When we forget that yoga isn’t a performance; it’s a practice, we edge away from all the beautiful mind-body benefits. Yoga has become a popular fitness activity in the Western world in recent years. With millions of people attending classes, buying mats, and wearing yoga pants, it’s easy to stray off course. While this is great for spreading awareness of yoga, remember that yoga is not just a physical activity; it is a practice that incorporates physical, mental, and spiritual aspects. Unfortunately, Western culture tends to focus more on the physical aspect of yoga, turning it into a performance rather than a practice.
Do You Want to Perform, or Practice?
Performing something involves doing it for the sake of external validation or to impress others. Whereas, practicing something mindfully involves doing it with intention and awareness. Only through practice are we focusing on the present moment and the intrinsic value of the activity. In essence, performing is about the outcome, while practicing is about the process. I suppose there’s plenty of room for both, but know your reasons and stay really clear on that.
Reflecting on my own 20 year journey with yoga, it’s been a migration. I’ve come to realize that my initial focus on perfecting poses was misguided. Yoga isn’t a performance; it’s a practice. Through consistent effort and mindfulness, I’ve learned to approach my practice with a deeper sense of intention and self-awareness. Yoga is not about putting on a show, but rather it’s a personal journey of growth and self-discovery that requires consistent effort and dedication.
Background
In the West, yoga has become synonymous with physical fitness and flexibility. However, the true essence of yoga lies in the ancient eastern philosophies that form its foundation. Yoga is rooted in the Hindu philosophy of Samkhya. Basically, this views the universe as consisting of two principles: Purusha (consciousness) and Prakriti (matter). The practice of yoga is intended to bring harmony between these two principles, leading to spiritual enlightenment and self-realization. Yoga is a practice that is meant to be done with intention and mindfulness. It is not just about performing a series of poses or asanas, but about connecting with oneself on a deeper level. When yoga is viewed as a performance, it loses its true meaning and purpose. “Show-ga” may be pretty to look at, but it misses the point entirely.
Cultural Clash
Western culture has a tendency to focus on external validation, which is why show-ga has become so popular. People want to be seen doing impressive yoga poses on social media, but they are missing out on the true benefits of the practice. Yoga is not about impressing others or achieving a certain level of physical fitness; it is about connecting with oneself and finding inner peace. Returning to the eastern root philosophies of yoga can help Western culture get back to the true purpose of the practice. By embracing the spiritual and mental aspects of yoga, people can reap the benefits of improved mental clarity, reduced stress, and increased self-awareness. It is important to remember that yoga is not just a physical activity; it is a practice that incorporates physical, mental, and spiritual aspects.
Keep It Real
Yoga isn’t a performance; it’s a practice. The real job is honoring yourself on the mat, exactly where you’re at. Western culture may have turned it into show-ga, but that doesn’t change the true essence of yoga. By honoring the root philosophies of yoga, Western culture can reconnect with the spiritual and mental aspects of the practice. In this, we actually reap the benefits of inner peace and self-awareness. So the next time you step onto your yoga mat, remember that it’s not about how impressive you look doing the poses; it’s about the intention and mindfulness behind them.
Quick Tips for Finding a Yoga Community to Practice With
Here are some quick tips for finding a yoga community that stays true to the root philosophies, and values practice over performance:
- Look for studios or teachers who incorporate the spiritual and philosophical aspects of yoga into their classes, not just the physical postures.
- Seek out studios that offer classes in meditation, pranayama (breathing techniques), and yoga philosophy, in addition to asana (physical posture) classes.
- Attend workshops or events that focus on the spiritual and mental aspects of yoga, such as yoga nidra, kirtan (chanting), or yoga philosophy discussions.
- Research the backgrounds and training of the teachers at a studio. Ensure they have a solid understanding of the root philosophies of yoga.
- Look for studios or communities that prioritize inclusivity and offer classes that are accessible to people of all levels and abilities.
By following these tips, you can find a yoga community that values and honors the true essence of the practice. Seek communities devoted to helping you deepen your understanding and connection to yourself and the world around you. There are many ways to “yoga”; find a community that feels like home to you. What’s Your Yoga Style?
Yogic Self-Care 101