Is yoga losing its spirit?

by Martha Edwards (Subscribe to Martha Edwards's posts)
Oct 27th 2006 2:38PM

Last night at yoga class, we were doing jumping handstand prep and I decided to give my wrists a much-needed break by taking child's pose. The guy on the next mat over looked at me and said, "Aww, is this your first time?"

Excuse me? I have been doing yoga for 2 years, thankyouverymuch. I was a bit annoyed until I remembered that yoga is not about competition or anyone else but you. It doesn't seem that way though. These days, it's like everyone is trying to bend themselves as far as the next person, more concerned with having a tight butt than peace of mind.

I found this article on the subject, and liked how it summed up the spirituality behind yoga. Check it out if you get a chance and let me know what you think. Are you a competitive yogi?

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Comments (3)

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

David 10-28-2006 @ 4:08PM

you are right.. I was introduced to Yoga at an early age.. about 6.. it was all about relaxation, flexibility..then (it was the 70's) I learned about Hinduism and spirituality. In my 30's I took Yoga class 3 times a week.. visited with Yogi master from many different traditions.. then a few years later, formerly "high impact" "NRG" type Aerobics instructors started doing "hot" Yoga, "power" Yoga, "fitness" Yoga.. in classes folks in their second or 3rd week.. would give you instructions on doing poses.. gee whiz.. all this competition.. I don't take classes anymore.. I am glad I have a classical Yoga education..

Natraj 11-24-2006 @ 9:49AM

Yes. I agree with you on what you are saying its almost like weight training, "how much weight can you lift?" I joined a yoga class in my area but I did not like it and so I am trying to learn it from a book. I know its that much more difficult this way but I will try anyways. Here's where I am posting my experiences...http://yoga-start.blogspot.com/

William 11-29-2006 @ 1:03PM

I'm not interested in yoga. But my wife learnt yoga from her master, old monk from South India. She showed me lot of books. I understand Yoga is nothing about exercise or pose. It is very old philosophy. It is about life and living (how to eat well, clearing (our body & mind), take care people around, sleep well & etc). Pose is one of the way to train the spirit closing to the nature.
It is just my opinion for sharing.