Wellness News

There are not enough of us
Angelena Craig

There is a statistic going around the Yoga world which says 3 million people are practicing Yoga on a weekly basis. My reaction is... it is not enough.

Not enough men and women, young and old who could or should or would be doing Yoga, but may find a way to avoid giving it, at least, a try. There are many, as well, who once did Yoga years ago, back in the 70’s when it was finding popularity, thanks to the Beatles. They loved it then, but for some reason gave it up and they keep meaning to get back, some day.

As a Yoga teacher and someone slightly ahead of current baby boomers, I am curious. I try to understand why so many of my peers, and those moving into their elder years, are not doing Yoga. I myself personally know of at least 15 people of all ages who tell me they have been diagnosed with arthritis, or maybe they some chronic issue with their back, neck, hip, shoulder knee. They complain of the pain or their  limitation and when I say simply, “There is a good chance Yoga may help you; I have seen it work over and over”,  they find a way out of ever giving it a try. 

Maybe even their doctor has recommended it for what ails them, be it asthma, diabetes, migraines, fibromyalgia, ibs, high blood pressure and more but they continue to put this cost effective remedy out of their mind. Some prefer taking drugs instead; never mind the negative side effects.

I know well the excuses of why someone chooses not to learn or practice Yoga. “No time, not enough money, too fat, too old, not flexible. Yoga is too far out for me, some weird thing to do, no thanks.”

Having taught Yoga for twelve years makes me a kind of expert on the possible benefits, and I happily share these, if one is open to hearing. I know, from my personal experience, Yoga can often make a huge difference in one’s life. It truly is a sure fire method of self improvement for the body, emotions  and mind.  Coming from India, Yoga has been around five thousand years, so this is not some new fangeled next best exercise program. Yoga’s modern day version has kept much of the early wisdom of ancient times, and then we added our Western flair, so that it can work for everyone, including:

• Those mostly confined, at work, to sitting at a desk, suffering with chronic pain from the tightness in the back, neck, shoulders, head, etc.
• The elder person, or those limited in strength or endurance, who feels better practicing Yoga while sitting in, or holding onto a chair, while they learn how to relax,
• The top athlete who needs to learn to stretch out muscles, all the muscles, to avoid injuries.
• The large woman who feels embarrassed in a gym but could enjoy and reap the benefits if they find the right Yoga class for them. Weight loss can happen.
• The person who knows they have too much depression or anxiety, and needs to find some relief, something to help lift the spirits.
• Someone who wants to open to a wider perspective of life, to discover their soul.
• Anyone, really, who  needs to learn how to relax can learn practical methods for letting go of the stress.

Yoga can work for any body, any age. You just have to do it.

I feel compelled to dispel the common myth, perpetrated by the media, which displays only the most perfect human specimens who are thin, gorgeous, young, highly strong and flexible showing off their agility. These are models or advanced yogis demonstrating Yoga poses that 10 or maybe 20% of all yoga practitioners could possibly execute, at least in this lifetime.

I say, “NO. NO. NO”,  this  is not an accurate picture of what most people look like or whose bodies are even capable of such pretzel-like postures.  If you were born graced with athleticism, have maintained a slim, strong, flexible body, if you have much daily dedication and are willing to work hard, you too perhaps could achieve the look of those featured in the magazines or on TV.  But how many of us realistically fall into this category?

There is another myth that says Yoga is “far out”; they’ll make you chant or do something weird.” To those I say, “Yoga is mainstream.” You won’t be out of your element in a Yoga class, as long as you find the right one for YOU. Every teacher is different, every style varies, the intensity of the physicality can be any where from highly athletic to very gentle or restorative. You have to find the right class for your physical level and your temperament. 

Although there are those who  begin doing Yoga by using a videotape or watching a television show,  I do not encourage this, unless you have previous Yoga experience. It is important that you learn from  a qualified, well trained, experienced teacher who can see you and guide you carefully, making sure you are kept physically safe without injury. If you can find a Yoga studio,  rather than going to a gym full of noise and bright lights and people coming and going, you will have a much more satisfying experience. Most studio Yoga classes include a time at the end for meditation and/or being guided into deep relaxation. You might find this unusual in the beginning, but if you went to the doctor for high blood pressure she could very well recommend you learn how to meditate. These are practices being adopted by the medical community and are no longer considered fringy.

The last myth is that Yoga is a religion or maybe even that it is somehow dangerous for those who follow certain religious guidelines. Yoga is not a religion, however it may become a spiritual path, if you choose to walk it.

For the most part Yoga is simply the way to have a good work out and at the same time learn tools of healthful living, including the practice of deep, slow conscious breathing, and calming the mind. Whatever reason you find to come to class, just come and you will leave feeling very peaceful, yet fully energized. Yoga does work; you just have to do it.

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