There are no perfect yogis. Yoga is for everyone, and that can take on thousands of different forms. Unfortunately, many modern representations of yoga and yogis skew the mainstream idea of what a yogi is. Yogi’s are not perfect, nor are they concerned with being so. Yogi’s are always working on accepting what is, embracing it, and loving all things in their current forms. To be fit, thin, curvy, or existing in any of all possible shapes is okay; the physical form is the passport to life. As women, we learn to embrace our divinely feminine gifts with loving-kindness. Our bodies are beautiful, at every stage and in every phase.
*The apple, the pear, the rectangle, the hourglass, every shape, and size is a beautiful expression. We commonly find ourselves speaking the truth that we are beautiful just the way that we are, but the inner struggle to accept your body persists. When media sets visually based social standards of how we’re “supposed” to look to be “healthy,” or “attractive,” it takes the humanity out of the human body. These luscious bodies are our vessel; our passport to this journey on the earth.
Yogis are Real People, Just Like You
And that brings us to yoga. Dude, yogis are just like you. Most of them like wine and chocolate. Not every yogi is a size 0, or a Vegan. AND, in case you didn’t know, the majority of them have historically been male. Shocked? Well, it’s true. When we only see yoga represented like this, it does a big disservice to society by separating simple practices from the majority of people who can widely benefit from them. It is what it is. That said, while the world may be full of judgment, but innately, yoga is not. Unfortunately, that’s not often reflected in media representations of it. Yoga isn’t just what you see as an exercise for young, fit people who like to twist their bodies up in pretzels. While it can look like that sometimes, that is only a tiny sliver of what yoga is. In a nutshell, it’s a path of acceptance, and who doesn’t like that?
Yoga is Personal
My practice isn’t some cookie-cutter replica from a book or magazine. It’s a living development of customs, habits, and observances that I choose to participate in daily because it centers me, fills me with joy, and helps me get to wherever I want to go next. For one thing, I choose to see the magic in the world and to live in a way that respects that choice. That can be a little tough when everyone is moving fast and slinging around judgments and opinions. Not one quick to jump on other people’s bandwagons, I like to explore possibilities, and sometimes, adopt what really speaks to me, in ways meaningful to my life. There’s no controlling the world around me, but I take my own power back when I honor and control myself. For me, yoga is a labor of love to stay in touch with my Core Values and act in ways that support them. Now that you know that there are no perfect yogis, can you be real enough with yourself to yoga? We all have different needs, but the results of yoga in your life are pretty universally beneficial.
“Yoga increases body awareness, relieves stress, reduces muscle tension, strain, and inflammation, sharpens attention and concentration, and calms and centers the nervous system.“
Deborah Khoshaba, Psy.D, Psychology Today
So, Can You Yoga?
As a verb, “yoga” is to act with spiritual and ascetic discipline. It can be a workout, sure, but yoga encompasses more than the shapes you make with your body on the mat. It acknowledges that you are a soul, living temporarily in a physical body. Breath control, meditation, self-exploration, and study are some of the many parts of this holistic practice. Health and relaxation are often treated like optional things, when really, taking the time to honor and care for yourself is what nourishes you for all the other adventures.
Can you be compassionate? Honest? Giving? Are you able to work on contentment and try to let go of things that no longer serve you? YES?! Then, congratulations because you are PERFECT FOR YOGA because there are no perfect yogis. If the answer is YES, than yoga is for you.
Create Your Own Practice
Now, you know. There are no perfect yogis. Can you accept yourself as you are, exactly how you are? Discover how developing your own practice can help you calm down, get centered, open up, and love every moment in front of you. Take a minute to reflect on this. Through mindfulness, holistic practices, and self-reflection, you build your own self-care. That’s a win/win situation! Get centered and create your own private practice. If you’d like some guidance along the way, Create Your Practice with Me. Commit to simple changes that will improve your life. Through whatever choices you make, I hope that you find increased mindfulness in all areas of your life. Don’t worry about being a perfect yogi; just be you! Build a program of self-care — and reacquaint yourself with the beauty of your life in balance. Start with the basics and unfold with love.
“Regular yoga increases body awareness and relieves chronic stress patterns.”
-Natalie Nevins, DO, a board-certified osteopathic family physician and certified Kundalini Yoga instructor