Yoga is not for everyone

While I do believe this practice is accessible to most minds and bodies, I've learned that not everyone seeks what yoga presents.

Over the last twelve years, I have invited many people to yoga and talked about the practice with hundreds of others. These experiences and conversations have left me with interesting insights about how yoga is perceived and how people view themselves.

As a student and a teacher, the hardest lesson I’ve had to remind myself of is that not everyone is ready for this practice, and that is ok.

I remain excited to teach yoga and share practices with different communities because I’ve felt how yoga postures and teachings have allowed me to find a connection back to myself.

In this work, I’ve found space, time, and access to pieces of myself that were impacted by trauma. I’ve learned how to be with people, how to witness myself, and found tools that support me every day of my life.

But, that has required me to face hurtful parts of myself. It has required me to question, rethink, and surrender in ways I couldn’t previously even anticipate. It has shown me tough truths and asked me to let go in ways I still struggle with.

In my heart, I want to believe yoga is for everyone. In one sentiment it can be true - it’s accessible to anyone who wants to practice. But, it’s not for everyone for many reasons, including:

• Not everyone wants to travel this path.

• Not everyone has the support to explore what this practice can stir up.

• There are other practices that offer similar support and exploration.

• Not everyone seeks the light.

• Western culture has distracted from yoga’s roots, causing confusion and misunderstanding.

• It is not (just) a workout.

I see how yoga could support many hurting people in this world, but I recognize it is not the practice that everyone will want to choose.

I’ve embraced the lifestyle that comes with yoga because I find the choice it presents empowers me to move towards connection. I think it’s also important to note that I’ve had other mental health supports in place to help me process for many years of my yoga journey. That is a privilege that I’m grateful for every day.

5 Ways I Practiced Yoga Last Week

1. Satya (truthfulness): This time of year always seems the hardest to me. Late winter to spring is agony. I want to move faster; I want to know the answers; I want to feel differently. This heavy snow feels like a trap and the slippery ground refuses to let me gain traction.

   The truth is, I still have a lot to learn in stillness and in the unknown to understand surrender.

2. Svadhyaya (self-study): The last few weeks have been marked with reminders of shame. I notice it everywhere - I’ve decided to let it sit with me rather than letting it overtake me.

   Is it possible to be kind to this, can I be more gentle with myself?

3. Dhyana (meditation): When I wake up stressed, sweaty, and swimming in thoughts, meditation is my best tool. This week I enjoyed revisiting Bree Melanson’s work on Insight Timer. Here’s the track I went to for support this week.

4. Pranayama (breathing): Because it is the midterm point, I have a substantial amount of grading to complete. I tend to feel defeated at the start of a grading session because it requires so much time and focus. This week before grading, I slowed my breathing and told myself, “One item at a time. This deserves my focus, and I enjoy this work when I don’t feel rushed.”

5. Asana (postures/physical movement): Morning practices were short this week, but I did sit under my red lights for a few minutes and sense into movements that would help me start my day - that often includes body rolls, cat/cow, and some shaking. Supported fish will always be my favorite morning posture.

5 Ways You Can Practice Yoga This Week

1. Satya (truthfulness): Reflect on which truths seem most clear this season.

2. Svadhyaya (self-study): Notice how you talk to yourself. Take notes this week, focusing on which words you say to yourself the most.

3. Dhyana (meditation): Listen to a recorded meditation one morning this week on any platform. I like the free material on Insight Timer.

4. Pranayama (breathing): When you feel yourself going faster than you’d like, pause and exhale for 5 to 8 seconds. Slowly inhale, repeat the long exhale.

   Remind yourself that changing how you feel starts in these small moments.

5. Asana (postures/physical movement): Focus on postures that ground your feet and allow you to trust your presence and connect to this life. I like poses such as mountain, tree, reverse tabletop, and bridge for this work.