3 Yoga Myths DEBUNKED
Prepare to have your perception of yoga shattered! Intrigued? Buckle up as we debunk three mind-bending myths about yoga that will challenge everything you thought you knew. Get ready to rethink flexibility, stillness, and strength in ways you never imagined. It’s time to unveil the truth about yoga and discover its transformative power. Curious? Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Unlocking the Truth: Debunking 3 Common Yoga Myths
I saw the funniest photo today of a woman in a supermarket on the floor doing child’s pose. The caption read, “My yoga teacher told me I can take child’s pose whenever I need it.”
Even as I write that I’m smiling and chuckling to myself again. Chuckling mostly because I’ve recently felt the need to do that very same thing – right in the middle of a Walmart aisle!
The most valuable lesson we can glean from this example is not the joke about the stress of a trip to the store, but rather the message that you have full permission to take yoga and use it however it honors and feels best in your own body.
“But what does that mean?” you ask.
Well, I’ll let you in on a little secret: yoga is NOT one-size-fits-all.
You heard me right – Yoga is meant to be tailored and personalized to meet you wherever you are – even if that’s in the middle of the dollar spot at Target!
Still questioning this idea? Still a disbeliever?
I don’t blame you.
So often I talk to other people about yoga only to hear:
- I’m not flexible.
- I could never sit still.
- I don’t have enough strength.
- I can’t take an hour out of my schedule to come to the studio.
- I need to lose weight first.
And of course, I get it. I used to be one of those people. I would hear someone talk about yoga and think, “Yeah, right!! I’ll never look as graceful as that 20-something yoga instructor who can stand on her head and fold in half . . . backwards.”
And now here I am . . . a yoga instructor and studio owner, trying to convince you (and my younger self) to give yoga a try.
Let’s start with debunking these 3 commonly held beliefs about yoga.
MYTH #1
You have to be flexible to do yoga.
Sorry, y’all. This one’s worse than a myth – it’s an outright lie!
Flexibility is NOT a requirement of yoga.
You heard me.
It is not required to show up as bendy as Gumby. You do not have to be able to touch your toes, or reach your hand behind your back, or do the splits.
TRUTH: Flexibility is one of the many benefits of yoga. It’s something you gain from practicing, albeit a slow process at times.
In fact, the next time I invite someone to yoga and they tell me they can’t because they’re just not flexible enough I’m going to reply with, “GREAT! I cannot wait to help you stretch!!”
So what are you waiting for? Is this an excuse you’re willing to leave in the dust?
MYTH #2
You have to be able to sit still to do yoga.
Again . . . not true.
I mean, is stillness practiced by a lot of yogis (people who do yoga) around the world?
Yes.
But that doesn’t mean you have to.
Stillness in yoga isn’t just the body without movement. Stillness can refer to the mind as well – quieting our thoughts and coming into the present moment, the moment of now.
“Well, have you seen my mind lately?! There’s no calming or quieting this mess!” you say . . .
To which I reply that moving your body physically, wether it be through an elaborate routine or just a single repetitive movement, can enable you to quiet the mind and let go of most everything else zooming around between your ears.
Still doubtful?
That’s ok, because I offer plenty of classes each week for you to come prove me wrong! 😉
And maybe you’re right . . . maybe you can’t sit still or quiet your mind . . . but just like flexibility, stillness is not a prerequisite for yoga.
Stillness can be one of the greatest benefits yoga has to offer you.
You’ll never know unless you try.
MYTH #3
You have to be strong to do yoga.
Welp, here we are. Final myth . . . DEBUNKED.
You knew this was coming – strength is not required to practice yoga.
In truth, a physical practice (moving your body) is only part of yoga.
You may be hearing this next bit for the first time, so brace yourself . . .
All you have to do to practice yoga is BREATHE and focus on that breath.
Need an example?
Let’s say you were headed back to work after lunch, and the traffic was just nuts. You’re so worked up and irritated by the time you get to the office that you need a minute before going in (even though you’re already running behind). As you sit there, breathing, releasing the tension and coming into a calmer state, you are practicing yoga.
That’s right. Simply sitting in your parked car after a hectic drive, closing your eyes, and focusing on your breath is . . . YOGA!
And yes, strength can be used in yoga, but here we are again . . . strength is a benefit of yoga. And one that you can build in the physical body as well as the mind (see Myth 2 and quieting the mind).
Are you convinced yet? Ready to break free and find your strength?
Yoga for All: Embracing Every Body
It’s true: yoga is for every body.
Nope, that’s not a typo.
See that intentional space between every and body?
That’s exactly what I mean. Not only is yoga for everybody, yoga is for every body.
So whether you’re inflexible, a wiggle worm, a weakling (your words, not mine), yoga is for you.
But it’s also for the bendy types, the stoic, the season-passes-to-the-gun-show holders (💪).
It’s for everybody and every body. Period.
Are you listening?
Cuz’ I’m talking to YOU. 😘