5 things Yoga is NOT: (in this yogi’s opinion)

1. A talent. It is a gift bestowed by different means and developed along various paths, but the presentation isn’t necessarily a representation of the capacity of Yoga in a being. It is not something to be good or bad at. Yoga is a process.
2. A competition. Not with other people, not with yourself, not in an arena or on a stage. Nope.
3. Esoteric. Doesn’t it just sound that way though? The sciences of Yoga aren’t mystical, secretive, or arcane. Each path, style, and system is laid out quite concretely. The obscurity can occur however, in each person’s implementation and pursuit of practice.
4. A sport. Yoga-asana is a small part of the practice and philosophies of Yoga. The use of that physicality as an exhibition for a purpose beyond furthering the philosophies of Yoga should NOT be called Yoga.
5. Flaky. Due to the encompassing and inclusive nature of the philosophies, individuals can fit the philosophies and practices of Yoga to their person. Finding one’s path may result in floundering for a time…a short or a long time! Even the grounded yogi will appear variable, remaining flexible through the constant flux of life.