. So while you may view yoga as just a bodily posture, what you are gaining from this posture is far more deep.
Myth 3: You have to be flexible to do yoga…
Flexibility is by no means a prerequisite for yoga. In fact, one of the greatest things about yoga is that you can start at any level. According to DesignHealth, “Each pose you see has a modification to enable a beginner to ease into each “asana” or posture.” Thus, many instructors provide modifications to poses to ensure that all levels are able to get the most out of it be to make the pose easier or harder.
Myth 4: Yoga is only for young people…
Yoga simply has no limits. In fact, yoga has been seen to help benefit many older populations. According to the Chopra Center, yoga helps improve stability, flexibility, joint health, respiration, high blood pressure, along with many other benefits. While these issues are seen in some young adults, we primarily see these health disparities amongst older populations. So maybe instead of viewing yoga only for young people, we should be encouraging older communities to incorporate it into their lives as well.
Myth 5: Yoga is time-consuming…
Yoga can be however long or short you want it to be. In fact, I often find myself searching for “15 minute yoga sessions” or “30 minute yoga class” online. It is amazing the amount of videos and platforms that are out there to help us make our spare time useful by doing something as wholesome as yoga. One of my favorite yoga platforms is through Peloton Studio. Peloton provides many at home yoga workouts for all types of levels and time-availability.
Myth 6: Yoga is only for women…
There is a huge stigma that surrounds yoga when it comes to the topic of gender. What I think is most important to remember is that there is no sign on a yoga studio’s door saying “No men allowed.” Yoga is very inclusive, but I think that the stigma surrounding this exercise, essentially pushes men away rather than making them feel welcome. What I would suggest understanding is you are a man, is that yoga was actually created by men, some of the greatest instructors have been men, and many professional male athletes have begun to incorporate yoga into their lives. In fact, according to DOYOUYOGA, athletes such as Shaquille O’Neal, Lebron James, Ray Lewis, Kevin Love, and Evan Longoria all practice yoga. So males, do not be afraid to try it out!
Myth 7: You have to be thin to do yoga…
We put enough pressure on ourselves to look a certain way. The thing I love most about yoga, is that I never feel uncomfortable. Except for when my instructors encourage me to try a new and difficult pose! But what I mean is that yoga is inclusive. And let’s not forget that yoga is a workout. It can help improve the tone of many practicers and leave you feeling more confident and relaxed than you have ever been.
Myth 8: Yoga requires expensive tools and apparel…
Do not get my wrong, I am a lover of Lululemon apparel. However, are the most expensive and ‘brand name’ clothing or yoga mats necessary to get the full benefits that yoga provides? No. In fact, if we become too consumed with how we look or what we have, we end up missing the whole purpose of yoga itself. I love what Val Minos, the creator of Alt-Yoga Vibe said. He stated, “Yoga isn’t about the look, it’s about moving the breath through the body and finding a deeper connection with self.”
A common theme that I noticed about all of these myths is that people try to put yoga into a rigid category. Stating that yoga is only this or only that. However, what is important to realize, is that yoga is fluid. You can take or give whatever you want from it and there are no strict guidelines to how you should embrace this natural remedy. What is most important, is to understand that yoga only brings positivity to our lives. Be it through getting in better shape, our minds being more clear, or even just relaxing us through stressful moments. Yoga is always here to help guide and encourage a healthy and wholesome lifestyle. For more information, as I said above, refer to my last post. In addition, follow @TaraStiles on twitter for motivation and guidance.
Stay tuned for next week as we continue on our yoga journey together. Remember, if you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact me, or comment on this post! I am excited to continue to grow and learn together.
Savasana 