What makes someone a bad yogi? Everyone has their own perspective on what it really means to practice yoga and truly be a yogi. It's not just about the asanas, it's a whole way of life. I've followed @KinoYoga on Instagram and snapchat for a while now and she shares a little "yogi assignment" for us to complete each day. Different aspects of yoga to bring into your life; things like memory, fogiveness, gratitude, acceptance etc. There are so many qualities a person should have. We know these things should come naturally, why do you need to learn to be thankful, to be kind and accepting of the world and to treat others the way you want to be treated. But i guess along the way so many of us forget these things. And maybe in part, if you have forgotten, then practicing yoga teaches you that again. The way I see it, yoga teaches these things naturally, the same way starting to workout eventually might make you want to eat better, not smoke, drink less etc. Do one thing that's good for you and the rest will follow; i did for me anyway. And besides that, there's always nonsense like "A bad yogi doesn't meditate/doesn't practice a full yoga lifestyle/doesn't know the benefits of (asana)" really though? Does it really make someone a "bad yogi" for not having the same knowledge or interest in the practice as you do? There's so many yogis who talk about material possessions and that you shouldn't attach yourself to them. Everything dissappears after a while and so why give so much value to a piece of jewellery, a card, clothing etc. But I don't think it makes anyone a bad yogi (or person) for loving an item. We have things that remind us of places, of people, of moments we love and never want to forget. Achievements or gifts form those we care about or just a little something like the first item you ever bought with your own money, a gift from your mother etc. There's always little things we might like to keep. They have value to us, it doesn't make you a bad yogi, again not to me it doesn't anyway. So what about clothes? Apparently a "good yogi" covers up. How funny is that? Just like in so many other situations, apparently a "good yogi" never shows too much skin, can't take the practice seriously if you don't have enough clothes on - so no shorts and sports bras, ladies! I mean seriously though, I've seen so many comments on some of the yogis I've followed that go along the lines of "If you truly cared about your practice you'd put some pants on", "No one will take you seriously if you don't cover up". I can't be the only one who laughs when I see comments like this, right? It's rude, unnecessary and the first thought in my head is usually, where has your head gone that you think it's okay to say that, or even think that? Apparently a yogi who truly cares about the practice and lifestyle doesn't bother about the clothes either, who needs a pretty pair of leggings or a good sports bra? Well, to each his own. There is no universally approved uniform for yoga, the same way there is no universally apprvoved uniform for life. In a space where there is meant to be no judgement at all, judging a fellow yogi on their choice or lack of clothes doesn't make you a better yogi than they are, frankly, it just makes you a bad person. I don't see the problem with loving certain clothes or loving no clothes on your body. After all, it's yours and you get to do what you want with it. Part of my practice is enjoy the amazing colours and designs on my tights, shorts and bras and to making beautiful shapes and lines in these outfits. Does it make me better at yoga? No. But it sure makes me feel better. And that's so important. No matter what you're doing, how you feel when you're doing it is a priority. Rock your style, your body, lift your spirits and do it all with confidence. Not everyone feels good during their practice, I sure didn't when I first practiced without the help of a video to follow. These things don't always come naturally and if putting on a cute pair of tights makes you feel more relaxed or having no tights on at all make you feel more confident, then use what you need to make yourself feel better with your practice and yourself. I'd put on the most colourful pair of tights and a bra to match and flow the way I love to for hours and after that I'll change into pretty dress and an amazing pair of heels to go have dinner! it doesn't make you a "bad yogi" to live the yoga lifestyle the way that works best for you. The way I see it, the only "bad yogis" are the one who are telling you your way of practicing is wrong because it doesn't look like theirs.
3 Comments
Yaira
5/7/2015 09:35:31 am
Absolutely agree! It all comes down to being your own person and doing what makes you happy. If we were all suppose to feel, think and believe the same things, then where would be the fun in that. We are unique and as so we should be respected and accepted for who we are abs what we prefer in life.... And for those who have a problem with a person loving a specific item, they should try to understand that items have sentimental values as well as emotions do! Girl, I need my own blog/page ASAP! Peace, Love and above all RESPECT are some of my motto.... Respect being the first. Keep sharing your thoughts
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Yaira
5/7/2015 09:38:37 am
Oops...and not abs haha
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Aly R
10/7/2015 06:52:08 am
that's so true! Everyone's on their own journey and it works differently and that's okay!
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