I know, this is harsh - and potentially judgemental. And I will own that. Not to be dramatic, but for me it feels personal when people misuse and/or disrespect the sacredness of yoga by tossing around terms in a disconnected way, or when they suddenly pretend to follow such a lifestyle by outwardly showing all that is allegedly cool, yet behind closed doors behaving in a completely different manner.
This rant comes from the obvious, e.g., the information I take in via the Internet, but also from my own awareness lately of my own struggle with aparigraha, where I find myself feeling the need to buy something because I somehow believe it will make me a better yogi...or something? It's almost like, "If I have this, then I will ______!" When in reality, nothing changes except my bank account.
So sure, feel free to wear athleisure-wear without actually working out, but please don't run around wearing ten malas on your neck and wrists while shouting that yoga isn't a workout while you go run - with a full face of makeup - to your once-a-week yoga class that moves faster than the speed of light without anyone actually connecting with their breath (speaking of malas, click that link above - you're welcome!).
I'm big on integrity. And I know, we're all human, but yoga has become something invaluable in my life; it has helped me overcome my own tribulations and has allowed me to become a more empowered woman. Yoga helped me find my voice, and helps me be a more genuine human and therapist to my clients.
Bottom line, if you don't understand something or don't know much about it, that's ok. There's no shame in not knowing everything - life would be so dull if we didn't have the capacity to learn new things. Be curious. Ask for more information. Read books, articles, sign up for wellness sites' emails, subscribe to your favorite wellness/yoga bloggers, seek out meetings in your community...but most importantly, don't be afraid to learn more and ask for clarification on things.
Be true to yourself, and connect with what resonates with you. Don't succumb to the pressure of fitting in or someone else's idea of what's cool, or feeling obligated to purchase that sweatshirt just because you keep seeing it on each and every one of your favorite Instagrammer's accounts.
- S