What is yoga

The yoga world can be... well, a little judgy. Who can blame the yogi-curious for hesitating to finally try it out when there seem to be a whole lot of assumed values packaged up with the concept. Even among yoga practitioners and teachers, there is not consensus about what "is" and "isnt" yoga.

Do all yogis have to be vegetarian, because of the concept of ahimsa (nonviolence)?

Do all yogis have to be able to handstand?

Or know all the Sanskrit names for every pose?

Is puppy yoga really yoga? Goat yoga?

I don't mean to dismiss outright the conversation surrounding yoga and authenticity - because I do believe it's important to understand where you situate yourself in the yoga world and at least a bit about where yoga comes from. But I also think it's notable how many yoga teachers are quick to call out "WhAt YoGa ReAlLy MeAnS", with the implications that the viewer's got it all wrong.

I get it, it's tough to make a splash out there on the socials, and many are probably intending to share knowledge that they value. But overwhelmingly there is an alienating effect created by these types of posts, and that will just make those people who aren't quite sure if they are ready to try yoga feel judged before they start.

So instead I will be the first to say:

I am a caucasian woman who learned yoga from mostly other caucasian women, and a few women of colour. Whatever authority I have comes from my 250 hours of training, and the experience I've gained working with clients.

Yoga is not my cultural inheritance. I hope to teach it in a way that honours it's roots in India.

I will not tell others what yoga is and isn't. I will speak to the development of styles, the effects of those styles, and yoga philosophy - and I will cite those sources.

But I will be careful with my words. Because it's not for me to to say what yoga is and isn't.

Nobody's perfect, but this is my commitment. Because I do believe everyone can benefit from the many practices of yoga.

...but I'm not quite ready for goat yoga.

#nojudgement