- Yoga is for the flexible. To say that you are not flexible enough to practice yoga is the same as saying that you need to know Spanish to attend a Spanish course. A flexible body is not a prerequisite for yoga, but by practicing yoga we become more flexible and mobile. You don’t have to touch your toes to practice yoga, and if you want to touch them, bend your knees. The flexibility of the body is not a prerequisite, but the flexibility of the mind is.
- Yoga is a religion. Although yoga originates from India, it is intended for everyone. Yoga is just one of the 6 Indian philosophical systems. It is a spiritual discipline that emphasizes the connection of body, mind, and spirit, but is free from dogma and religious canons. Yoga means unity. The unity of all people and living beings. It calls for compassion, love, acceptance, and tolerance.
- Yoga is stretching. Stretching is just a small part of yoga practice. In fact, the physical aspect of yoga involves awareness of the breath. The synchronization of movements with the breath is the main goal of practicing yoga. Attention to the coordination of movement with the breath anchors us in the present moment. Whether it is a dynamic style of yoga or a mild and gentle style of yoga, with the so-called. by staying in one position for a long time, what matters is not just what happened in class, but what stays with us throughout the day after class.
- Yoga is easy. Vinyasa and Ashtanga yoga are physically extremely demanding and challenging styles of yoga. But even styles in which yoga is performed with very little movement and static postures can be “difficult.” Yoga positions very often engage muscles that are not typically engaged in static or isometric contraction in other physical activities. On the other hand, yoga puts us in unusual positions, atypical musculoskeletal patterns of body engagement, which in itself is very challenging.
- Yoga is hard. Contrary to the previous prejudice, it states that yoga is difficult. If you are a beginner in yoga, yoga can seem challenging and at times you may think it exceeds your abilities. It invites you to step out of your comfort zone, but it also reminds and warns you to listen to your body, progress at your own pace, get rid of condemnation and criticism, both towards yourself and others. In addition, there are different variants and modifications of position with regard to individual abilities and body constitution.
- Yoga is for women. Traditionally in India, yoga was practiced by men. Historically, the greatest and most influential yoga teachers were men. The first lady of yoga was Indra Devi who was faced with numerous challenges and tests in order for Krishnamacharya (the father of modern yoga) to accept her into his yoga schools. Paradoxically, isn’t it?!
- A true yogi is one who does a headstand. Yoga is by no means reduced to physical positions. Asanas are only one level, out of a total of eight in the entire philosophical system of yoga. An advanced yogi first of all knows what is good for his body and practices yoga accordingly. A true yogi is modest, and there are those who do not practice asanas.