As a yoga teacher, I have one mission: to make yoga accessible for all.
Yoga has unfortunately been stereotyped as a practice only for women with a certain body type. This stereotype not only excludes many people from the benefits of yoga, but it also sends the wrong message about what yoga is truly about. In reality, yoga is a practice that can benefit people of all shapes, sizes, and abilities. It is not about getting into impossible positions or looking a certain way, but rather about connecting with your body, breath, and mind. Yoga can help improve physical health, reduce stress, and promote mindfulness and inner peace.
When we perpetuate the stereotype that yoga is only for a certain type of person, we discourage others from trying it and ultimately limit the spread of this beautiful practice. And many of the extreme poses that are popular on social media can actually be harmful to the body, particularly the back. As a yoga teacher, it is important to challenge this stereotype and make yoga accessible and inclusive for everyone. This means creating a welcoming and non-judgmental space, offering modifications and variations for different abilities, and emphasizing the mental and emotional benefits of the practice.
Yoga is not about ego or competition, but more about cultivating love and light within ourselves and spreading that energy to others. By teaching yoga in an inclusive and accessible way, we can help more people experience the transformative power of this practice and create a more diverse and compassionate yoga community.
My personal reasons for teaching inclusive yoga:
1. Creating a welcoming space: When you teach inclusive yoga, you are creating a space where people of all backgrounds and abilities can feel comfortable, supported and seen. By making your classes welcoming and accessible, you are helping people feel more connected and less isolated.
2. Improving diversity and representation: Yoga has historically been dominated by certain demographics, which can make it feel exclusionary to others. By offering inclusive classes, you are helping to improve diversity and representation within the yoga community.
3. Promoting social justice: Inclusive yoga can be a powerful tool for promoting social justice and equity. By recognizing and addressing systemic barriers to wellness, you are helping to create a more just and equitable society.
4. Encouraging growth and learning: As a teacher of inclusive yoga, you are constantly learning and growing as you work to better understand and meet the needs of your students. This can be a challenging and rewarding process that helps you develop new skills and perspectives.
5. Making a positive impact: By teaching inclusive yoga, you are making a positive impact on the world. Whether you are helping to improve someone's physical health or promoting social justice, you are making a difference in the lives of your students and your community.
Teaching inclusive yoga is about more than just the physical, mental and spiritual benefits of the practice. It's about creating a more welcoming, diverse, and just society, and making a positive impact in the world.
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