Resilient Reflections: The Truth About Yoga Part One - Myths
The Truth About Yoga Part One - Myths
I recently came across an article that just spoke to me and I thought it would be wonderful to reflect on yoga and some of the myths or ideas we have in our heads that keep a lot of people from either not trying yoga, or not getting back into it after a while and they are now a bit older.
First, yoga is universal. By that I mean it was developed thousands of years ago, you can practice it anywhere, and everyone of us is beautifully unique. So, it hasn’t evolved with one type of person in mind. In fact, it was first developed for boys and younger men! From our perspective in the Western world, women have dominated utilizing this ancient practice.
Some myths and facts about yoga people should be aware of to make the right decisions for them:
You Have to be Young to do Yoga
Yep, our bodies mature over time, our abilities ebb and flow, but there is the perfect yoga practice for every body at any age. Embrace your age and the body that has carried you to it. Connect to your body through your practice. Honour your body through your practice. Don’t let your number of cycles around the sun define what you do. Did anyone recently see on the news some elderly folks do the CN Tower walk? Wow!!!
2. You’re too Old to do Start Yoga
This is a misleading representation of the true image and intent of yoga.
The truth is: yoga is a very accessible practice that nearly anyone – at any age or condition- can practice. It’s a matter of taking what you need, finding the right class and instructor fit, and using your props liberally.
Yoga includes much more than physical movement: Yoga is about making a connection between your breath and the way your body works.
You can modify your practice: You can easily vary your style of practice to adapt for conditions in your body – including practicing with a chair or other form of support.
It might make you feel younger: The benefits of a regular yoga practice strengthen not only the body but also the mind. Yoga can help you recover from injury and boost balance, so you avoid falling. But it also helps you learn to breathe through stress, leading to less wear and tear on your body and mind.
Yoga can truly be a fountain of youth. As you become more connected to life, you’ll realize youthfulness has more to do with the spirit than the body.
3. You Have to Be Flexible to Do Yoga
Saying you have to be flexible to do yoga is like saying you have to be in shape to go to the gym, or that you have to be clean to take a shower. There may be a relationship between yoga and flexibility but being flexible isn't a prerequisite for doing yoga. Over time, yoga can help you become more flexible—flexibility is a result of yoga, not a prerequisite.
"You don't have to touch your toes to practice yoga. If you want to touch your toes, bend your knees,” says Joni Sweet
4. Yoga Is Not For Everybody
Anybody can do yoga, regardless of age, body size, gender, ethnicity, or fitness level. Social media has perpetuated the image of yoga in America to be thin, bendy, young women flocking to studios and beaches to complete pretzel-like body contortions. But the true image (and intent) of yoga goes beyond that. The vast majority of practitioners over 38% of them fell into the "50+" category.
5. Yoga Is a Religion
For Westerners, a lot of people think yoga may appear "religious” or “cultish.” There is a spiritual element to the practice, but it's essential to understand that yoga itself is not a religion.
There is a spiritual element that encourages you to connect with a higher power but it’s non-denominational. A higher power helps many people realize they are connected to something important. Connecting to a higher power does not mean that you have to go out and devote yourself to a specific religion. In fact, one of the best things about finding your power is the fact that you get to choose who or what your higher power is.
The truth is Yoga is for all. In fact, the word yoga literally means ‘union.’
Next week we’ll delve a little further into some more “myths” about yoga. Until then…
