Am I Not Yogi Enough to be Apart of the Yoga Club?
Here are the days of the aesthetically appeasing advertisements; subtly implanting the image of what your life should look like.
I would imagine an ad inquiring a yogi would go:
"Practices Everyday. Must be Vegan. Flexible. Outgoing. Must Be Able to Obtain Image. Must Be Strong, Tall, Maybe Even Skinny. Has to Be Social. Meditates. Must Be Centered."
Here are the days of our old soul, yoga, getting warped into a modern twist. Is this such a bad thing?
Now, take a step back from all of the misconceived ideas for a moment.
Breathe.
(Wait, is this Yoga?)
But What Is Yoga?
Lets break down the modern day ad.
Practices Everyday
Yoga isn't just a physical practice, though. When it's all said and done, Yoga is meant to tap into something more than just the physical practice.
Do you find yourself having a moment to take a big breath?
That's a form of a practice.
Do you wake up, roll out of bed, and tell yourself good affirmations? (maybe not in that order, but...)
That's a form of a practice, too.
So, back to the ad.
Practices Everyday? Check.
Must Be Vegan
Now, this may be a touchy subject. Yoga comes from a spiritual cultural. One that believes in not eating animals. Just because that is part of someone else's practice does not mean every single person needs to follow exactly that. The beautiful thing about Yoga is that Yoga is what you make of it. The practice of not eating animals comes from the karmic idea of,
"what goes around, comes around." Unless, it's for survival and not out of convenience; letting the animals continue down their path as nature intended and not disturbing the balance is the idea behind a practice. Whether you're vegan, vegetarian, or a full blown meat eater; at the end of the day, as long as, one is being mindful and aware of what our bodies go through and what we put in them, then, I believe, that is what matters more.
Flexible
Ah, let's fold into this one. Can I touch my toes? Yes... but I'd be lying if I said, I didn't have moments where I can't touch my toes. If I'm not warmed up; my body makes that very well known. This category falls back into "Practices Everyday." I don't need to physically practice everyday but if I do want to experience growth in my practice, I need to be putting in the time (and effort.) Otherwise, I have no one else to blame but myself when I'm constantly complaining I can't touch my toes.
The Look
I'll save the trouble and combine, "outgoing, skinny, strong, social, must be centered, and mediates" into one category:
"Must Be Able to Obtain image"
Pushing the idea of “being” perfect is already a recipe for disaster. Especially, when it comes to the yoga world.
This idea of looking or being the “perfect” type of person for yoga can take my middle finger mudra (gesture) all day long.
Yoga is for everyone and every body.
I cannot tell you how many times I still question myself and how well I fit the description of "yogi."
Do I look the part of a yoga teacher?
Do I say all the right things as a yoga teacher (or even as an individual) ?
Does my social media depict me as an acceptable yoga teacher? and the big one,
Do I act like a yoga teacher?
I could spend a good amount of time talking about how I think I should be upholding this specific image as a yoga teacher (or even just as an individual human being) but what good does that truly do me?
Breaking Down the Idealization
In reality, is anyone perfect? I don't always physically practice everyday. I may have some unpredictable curse words rolling off my tongue quite frequently. I speak highly about being "hippy dippy" but don't always follow my own thoughts. I am no where near as flexible or well-known as the yogi's I follow on social media. I, also, indulge in the not-so-good for you food, i.e brownies...because well, those are my weakness.
But if we're already on this subject, are brownies even bad for you anyway? Nowadays, I can add healthier substitutes. So, that counts for something, right? (All things in moderation)
Life is only as good as your mindset, sweet souls.
Trying to fit under the category of perfect yogi, perfect partner, perfect person isn't important.
What is important is being aware, being mindful, and being present.
I definitely do not know everything; but what I do know is how amazing yoga has been for me and finding myself. And, the only way I know how to convey that is by sharing my passion and supporting other yogi's idea of practice. Whether your intention towards yoga is for yourself, someone, or something; there will always be a space for you and your wild soul.
Yoga doesn't ask you to be more than what you are, but it does ask you to be all that you are.
So, being you is exactly what this community needs.
Welcome to the Yoga Club.
Curious about Yoga yet?
I have online classes to dip your toes in.
As well as Yoga more blogs
Let's practice being wild and present.
