Is There Too Much Yoga?

Is capitalism creating a “yoga monster?”

Are we creating a culture of detachment rather than connection? Are the “yoga markets” saturated? Are the new businesses opening solving a problem, or creating one?   Are we serving ourselves more than considering each other? How can we return to a state of interconnection, collaboration and harmony?

Too Much is Too Much

Recent conversations between myself and clients have included this statement. They've asked, "If I take more classes, will it make me better faster?" If only wellbeing worked that way. Yes, it's good to attend self care practices on a regular basis, but attending two or more classes in a row or classes every day of the week isn't necessarily going to heal or improve your circumstances more quickly. In fact, you could end up injuring yourself or creating other issues.

When it comes to wellness, moderation and harmony are the keys. Your practice of self care is yours, alone, but finding your way can be easier if you’re given some guidance.  Finding a guide who understands that your needs are unique and who is able to provide support and guidance based upon the philosophies of yoga may not be easy.  
​
The “yoga scene” has changed a lot. Yoga studios are beginning to feel more like gyms; offering hour long active movement classes.  Gyms are offering “yoga classes” that incorporate weights or HIIT. People posing in postures on Instagram are getting paid to do so and garner huge followings.  People are flocking to the hottest new studio and busiest classes. Are they doing so for themselves or to be seen?  Are they practicing yoga? For whom are they doing this; for themselves or to be like someone else?

Yoga on Every Corner

There’s been a boom of people who have attended a yoga teacher training in the past few years. Not only are there more people claiming to be teachers, there are more who misunderstand what it means to be a yoga practitioner. Any yogi or yogini will tell you that the key to yoga can’t be found in an instagram photo. While the asana, or posturing has become a symbol for yoga, it is not the only aspect of the practice. 

You can attend classes during which you’ll be instructed through a variety of postures at wineries, libraries, on beaches, at breweries, in mental health facilities and even detention centers. While you don’t need to visit a yoga studio to engage in or experience the practices of yoga, there is a reason why they exist: they are space designed and intended for accessing yoga. From the interior design to the intentions set before and after every practice, a yoga studio is a special place with a unique energy.
​
A yoga teacher is not a fitness instructor. A yoga class is not a workout. While you may move and sweat, the ultimate intention of yoga is to help you know yourself so you can effect changes to be your best self. Wellness, wellbeing and self care are the roots of the practice. After a yoga session you should feel as though you have done some serious self care and have a desire to continue to incorporate what you learned into your life. 

Competition vs Collaboration

I belong to a few groups that discuss the struggles of being a yoga studio owner and teachers. Asteya and ahimsa are two of the primary practices of yoga, but it seems as though they are being ignored and overlooked when it comes to the world of offering yoga through a business. Stories of teachers using studios without permission, collecting client information, undercutting each other, opening competing studios and more are plentiful. 

The overhead of running a studio includes not only rent, but also utilities, a booking system, credit card processing, advertising, marketing, payroll and more. Small studios run by teachers who have years of experience are struggling to stay in business as franchises and gym-like centers open nearby offering lower prices and with financial backing that can cover the overhead costs. 

Yoga is supposed to be a practice of collaboration and connection. It seems, though, that the business of offering yoga is creating a culture of competition. This is resulting in behaviors of mistrust, secrecy, isolation and separation.

Vinyasa, Hot, Iyengar, Goat. . .Yoga

You can put any words you want together. You can put any things you want together; Milkshakes and french fries, wings and ranch, gin and tonic are all things that people enjoy. Not all things are good when brought together and, when combined, sometimes the roots or basis can be lost. For example; milk and lemon. When combined, the two yield buttermilk and there’s no way to go back to the originals.

When the word yoga is added to an activity, sometimes the yogic aspect is lost. To say “vinyasa yoga” is to create union through intentional sequence.  Hot yoga is creating union through heat. Iyengar yoga means union through Iyengar (what?) and goat yoga is to create union through goats (uh, huh?). Is this making sense? We could keep going and say everything is yoga, which is true, if you practice yoga, but just saying something is, doesn’t make it so.

So, maybe you’re thinking about practicing french fry yoga, chicken yoga and wine yoga. Everyone should practice in their own way, but I just don’t think that union with fries, spirits and wine is going to help you live your best life.

The Right Yoga ​

How do you know if the yoga class you're attending is the right one for you? Ask yourself the following questions: Is the instruction clear, varied and easy to follow? Does the instructor/teacher/guide pay attention to my needs? Am I being given guidance to pay attention to more than my body? 

If your answer to these questions is “yes,” then you’ve found a good teacher and practice. Yoga classes should include movement that directs your body in every direction, is accessible for everyone attending, provides variations for different needs and suggestions for connecting with your body, breath, energy, emotions and mind.  

The root work of yoga is yuj: to yoke or join. To practice yoga is to access yoga. How do we do so? Through observation, direction, body awareness, intentional breathing, focus, mindfulness and integration. Wherever you begin and whatever path you move upon, if you’re engaging in these practices, you’re moving toward yoga.

Returning to the original question; is there too much yoga? I’ve begun to wonder if maybe there isn’t enough.