The 4 yoga myths that keep you from practicing yoga
Have you ever questioned your ability to practice yoga? Do you ever get hooked on watching videos with an out-of-this-world kind of yoga, doubting yourself?
Social media are full of videos from people with the abilities of professional gymnasts performing routines that many long-time practitioners can’t do. Understanding that yoga is not limited to these individuals alone is crucial.
But let’s bust four myths that keep you from practicing yoga.
Myth #1
Yoga is for young, thin, flexible people.
Do you believe you must be young and physically fit to practice yoga?
Let me tell you that yoga is an inclusive practice with no absolute intention to exclude certain people who don’t fit the specific standards. Every asana has different stages suitable to every level. Also, with the help of blogs and straps, all the necessary adjustments to make an asana feasible are available.
Myth #2
Yoga means sitting for long hours with crossed legs.
I often hear that yoga is about sitting with legs crossed. Now, let me clarify something first. One of the purposes of practicing asanas (the postures) is to prepare the body and mind for meditation.
However, that does not mean that you are not a good fit if you are new to yoga and don’t want to start practicing meditation or have a physical condition that restrains you from sitting with your legs crossed.
One of the things that I love about yoga is that you can tailor it to your needs depending on the stage you are in and adjust any pose to make it possible for you.
Myth #3
Yoga is only for calm people.
People often tell me they are too stressed or active in the mind and can’t stay still. If you share the same opinion, let me tell you that yoga is especially for you. Another purpose of yoga is to calm the fluctuations of the mind, which is so huge! By practicing yoga, you eventually quiet your monkey brain, which jumps from one thought to another, keeping you from staying focused on one thing.
Now, think about the importance of that in your daily life.
How would staying focused on one task, person, or goal improve your life? I’ll let you think about that on your own time.
Myth #4
Yoga is for those who belong to a specific religion.
Another strong objection that I often hear is that yoga is for those who belong to a specific religious system. That is far from true. Although yoga is connected to Hinduism, sharing a particular religious system to practice is optional.
Yoga is far more than the restrictions people try to impose on it. It’s a gift to this world and refers to everyone regardless of shape, size, age, sex, race, or religion.
It includes EVERYONE, and that’s the beauty of it.