When yoga really became big in the West, it was largely the aspect of asana practice that caught on. Asana practice is the physical side of yoga, the part more relatable to a culture that loves to exercise (and needs to because of their food system but that's another story).
Gym goers, walkers, people trying to lose weight, and athletes all have tuned in to the benefits of the physical practice of asana. And the benefits are many! Improved flexibility, strength building, stimulation of internal organs, tension release, better balance, reduced stiffness … these and more are the physical benefits of asana practice.
As asana practice exploded in the West, the meaning of yoga became misconstrued. It often became only about the physical and to many people that is still its purpose. Personally, I also started asana practice for these reasons. With my background as a dancer, I loved the stretching sensation of asanas and further enjoyed the strengthening aspects. It was with only time and my attendance in a variety of styles of yoga that I started to learn more about its purpose and benefits. As my experiences expanded, I started to shift my attendance from ashtanga and bikram classes to hatha and restorative classes. Further, I started to understand the value of meditation and the higher purpose of yoga. My trip to India in 2014, including time spent practicing and studying hatha in an ashram, was a big part of that shift.
Asana practice continues to be a gateway for people in the West to be introduced to yoga. Some of us broaden our experience and go deeper, whereas others are content to stick with the physical side of yoga. Those of us who have gone deeper know that yoga has immense mental and spiritual benefits as well. Regardless, those who have not gone deeper into the study and practice of yoga will still experience these type of benefits from asana practice alone through the challenge and mindfulness of practice.
If we view asana practice as a gateway for introducing new people to yoga and acknowledge that asana practice has benefits beyond the physical, then I think we should also accept that its ok to approach yoga from a physical aspect. If you love power yoga, ashtanga, or other asana classes for the benefits of flexibility, organ stimulation (twisting), improved balance, cardio, or improved strength, then I say more power to you! Whatever the reasons you come to yoga class, your benefits are sure to surpass your expectations whether you realize it or not.
HOWEVER, it is important to note that pushing the body to physical extremes within a short period of time is not beneficial. Asana practice should be done with patience and awareness of your body's limitations. Some asanas can take a lifetime of serious dedication to fully achieve - especially for someone who is not naturally flexible. I believe in the importance of practicing within your limits and finding a sensation of peace and relaxation in every asana. I also don't personally recommend hot yoga.
With that in mind, this month I've prepared asana practices on my YouTube channel catering to the appealing physical benefits of yoga. If you love asanas for the purposes of stretching, cardio (aka, a solid feeling that you've worked out), twisting, or balancing, I've created a practice just for you. Don't be shy to join in! If you find yourself experiencing side benefits to your asana practice beyond the expected physical ones, don't say I didn't warn you! 😉
Have a beautiful day. 🧡
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