In the West, the word "yoga" often brings a certain kind of image to mind and it's one that I feel has brought a tremendous disservice to the practice and to Westerners. This blog is about the myths and stereotypes in western yoga, and breaking them. Let's talk about the truth of Yoga.

Defining Yoga

In the Samadhi Pada, the Yoga Sutras (ancient texts) of Patanjali - I.2 yoga is defined as yogaś-citta-vrtti-nirodhaḥ, meaning:

"Yoga is the process of ending the fluctuations of mind."

Originating in India, Yoga comes from the Sanskrit 'yog' which translates as "yoke", "union" or "non-separateness”. It is a discipline of uniting the mind, body, and spirit for the purpose of enlightenment and liberation.

This process, known as the eightfold path, includes moral observances, breathwork, meditation, and concentration as well as the physical postures (asanas) that are so heavily popularized. In fact — the physical practices are the 3rd of the 8 limbs that constitute yoga.

The Eightfold Path

1. Yamas - guide us to have a healthy society by following the moral observances which are: truthfulness, non-violence, non-stealing, non-grasping, and moderation.
2. Niyamas - are ways we can care for ourselves, personal observances, through: cleanliness, contentment, discipline, self-study, and surrendering to the Divine.
3. Asanas - the "famed" physical postures which help the mind-body connection and prepare the body for meditation and stillness.
4. Pranayama - includes many types of breathing exercises (aka breathwork) which focus on channeling the life force energy (prana).
5. Pratyahara - is often translated as "sensory withdrawal" and is a step towards meditation (different from mindfulness) as it is a practice of directing attention inwardly.
6. Dharana - meaning "concentration" is a practice of single-pointed focus. You could think of this as a kind of "mind control" (your own) or a deeper state of meditation.
7. Dhyana - often is understood as the state of meditation that pratyahara + dharana are preparing you for, but it really is more of a state of absorption.
8. Samadhi - bliss. This is a high state of realization where one feels at peace and harmony with the Universe. (An end "goal" if you need one.)

Yoga in the West

From this understanding, we can see that the physical exercises sold in the West are not Yog. Why is this? In my personal opinion, capitalism is a big factor, but there are also misunderstandings that happen between different cultures. Not to mention that yoga has some pretty great benefits, but these are symptoms of yoga, not the purpose (as my teacher Indu Arora might say).

Happy symptoms of Yoga (benefits)

• Improved balance, strength, focus, energy, and ❤️ health
• Decrease in symptoms related to stress, depression & anxiety
• Pain relief from back pain, arthritis, and sleep disorders
• Increased mobility (No, you do NOT need to be flexible to do yoga❗ )
  
  * For these physical benefits, the best results come from practicing a few times a week. This is not an inclusive list.

Myths & Stereotypes

❌ Yoga is suited for specific bodies ie. thin, flexible, white, women
❌ You need to be flexible to do yoga
❌ Yoga is a fitness activity

✅ Yoga is for every BODY, don't matter the shape, size, color, or origin
✅ You just need a body to practice yoga
✅ As we've learned above, yoga is a path to enlightenment

Dirty Talk

One last thought before you head to your nearest yoga class. As we've begun to peel away and understand the truth of yoga you may notice that a lot of classes are not really exemplifying what yoga is. It's true that yoga has been highly appropriated and colonized in the West. A lot of classes aren't really yoga (buti, aerial, acro, etc.), they may be fun and they may use yoga terms but they aren't honoring the roots, heritage, and culture of yoga.

I am NOT here to shame anyone for employing creativity in creating a class but to ENCOURAGE education and awareness. I believe when we know better we do better and this can only come from learning (and UNlearning and RElearning).

If you are interested in learning about how you can honor the heritage and roots of yoga check out Susanna Barkataki, an advocate for Yoga for personal & social change.

Let's Practice Yoga!

Finding a Yoga Class

Now as I said earlier yoga is for everyone, of any race, any flexibility level, etc. However, not all yoga classes are "built" the same. Many classes welcome all levels and there are also teachers who specialize in offering yoga to those left out of the image of Western Yoga. Jackie Edwards in Anchorage, for example, has a focus of welcoming BIPOC and plus-sized students into her yoga classes and healing offerings.

If you were to search for a class though, how would you know what kind of yoga they teach? Here are some things to look for and ask:

1. Transparency - They will tell you what kind of class it is and are happy to answer your questions.
2. Intentions matter. What are the owner or instructor's beliefs? Look around the website & studio - how do they talk about their classes? Do they frame it as "fitness"? Yoga in a gym vs yoga in a studio can look similar but the intention may be very different.
3. Language do they make themselves clear? Do they include Sanskrit words or Yoga philosophy?
   Do they say things like "more advanced version of this pose" or "to deepen this stretch"? (These are often giveaways that the practice is not inclusive — how could the instructor know what a "deeper" stretch for your body is?)
4. Ask the instructor to tell you the story of their practice, what does yoga mean to them?
5. Encouragement - Are you encouraged to go within, to listen to your body, to honor your limits? Yoga is not a space for comparison or competition.

What would you add to this list?

Now that we understand more about yoga, and how to look for a class, we can begin to truly practice it, but how do we prepare?

Preparation + Etiquette

What to wear:

Contrary to the popular thought that "yoga tights" are "proper yoga attire" that's not really accurate. Can you imagine an Indian Sage wearing Lululemon? For the best experience wear clothes that are loose, comfortable, and allow for a free range of motion. (Honestly, pajamas aren't a bad idea.)

And if you think about how we're trying to channel and focus our life force energy (prana) then it makes sense that we wouldn't want to wear tight or restrictive clothing.

NOTE — Very baggy clothes may flop over your head in some positions, and if you do choose to wear tights, know that not all of them are opaque... Some things to consider!

What to bring:

• Water - if you need to sip on it during class
• A snack for afterward (I'm a big snacker but you might not need this)
• An open mind

Eating before is NOT recommended!

• Allow a minimum of 2 hours between eating and class, if you need to eat please consider a light snack 30 minutes - 1 hour before.

Arrive early

• Arrive 5-10 minutes before class to find a spot, prepare your area and settle in.

Common Class Guidelines

1. Listen to your body. YOU know where YOUR limits are - respect them
   (This honors the yamas of satya (truthfulness) and ahimsa (non-violence).)
2. Be kind & considerate. Respect yourself and others.
3. Please silence your phone. See #2.
4. Release judgment & expectation. I know, this can be hard, but yoga class is not a place for comparing yourself to others. Allow yourself to be just the way you are without comparison or trying to force anything. Yoga is NOT a place for competition or comparison.

Who am I and why am I telling you all this?

Hi, I'm Julie, I'm an Energy Health Practitioner who offers Energy Alignment & Empowerment Coaching, and sacred space holding, but my journey started with a yoga transformation. Passionate about helping others experience mental peace and emotional resilience I'm on a mission to bring more peace, joy, and love into the world!

Read the story of how I became an accidental yoga teacher (and why I don't call myself a yoga teacher).

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