Is yoga a sport? Should everyone, both men and women, do it? Is yoga boring and too slow for some? Ankita Jhunjhunwala, Senior Yoga Trainer, The Art of Living, clears up some common misconceptions about yoga.
Dispelling 7 common myths about yoga
This article was written by Ankita Jhunjhunwala, Senior. yoga Trainer at The Art of Living.Times Now takes no responsibility or liability for this content as it is solely based on the opinion of the author.
Over the last few years, yoga practice has reached new heights and transformed the lives of billions of people. Yoga has become a tool that unites people all over the world and the United Nations has finally acknowledged its universality by designating 21st June every year as Yoga Day. The popularity of yoga practice and the myths surrounding it have skyrocketed. These myths often prevent people from understanding the true essence of yoga. Join Ankita Jhunjhunwala, Senior Yoga Trainer at The Art of Living as we bust some of these myths.
Myth #1: Yoga is only for flexible people
On social media platforms, yoga is often associated with people with a high level of athleticism and flexibility performing extraordinary poses, but not everyone has that level of flexibility.
Practicing easier asanas and postures daily will certainly help you gain some flexibility. Starting with something as easy as chair yoga or surya namashkar, anyone can begin their yoga journey. So, it is not correct to say that yoga is only for those who are flexible. Art of Living emphasizes that yoga is more than just physical activity. Yoga is a path through which people get to know themselves and the world around them. Yoga is a skill of action. Yoga improves your skills in communication, observation and to perceive the world better.
Many people consider yoga to be boring and slow paced, but there is actually more to yoga than meets the eye. To fully benefit from the beautiful science that is yoga, you also need to look at it from a spiritual perspective.
Global spiritual leader and humanitarian Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar has said, “What you find boring today, you may find very interesting tomorrow. It is all about getting beyond this ever-changing mind. Boredom is mere repetition without interest or love. This creates monotony and obscures the Self. Spiritual practices like yoga are also repetitive, but their purpose is to eliminate boredom and reconnect with the Self. The practice itself creates boredom, but with continued practice you can penetrate through boredom and defeat it completely. Whether the practice gives you joy or boredom, it has to continue. Only through spiritual practices can you overcome the mind. The Supreme Self is love, and love is always repetitive. Love letters are just repetitive, but there is no boredom in them.”
Myth 3: Yoga is like aerobics
Gurudev answers this question beautifully: “Asanas are not just aerobics, because they have to be done consciously and in sync with the breath. For example, when you are raising your arms, you are fully aware that you are raising your arms. In yoga, the body, the mind and the breath are all one. It is like a slow dance that takes you from one posture to another. First you strain, then you stretch a little, then you release and relax. That is the way asanas should be practiced.”
Myth #4: Yoga is a religious practice
A common misconception about yoga is that it is a religious practice. Though yoga originated in India, it belongs to the entire human race. Knowledge cannot be limited to geography or faith. If we limit knowledge, it loses its universality and loses its dignity. Though yoga was conceived in an ancient tradition, it is not limited to a set of ideologies or theories. Yoga is open to the whole world. Also, yoga does not interfere with someone’s belief system. “Just as eating Italian pizza does not make you Italian, or driving a German car does not make you German, yoga does not interfere with faith or nationality. Rather, yoga strengthens faith. Yoga must be seen as the science of happiness. Everyone has a right to peace, so no one should be deprived of it,” says Gurudev.
Another misconception about yoga is that it is a kind of sport. Yoga involves physical postures and movements that are similar to sports, but it is actually much more than that. According to yoga advocate Maharishi Patanjali, the eight pillars of yoga are Yama (restraint), Niyama (discipline), Asana (postures), Pranayama (breath), Pratyahara (restraint of the senses), Dharana (concentration), Dhyana (meditation) and Samadhi (bliss). When we incorporate these eight pillars into our life, a radical change takes place within ourselves.
“Yoga helps us move from weakness to strength, from sorrow to a happy and healthy life,” says Gurudev.
While sport always focuses on physical ability, yoga focuses on awareness, self-realization and connecting with your best self.
Myth 6: Real men don’t do yoga
Yoga is considered by many to be a lower, feminine practice. However, yoga is not exclusive to any gender. In ancient Vedic times, both men and women had equal access to meditation and yoga practice. Even today, men not only practice yoga but a significant number of them are pursuing careers in yoga to create a better and healthier world. The Art of Living encourages everyone, regardless of gender, to actively participate in yoga to stay healthy, stress-free and happy.
Myth #7: Yoga doesn’t require meditation
“Meditation is like the soul and everything else is like a cloth that covers it,” says Gurudev. “Meditation is the essence. There can be no body without soul and no soul without body.”
Ultimately, myths and misconceptions can be dispelled with the right knowledge and experience. Don’t let these myths stop you from experiencing the wonder of yoga. Be one with it and let it guide you to become a better version of yourself.
