POV: I am not impressed by the physical postures people do in yoga. I get that many are drawn to the poses and think, “Once I can nail that, I’ve mastered yoga.” But honestly? That’s BS. If you’re able-bodied and practice consistently, you will get the poses. That’s just how it works. 

I know because I’ve been there. I did all the fun asana - the inversions, the arm balances, the stuff that makes people go, “Wow!” (And all of that in beautiful landscapes of course) But was I more aware? No. Happier? Not really. More conscious of myself or the world? Definitely not.

Let’s talk about that for a second - how so many show up to yoga class, get a good stretch, and walk out feeling righteous, without a second thought for the world outside. They don’t care about the environment, social injustices, or oppression, as long as their savasana was peaceful and their next yoga retreat is booked. Instagram hasn’t helped either. Influencers are out here making yoga a whole show - perfect poses, a deep quote slapped on, and boom, that’s the ‘practice. They’ll tell you all about technique. Technique here, technique there. But do they ever tell you how to use your practice to handle grief? Or sadness? Or loss? Or how to really tune into your emotions and sit with them? Of course not. Bc technique is easy to teach. The other stuff? That’s the hard part. Many remain unaware that asana is just a tool, not the ultimate goal.

If yoga doesn’t mean something off the mat, we’re just posing. Swimming in shallow waters. And it’s boring.

What really impresses me on a deep sea level isn’t how flexible or balanced or strong someone is. It’s how they manage their emotions. How they communicate with kindness. How they show up for themselves and others and for life’s challenges. How they use their voice to create positive change, art, peace, love, something beautiful.

I love asana - it’s fun and rewarding. But f*** asana if it doesn’t connect to something deeper, bigger, brighter. Bc otherwise, you’re just stretching while the world burns. And that you can do at the gym and without calling it yoga, too.

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