I often hear people say 'I'm not flexible enough to do yoga'. Let me reassure you that if flexibility was a requirement of yoga then I am out of a job! But the thing is, yoga is not just about the physical practice of yoga. Its so much more.

Today I want to debunk a few myths about yoga in the hopes that you can create a more satisfying practice and be less critical of yourselves as you go.

My understanding of modern yoga is that it has become very western or main stream possibly losing key parts of yoga tradition causing inner conflict and a need for perfectionism.

Here's what you might hear (and see in social media):

• You need to be flexible to do yoga.
• You have to use a (trendy) yoga mat.
• Fancy yoga clothes are not only a requirement but it makes you look more like a yogi.
• Yoga is for women!

Let me debunk those beliefs for you:

• Originally yoga was only meditation and breath practice with very few physical postures.
• Yoga mats were only invented in either 1967 (or 1982 conflicting stories here) but they were just pieces of old carpet underlay to stop students from slipping at their ashram. Before that you practiced on the bare ground or on occasion an animal skin rug.
• Spandex came around in 1958 but it wasn't til 1998 that Lululemon 'invented' the pricey yoga pant!
• Yoga was originally performed by men.

I hope these four beliefs have opened your eyes to how yoga has been modified for various reasons, mostly for profit, over the years.

The physical practice of yoga doesn't require flexible bodies but flexible minds. A willingness to accept that your body changes almost daily and your practice should honour this. Essentially its your yoga practiced in a way that works for you, yoga mat or not.

Some days I physically move with a choice of fast or slow.

Some days I meditate and breathe.

Some days I rest. Which is my nice way of admitting I do none of it.

I hope you enjoy this new 'flexible' approach to your yoga practice in your body, your way.

See you on the mat,

Tracy

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