1. Yoga is not a religion.
Contrary to popular belief, yoga is not – technically – about a belief in God or Gods. Yoga is a spiritual practice designed to connect its teachers and students with universal consciousness and whatever form or iteration of ‘the divine’ each of us imagines. Rather than elevating a specific deity, yoga is much more of a method or philosophy for living that seeks to universalize the experience of humanity – the physical, emotional, spiritual, and collective.Yoga was of course born in India and as such, it is intricately connected to the Hindu religion. Similarly, yoga shares strong links with Buddhism. But each are separate entities. Not all Hindus or Buddhists practice yoga. Not all Yogis believe in Hinduism or Buddhism.
2. You are always welcome.
A yoga class by nature is an open forum for all students. Of course some classes are designed to teach more advanced postures and practices, but nearly every yoga studio on the planet has classes open to beginners. The goal is to include, not exclude.
3. Yoga is not about the clothes.
As long as you wear something comfortable and stretchy, you can move your body and absorb the benefits of a yoga practice. There is no need to buy a new wardrobe or re-make your look no matter what modern marketing might suggest. Feel comfortable, be yourself. No costumes required.
4. It isn't all exercise.
The stretching and strengthening we do on the mat is only part of the equation. Practicing yoga is practicing non-violent self-love and a willingness to observe and be present in the world, as opposed to fear, judge, or restrict ourselves. We engage this when we try a new pose in class or learn to slow down our breath in the face of panic. We also practice yoga when we step outside of our comfort zone at work, in relationship, or within ourselves. Yoga is smiling to the postman, rubbing your feet at the end of a long day, or putting your hand on your heart and crying when the urge arrives. Yoga is gracefully being with what is. And yes, it is a practice.
5. Yoga will make you happy.
The world of modern yoga is now chocked with scientific evidence linking the practice – physical poses, breathwork, and meditation – with improved mood and productivity, decreased levels of depression and anxiety, better sleep, healthier eating, the list goes on and on. Yoga slows us down and lifts us up all at once. The unique combination of active work and calm stillness produces a blissful cocktail for our haggard nervous systems. If you pay careful attention, it can feel as though yoga literally coaxes us into greater harmony and equilibrium within ourselves. We don’t re-make ourselves, but rather become ourselves.
Don’t just take our word for it. Try it and see for yourself!
Kate Tripp is a yoga teacher, writer, mother, and co-founder of Luma Yoga, an award-winning yoga studio for adults and children in Santa Cruz, CA. She shares her wisdom and experience on the Three Minute Egg blog with weekly, inspirational, yoga-related blog posts. Read Kate's full bio here.