To be a Real Yogi, or not to be

Yoga, an ancient but perfect science, deals with the evolution of humanity. This evolution includes all aspects of one's being, from bodily health to self realization. Yoga means union - the union of body with consciousness and consciousness with the soul. Yoga cultivates the ways of maintaining a balanced attitude in day to day life and endows skill in the performance of one's actions.  ~ B.K.S. Iyengar

I love B.K.S. Iyengar's quote above for this is how I feel about yoga.  I know that every one's journey is different.  Some students come simply for the physical and that is just fine with me for what most do not know is that there are some really cool things happening inside their minds and souls as well as they practice.  I know others that are only there for the savasana and that is awesome, too.  I truly believe in the end we are all subconsciously seeking balance in our lives.

I came across an article the other day about misconceptions of yoga teachers.  It got me thinking about some of the misconceptions I have heard over my years of practice. I have had my share of comments from both students that practice yoga and from those that have never set foot on a mat.  I would say that modern day marketing has done a good job of making sure everyone knows that yoga exists but I would say that it does not do a good job of relaying what yoga can be for those that practice.

Here are some of the stereotypes I have heard over the years about people who teach or practice yoga:

Real yogis have ectomorphic bodies (aka - thin)

It is hard not to think that all yoga instructors must be tall, thin and gorgeous for that is what every ad shows us.  The last time I saw a "Hard Tail" ad showing a mildly chubby model in yoga clothes was like...never!  Yet, I know for fact that there are many of us instructors and followers of yoga that are not that body type.  We come in all shapes and sizes, with different strengths and weaknesses but we all desire to practice.  

I can honestly say that 15 years ago when I started practicing yoga it was for very superficial reasons.  I wanted that long, lean body.  Guess what?  I did get leaner, stronger, more flexible and I felt fantastic.  I was also in my twenties, teaching tons of high impact classes, had no kids, it was 100% about me.  What I did not know as I began my yoga journey was how my body would crave for that movement and little did I know that my mind did as well.  

As I look back on my journey I can say that yoga is the reason I have had minimal injuries for all the hard classes I have taught back to back, day after day.  Yoga has taught me about how the human body moves and functions.  I have been able to apply this knowledge to helping people get out of pain, including myself.  Yoga got me through two amazing pregnancies and natural labors.  Yoga is something I know I can do for the rest of my life and this makes me so happy.  

All yogis should be vegans or vegetarians

Now the diet thing is a big debate in the yoga world.  I am not ashamed to say I eat meat but it does bother me a bit when people preach their diet.  Just like we are all not the same body type we are all also dealing with completely different and complex nutritional needs.  Some of us have tried vegetarian diets but have found that adding animal protein is really what makes us feel best.

On the more spiritual side of yoga there is the case for ahimsa. Ahimsa means non-harming and so many interpret this to include not killing animals and/or eating them as well.  I understand this but like any practice we all have to do what is right for our bodies.

Instead of insisting that we adhere to a diet that might not work well with our current body why not simply work on eating with gratitude.  Say a prayer of gratitude before each meal thanking those that helped grow and harvest the food we are about to eat.  I know that there are a lot of folks out there that would argue this one with me but again I believe we are all on our own journeys and we need to do what is best for our own well being.

With that, I do think there are things we should consider as well when choosing food.  I do believe that eating real food often is important.  Trying to eat as much organic produce and meat is both important for our own health but that of the environment as well.  Supporting local growers and respecting the earth.  This is just as important as what we eat.

All yogis are flexible like Gumby 

Of course I can put my legs behind my head and balance on one finger - can't you?!?!? 

I cannot tell you how many times I have heard this line, "I can't do yoga for I am not flexible." I normally smile and simply say," Then you have come to the right place for this is where you start the flexibility journey."  That is like saying, " I can't start to clean up my diet and exercise because I am overweight."  Isn't then the point that you need to start doing those things to get to the desired goal?  So, stop saying you can't do yoga for you are not flexible.  If you are a beginner find a beginners class and let the teacher know it is your first time.  If you start at point A then getting to point B,C, D and on will be so much easier.  Flexibility is so different for each person.  Work with what you got and over time you will see a difference.  Just not trying it because you think you can't is not a good excuse.  Remember that we are not just working on flexibility of the body but that of the mind as well.

All yogis are calm and collective all the time

Yes, I float about all day dreaming of rainbows and kittens.  My children are always well behaved and my house is immaculate.  I never worry or get mad either.  Life is perfect.  Only on t.v folks, only on t.v.  Yogis are human, we have our daily lives to deal with, sometimes some really unhappy stuff going on but it is through our yoga practice of the body and mind that have helped us deal with it all.  We cry, we scream, we yell and we even fight sometimes.  I once had a student say, " I so needed that class or I was going to kill someone."  Yes, we are fighting everyday to minimize crime in the community through yoga - both for our students and for ourselves.

All yogis practice yoga everyday

Yes, I wake up daily before the sun rises and complete my practice and meditation.  I then complete all my ayurvedic remedies (oil pulling, Netti pot and warm lemon cleanse) before the kids and hubby get up and we all float out of the house ready for a perfect day.  NOT!  I am lucky if I get a few minutes at night to stretch my body after hours of teaching not just yoga but other classes, training clients, running around for kiddos activities, making sure we all shove something somewhat healthy in our mouths and by that time just a few necessary stretches are all I can handle.  Bed is calling my name.

I would love to be able to practice more and some weeks I am able to carve out more time but know that we are human, too.  We have plenty of stuff to do as well.  We have bills to pay, families to take care of, and community duties.

My favorite thing is to be able to attend a class that I do not teach. When I show up I try my hardest to just be me, incognito.  If I do not chat a lot with you it doesn't mean I don't like you it is just my time.  That is why a lot of times I will go to another club or someplace where no one knows me for it is wonderful to just be the student.

So...

As you can see there are some funny stereotypes for those of us in the yoga world.  If you are thinking about taking up yoga please do.  Sometimes it takes time to find the right class or the right teacher.  Try to be open to all types, explore and make it a journey of the body, mind and spirit.  I promise that once you start, you will not want to stop.

 I thought the photo below explains how a lot of us feel from time to time:

May the light in me honor the light in you,

Namaste