The 9 Yoga Myths

This week we completed our blog series, Breaking Through the Yoga Myths. We discussed 9 Myths that tend to keep people from experiencing the depth of yoga. They may also be described as "excuses". Each of the 9 Yoga Myths below are linked to the original blog posting in case you missed it.

#1. I'm Not Flexible

#2. Yoga is a Religion

#3. I Don't Have Time

#4. I'm Too Tired

#5. I Can't Meditate, My Mind is Always Racing

#6. I Have to be Thin for Yoga

#7. Real Men Don't Do Yoga

#8. Relaxation is a Waste of Time

#9. Yoga Begins and Ends on the Mat

The number of ways we can convince ourselves that making time for ourselves to cultivate relaxation and awareness in our lives is virtually unlimited. Start to notice how your mind/ego robs you of opportunities to go deeper into relaxation and compassion that you know would improve the quality of your life. Find a yoga class or other mind-body activity and take positive steps towards improving your mental and physical health.

To Your Health,

Steve

Yogi Jayanta

Yoga Myth #7: "Real Men Don't Do Yoga"

I couldn't really do this blog series without addressing this Western phenomenon of yoga. Somewhere along the way our culture became biased towards women practicing yoga. This is a bit ironic given how the practice evolved in the East. It was first and foremost a spiritual discipline in a patriarchal society. That said, the original yoga practitioners, the Nathas, did not exclude any sincere seeker from the initiation. Where did this shift happen?

Perhaps because it was because the classes were reminiscent of group fitness classes that were already dominated by women. Maybe women really are more receptive to a practice that serves to catapult us past the ego and into a space of unconditionality. Women, with their gift of motherhood seem to be more able to let go of their own selfish pursuits in favor of the child. this spirit of selflessness invariably comes into play along the path of yoga.

Regardless of the reason, the practice is in no way more suitable for women and less suitable for men. After teaching yoga for over a decade it is amazing how decisive many patterns are in the behaviors of students. The men come into the class extremely tense with bodies stuck in place like the Tin Man from the Wizard of Oz. They look around them at what the others in the class are doing and they grit their teeth and try to go deeper and push harder. They are so often resistant to instruction because they are stuck in the "No Pain No Gain" mentality. Often that is the last I see of them....They probably leave feeling defeated and wake up feeling sore though they "have not done anything". Many men (and women) also look at the relaxation as a waste of time. C'mon guys, time to get real!

Yoga is a martial art that prepares one for the battle of their life...the battle with the ego. Perhaps men are more resistant to addressing and embracing this enemy. So, in lieu of men suddenly getting over themselves and embracing the grace and power of yoga, it will be up to the women to share what they are learning in bite-sized nuggets with their other half.

Namaste,

Steve

Yogi Jayanta

Yoga Myth #6: "I Have to be Thin"

In this culture where "toothpick" and "pretzel" are the dominant stereotypes of the yogini it can seem intimidating to come to a yoga class. This trend is a terrible example of the limitations of our shallow culture infecting the beauty, power and grace of an ancient tradition. How many people have opted out of the opportunity to practice yoga because they felt they did not fit these destructive stereotypes. A deep sense of self-acceptance is central to the philosophy and practice of yoga. One of the reasons I describe the practice as Beloved Yoga is because we all can benefit from taking time to BE LOVED. Negative body images are a huge source of stress and pain in people's lives. With practice (and it does take practice) we can silence those internal judgemental voices that come from parents, media, teachers, society, friends, etc. In fact, it doesn't matter where those voices have come from you are listening to them everyday whether consciously or not.

At our classes I try to remind students (and myself) of the simple sacredness of the human body. As we concentrate on feeling the sensations in the body we develop a more authentic connection to our body. Comparing to others is a conditioned experience in a group. It is important to continually withdraw your attention inwards so your body is the one receiving the benefit of your focus. You do not have to be thin to deepen your awareness of body and breath. You may very well lose excess weight as you begin to move and to release in a yoga class but that is a fringe benefit. Your body is the greatest gift of your life, take care of it by connecting deeply and honestly with your innate beauty.

Be Loved,

Steve

Yogi Jayanta

Yoga Myth #4: "I'm Too Tired"

This is one we hear a lot as people's vital energy is being consumed by a growing list of mental and physical stress factors. As we worker harder and longer we also tend to play harder. You know that feeling of needing a vacation after a vacation? Practicing deep relaxation is an invigorating experience that will help relieve fatigue. There is nothing more difficult than feeling like you do not have the energy to be present with children or partners. When the activities of your day leave you fatigued it is time to make a change. Often we cannot change what we are doing so we much begin to shift the way we are doing things.

The fatigue we feel in our lives is also related to both poor nutrition and poor hydration. Dehydration is one of the most commonly overlooked causes of fatigue. All of that said, the reality is that when we do make the time (even when we are tired) to make it to a yoga class or to do some stretching, breathing, relaxation, strengthening and/or meditation we are increasing the body's ability to rejuventate itself. We invariably feel better so rather than watching another TV show, give yourself the gift of yoga.

Eat fruits and vegetables to harness the energy of the sun, drink water to be sure the body is hydrated and make yoga and meditation part of your weekly and daily ritual. You will be doing yourself and everyone around you a favor.

Namaste,

Steve

Yogi Jayanta

Yoga Myth #3: "I Don't Have Time"

Our third yoga myth has to do with that monkey on everybody's back....time. We have all had times in our lives where we have prioritized the activities that are essential our our well-being. We have also had periods where we have not...and the difference can be staggering. I appreciate that getting to a weekly class may seem overwhelming and there may be real barriers in your responsibilities and/or schedule that make it seem impossible. That said, we all have the same number of hours in the day and we all have a body, a mind and a capacity for awareness that is awe-inspiring.

Take 5 and Change your Life

Spend 5 minutes in the morning and 5 minutes in the evening simply being aware of your breath. Keep your body still sitting on the floor or in a chair (even if it has to be in the bathroom), sometimes that is the only place to get some alone time. Make friends with your breath, forgive yourself for anything and everything, forgive others with the same intensity. Let go of regrets from the past and fear of the future and be simply and fully present with yourself. This practice of awareness is also yoga. Concentrate your mind and you may discover a well of bliss within yourself that offers the gift of renewal and freedom 5 minutes at a time.

Our days are busy, give yourself time to be present - I assure you that everyone in your life will benefit.

Namaste,

Steve

Yogi Jayanta

Breaking Through the Yoga Myths

I wanted to start a series of blogs that deal with the many misconceptions about yoga that may keep people from harnessing the benefits of this ancient practice that has never been more important. I have been teaching yoga for over ten years and have heard all of the excuses, well many of them. I have also seen a very serious misunderstanding of the scope and depth of yoga become the norm. So, without further adieu let's beginning Busting the Myths of Yoga.

Yoga Myth #1 - I'm Not Flexible

Not to sound cruel but this is the most ridiculous yoga myth and the most popular. This is like saying to the cleaning lady, "No! I don't want help cleaning my house...it's too dirty". Flexibility is a bi-product of practicing yoga and definitely a contributor to a younger, healthier body. Maintaining a healthy, flexible spine will ensure that you are able to continue doing the things you enjoy much longer into your life. If you consider yourself to be "not flexible" then find a yoga class and Just Do It! I know that Nike has changed their tag-line and they may change it a hundred times but they will never find a better one.

There are two other things that come to mind for this myth. First, there are many different yoga teachers with a variety of backgrounds, experience and intentions. I have seen many so-called Power Yoga classes that are presented in a way that really is inaccessible to many body-types. It is easy to blame the teacher but truly yoga is a deepening of your experience of your own mind and body. It is up to the practitioner to back off where necessary. I believe the teacher should continually remind students of this but don't count on it. The other consideration here is that the flexibility myth is not the real barrier but rather the pride of being seen by others in the class. I understand how hard this can be (believe me) I have seen pride rob me of many experiences that would have enriched my life. It is critical that we find the courage to conquer pride and do the things that we need to do to be healthy and happy if not for yourself then as a role model to the next generation.

"I'm not flexible" is EXACTLY why you need to be taking steps to rectify that. You wouldn't tell the doctor that you can't visit because you are sick. Your body is a beautiful and amazing miracle of life that can heal and adapt quickly. Once you start working on your flexibility you will be amazed at how great you feel and how enormous the ripple-effect of flexibility is positively impacting every aspect of your life.

Be flexible!

Namaste,

Steve

Yogi Jayanta