I recently listened to a podcast through The Yoga Talk Show where the podcaster interviewed JP Sears (i.e the funny red-head dude who makes HILARIOUS Facebook videos poking fun at all things yoga and lifestyle). The podcast was titled "Laughing for Healing" and as expected, I got a lot of humor and smiles from it. However, one topic brought up that I wasn't expecting was the commercialism of yoga - and this intrigued me. Like many others (in Western society, especially) I initially got into yoga solely for the physical component...but as I've deepened my practice I've learned the term "yoga" is so much more than just postures.
In the podcast, both speakers recommended yoga practitioners learn about the early histories of yoga. And I hate to admit it, but at the time other than my teacher training and some continuing ed here and there, I haven't been very diligent in this. So like any good student, I decided to take a trip to the library for resources. Even more terrible to admit, as I was sifting through books I realized I had to ask myself "What's the difference between Hinduism and Buddhism?" Obviously, this was just another indicator that as a 'yogi' (or just an informed human being) I should have been delving into this much sooner.
But I'm not alone! It's no surprise that many people aren't familiar with the history of yoga and how it came to be in modern day. In America, it is pre-packaged as a physical sport or exercise that only rich, white people do (and let's be honest, mostly women)...when ironically it was historically practiced by spiritual men, who practiced with the intention to bring enlightenment, (i.e. not to burn calories). The podcast I mentioned above really stated it well: Western culture has actually cherry-picked pieces of Yoga traditions, and have used it as a commercial tool to MAKE MONEY selling yoga mats, clothing, & accessories. To many people's surprise, yoga isn't new....it actually dates back thousand of years. Somewhere between 3300 - 1500 BCE the term 'yoga" can be found in spiritual texts from the Hindu community...but you won't find posture breakdowns there. Instead, there's more focus on mindfulness, meditation, and enlightenment. In The Yoga Sutras of Pantanjali (dated prior to 400 CE) the 8 Limbs of yoga are introduced - asana (posture) only being one of them. The yamas (5 moral restraints) and Niyamas (5 observances) can be broken down even more. I won't delve into these today, but you can find a plethora of resources online of from a trusted yoga teacher :)
BUT I'll say it again - I am not a terrible person (and neither are YOU - my guess is white person [probably female] yogi)...HOWEVER, I think it is beneficial to be aware of cultural appropriation and respect the history behind what you're portraying. Ever since I was young, I have always found Eastern influences fascinating; but I now want to use the knowledge I've gained to show reverence, and honor where they came from. I don't have to stop buying these things to be respectful, but I do need to put time and effort learning more.
Below are a few books I've used recently, as well as an excerpt from American Veda:
Assimilation of Eastern + Western cultures will continue to happen - I mean, why wouldn't we want to reap the benefits of philosophies thousands of years in the making!? We just have to remember and pay homage to them. In the book featured above, the author compared Martin Luther King Jr.'s nonviolence protests and the application to that of Ghandi's Hindu beliefs. Of course, no one condemned MLK Jr. of appropriating Eastern values, because all he was reinforcing was the universal act of being a decent human being. To me, the same goes for all yogis AND faiths: If you treat others as you want to be treated (Catholic golden rule) you are aligning with not only religious views, but also ethics - plain and simple. At the core of all religious or spiritual practices is the basic need to have HOPE in something larger than ourselves - and we all have that right.
Back to yoga - whether we use it as a spiritual vessel, or a place to unwind from the day - it's important to note we all have that right. I am definitely NOT here to tell people to stop practicing yoga - that would be insane! Rather, I'm here to create dialogue. Looking at your own yoga practice (however you define that) - Do you judge others based on their yoga gear (or the price of it)? Do you only attend 1 studio? Do you think the 'goal' of yoga is to be the most bendy, or who can post the best Instagram photos? Do you have a narrow focus of WHO can practice yoga? Do you have artwork of Shiva, Buddha, etc. but have no idea their historical/philosophical impact?
If any of these ring a bell, I'd recommend doing some independent soul searching. No one wants to be a yoga snob! While it took me a long journey to realize that my body (and everybody/EVERY. BODY!) will look different in a pose (and that's okay) hopefully I can shed this light for newer practitioners. In my work as an eating disorder dietitian, I tell people to "Keep your eyes on your own placemat." Same goes for yoga - "Keep your focus on YOUR mat." If you're taking a class and someone is doing their own thing - AWESOME! If you need a break and take child's pose the rest of class - DO IT! If your breath is quicker or slower than the instructor's pace - DO YOU BOO! If you can't afford a monthly studio membership, but practice in the comfort of your home - I'M RIGHT THERE WITH YOU! My point is, no matter what lineage you practice, your experience, your race, body size/type, experience, faith (or lack there-of), yoga is for you! But don't start judging someone else's practice because it's different than yours; and don't try to compare your physical body with someone else's postures because IT DOESN'T MATTER. Doing Downward Facing Dog with your heels firmly planted to the ground is not 'perfect;' just as "your" yoga is yours, not "better." You are no more or no less of a yogi if you wear name-brand clothing or not...basically, in the words of Kendrick Lamar, "Be Humble." ;-)
So Rock the mala beads, support local businesses with cultural artwork, download ALL the meditation apps...but be honest with yourself and become knowledgeable of the amazing histories yoga can provide.
For more detailed information on commercialism, cultural appropriation & diversity in yoga, check out the links below:
Is My Practice Cultural Appropriation? (and what to do about it!)
Yoga Talk Podcast - Yoga Rising With Melanie Klein
**And If you need a satirical 2:30 min video on modern yoga, please watch!
If Ghandi Took a (Modern) Yoga Class
Comments
Post a Comment