23. Western white-washed yoga isn't it
Let’s get back to yoga’s roots
In this episode, the shit we need to talk about is: In the west, yoga has been appropriated, white-washed, and watered down. And honestly, as a result, the yoga industry is a big mess, at least it is here in the US.
So much of what yoga really is is rooted in the ease of the mind, self-acceptance, being able to feel big emotions and balance/manage them, and an authentic connection with others. Yoga is, inherently, social justice. It is, in it of itself, a direct disruption of white supremacy culture, capitalism, patriarchy, ableism, and all the oppressive systems in place in our world.
I am getting candid about:
The problems with yoga in the west (including, but not limited to):
Largely a physical and ableist form of exercise without variations for all bodies
Using props as an aid… to help you do the pose the “right” way
Cultural appropriation
Assumption that yoga is a religious practice
What yoga really is, including:
The history of yoga
The culture of yoga
Why yoga is the foundation of the spaces I hold, including the Wholistic Self-Care Collective, plus the variety of ways I offer the practices to support my clients based on their needs.
My personal journey over the last couple of years in learning and unlearning what yoga means to me and my place as a yoga “teacher” in the industry.
