YOGA MISCONCEPTIONS
I’ve heard it all. It seems like many of you have thought about a lot of the yoga misconceptions below. I’m here to tell you that it’s all in your head. First of all, there are tons of different kinds of yoga. Kundalini, for example, is much less physical and more mental with breath work. Ashtanga is practiced at your own pace. Vinyasa Flow is a meditative flow. The list goes on…
YOGA IS UNION
Yoga is versatile and that is the way I personally like to experience yoga. It’s a connection, a higher vibration that links us to anything and everything. It unites us with ourselves, our spirit, the universe, and it’s awesome. We live in a world where day to day connection is not what it used to be. Most people walk around unconscious while living in their thoughts.
You know how you are in deep thought or zoning out about something, and someone enters the room and it scares the living daylights out of you? That, my friends, is called living unconsciously. If you are conscious in every moment, you will be aware of what is happening or about to happen at all times. I’m not talking psychic predictions, I’m talking about plain present moment stuff.
Yoga is a way to be in tune with the now. When you practice, you are in tune with what your body is experiencing right now. Yoga is like a bridge from the unconscious to the conscious, and that bridge holds a beautiful rainbow of self-discovery along the way.
Lately, I have been noticing, almost daily, that someone will talk about struggles they have with either anxiety, focus, flexibility, sleep disorders, or stress. Every single time this happens, I suggest yoga. Besides the typical, “Yeah, I know, I should look into it,” I hear many other excuses and loads of misconceptions. Here are some of my favorite misconceptions:
1. I’m too old for yoga
No, you’re not. You are only as old as your mind convinces you! This is a total misconception because yoga can be done in a chair or your bed if need be. For the billionth time, yoga is not about pretzel poses. It’s YOU connecting your physical body (through stretching, light twisting, and strength building exercises) to your spirit. Being too old is a belief that you should banish from your mind. I mean, it’s like saying you are too old for breakfast cereal. Come on!
Have you seen some of the older yogis? You are never too old to start and never to old to continue. It’s all about the boundaries you set for yourself along with tons of listening to your body and less listening to your ego.
2. I’m not skinny enough
Beng skinny is a major misconception and has nothing to do with yoga because you don’t need to be skinny to connect with yourself. The physical practice has modifications for all sorts of reasons and you will still receive the benefits of all the poses.
3. I’m not flexible
I have some news for you. NEITHER AM I and I have been practicing for years. I cringe so much while doing HALF splits, that I can’t imagine regular splits, yikes! Yoga definitely offers you flexibility if you are willing to be consistent with your practice but it isn’t necessary to begin your practice. As a result, it will sneak up on you as you continue to dedicate yourself!
4. I don’t have time
EXCUSE. Big time excuse. If you have to time to watch 30 minutes of Netflix, then don’t even utter the words “I have no time.” End of story.
4. I have too many things on my mind, too many things to do, and I just can’t focus on yoga
Recently, a lovely woman at the plant store that I frequent said that she is impatient and her mind races too much to do yoga. You can imagine, I’m certain, that my face lit up and my arms started flailing as I said: “THAT IS THE EXACT REASON WHY YOU SHOULD DO YOGA!” Seriously, who doesn’t have a gazillion things on their minds? As you practice and learn how to connect to yourself and your breath, you start to realize that you can handle all of those things on your mind. It’s like your mind starts organizing them while giving you fresh ideas on how to face them head on and clear them off your list. Then all of a sudden, you experience a moment of boredom. Can you imagine that? If you are impatient, yoga elegantly makes you begin to explore patience. It’s magical.
5. I need a super active workout so I feel that I actually did something
I get it. It’s a great feeling to finish a workout and feel your muscles tightening while thinking “Tomorrow is gonna be rough when I wake up.” That feeling of sore muscles means you actually activated something that hadn’t been activated in a long time. Well, guess what? You are in control of how intense you make your yoga practice. You can try any of the following:
A. Go to a heated studio or practice outside on a warm day (that will get your heart rate up quickly!)
B. Practice power yoga
C. Practice Vinyasa Flow Yoga
D. Hold poses longer to activate the muscles deeper
Do any of the above then give me a call and let me know what you feel the next day! 🙂
6. You aren’t looking for another religion
Because this one can be a long discussion, I’ll keep it short with just a few thoughts I have. Yoga is adaptable and can be presented in a secular context. If you want it to support religion, then that is possible as well. What is your intention for yoga? Your intention for your practice can be equal to or more important than the rituals of the practice. It can take on whatever meaning or purpose you want it to. You have the choice to practice on your own or with whomever you like, so it’s important to know that the way one particular instructor teaches yoga is not how we all do and you can find the best fit for you.
7. I don’t look good in yoga clothes
First of all, it’s a legit thought. Bearing this thought (or belief that anyone cares) is heavy stuff and another reason why you should practice yoga! You gotta learn that what is on the INSIDE counts more than the outside. Yoga will help you focus on your beautiful glowy yellow spirit rather than what you are wearing. Are you comfortable doing yoga in jeans? Then go ahead! You feel better practicing in a onesie? Go for it! Rule #1 Wear anything that makes you feel good and comfortable and yoga will take care of the rest.
8. I’m not a hippy
Yeah? Well, neither am I, yet this misconception pops up all the time. That’s a little judgy don’t you think? Come on! You are better than that. I guess if someone makes that comment, I can only shrug my shoulders and say that it helped me tremendously for various reasons. If they want to label me as a hippy for that, I’m cool with it because, in the end, I changed for the better and that is all that matters!
9. Yoga is for women
Welp, all I can say is that it seems that yoga was started by men soooooooo. Yoga is for humans. Period. Misconception, misconception, misconception…
10. I’m not a vegan
Come on! Listen, yoga may make you start being mindful of what you put into your body in terms of how it makes you physically feel, but it’s not a requirement to care at all. If chicken feels good in your body, then, by all means, enjoy it. Furthermore, nobody is going to prohibit you from entering a yoga class if you eat meat, jeez!
In conclusion, if any of these misconceptions have popped into your sweet little mind, please reconsider them. You can be old or young. large or small, short or tall, male or female, a business executive or a teacher, religious or an atheist, a vegan or a carnivore and still enjoy the magic of YOGA.
Go ahead, explore it!