It happens to me -A LOT- as a yoga teacher, that I seem to be interpreted as a sort-of personal-growth confessional.
The moment a new person catches wind that I teach yoga, a formula starts to play out that goes something like this:
- Oh wow, yeah, YOGA? Is that that hot yoga?
- [Usually before I can answer] I did yoga once/I should do yoga/I used to and I should get back into it…
- It’s really good for you, huh?
- I can’t do yoga because…
- Then they brace themselves to be shamed by me. (I do not shame them but they somehow seem to feel like I did)
And, you know, I started to see that something really sad was going on instead of something really awesome: As yoga gains in popularity and awareness, more and more people are shaming themselves about how or if they should be doing yoga. It’s as if somehow, yoga teachers are taking the place of Catholic priests.
Let’s keep in mind, y’all: Yoga is NOT a religion.
But I get it, it’s confusing/potentially embarrassing and not easy … or maybe too easy.
Who knows what goes on in a class you’ve never been to, if it’s even the same every time? Just tonight I had a colleague say that she was putting off going to a class because she had never been, proof that it happens to the pros, too.
All these unknowns have driven many of us in the yoga world to make yoga more accessible online. In the process we address some of the blocks that keep you suffering shame-asana (asana=pose) instead of relaxing blissfully in savasana (resting pose).
But, as it goes, we tend to find ways to pivot our shame habits to keep us from what we know we want and need to do. With that in mind, as a public service I’ve written a list of common “reasons” to not go to yoga, paired with a solution to get you Om-ing to your next Kundalini experience (trust me, you want that).
11. Problem: I’m too tight to do yoga
Solution: Hear me now: It’s safer to start yoga as a tight person than a flexible person. Because of this myth that flexy people are “good” at yoga, many of them get too deep into a pose with very little support around their joints and hurt themselves quite easily. So, tight people: get in here! Flexy people, you come too, but don’t go as deep as you can… back off a little.
10. Problem: I don’t have time to go to a class.
Solution: Online yoga, yo; you can do it when it works for you.
9. Problem: I know that if I’m alone doing online yoga, I won’t do it.
Solution: Get in with a live class and online yoga community online so that you will have a personal connection with the teacher and virtual classmates to support you, even if you’re doing yoga in your pajamas (they won’t know!)
8. Problem: I don’t like the yoga scene and I don’t have flattering yoga clothes
Solution: Online yoga, again. Is there a hole in the crotch of your stretchy pants? It’s between you and the wall, and you get your self-care in.
7. Problem: I have gas (okay, no one ever says this to me, but we know it’s a factor!)
Solution: Let it fly at home while you do online yoga. While you’re at it release that ragged sigh that’s been waiting to come out. Howl/ roar/ or cry in your own sacred space.
6. Problem: I have injuries.
Solution: Learn how to breathe like a yogi so you can be present with your pain and have the presence to not do the very things that injure you or make your injuries worse. Find a teacher who knows how to modify for injuries and let them know what’s going on with you.
5. Problem: Yoga’s too expensive
Solution: Online yoga is a fraction of the price to attend a live yoga class. And, as you feel better in your body and get more skilled at working through your limiting beliefs, you just might make more money… I’m serious. I mean, look, we all know we shouldn’t put a price tag on our health, but when we have been doing that for a long time, a gentle way to start to heal and feel well is to make a small investment that is of a large value.
4. Problem: I don’t want the teacher to touch me.
Solution: Online yoga… again! See a theme here?
3. Problem: I want the teacher to touch me, and I don’t get that online
Solution: Learn to assist yourself. I’m not jokin’. During my training I felt most of the time like I was not getting as much touch as other people. After having a pity party for about a week I finally looked at my own hands and put those things on myself. This is part of what I teach students to do so they will never be dependent on a teacher’s touch, and when they get it, it’s a bonus!
2. Problem: I don’t understand Sanskrit!
Solution: Find a Forrest Yoga teacher. We say all poses in English, even when we say them in Sanskrit.
Finally … drum roll please! The #1 reason people say they can’t do yoga:
1. Problem: I’m too old.
Solution: Believe me when I say that one of my classmates was in her 90s. And she wasn’t the kind of 90-year-old who you would mistake for a 70-year-old, except that she had the attitude of someone in her 30s. Everyone has their challenges. If yours is your age, bring it to the mat and re-discover the spring chicken inside of you. I promise that spritely bird is in there if you are only willing to take some deep breaths and look.
So, there you have it! Will you try yoga? Maybe online? Do you want to fart and have a good cry during a hip-opener wearing your granny panties? Hey, it’s your practice! Take some baby steps to being the rock star you are here to be. Be gentle with yourself, you’re precious!
So, I’m not just some know-it-all teacher who offers up solutions with no support. I am launching my online yoga club in September.
We are recording live yoga classes and broadcasting them online, so you can join us in real time, or watch the recording.
We already have a juicy community of people registered for the online Yoga Club who will be sharing their journey and witnessing yours (that is, what you want to share). I’ll be inviting you to set intentions and modify for your postures to take excellent care of yourself on the path to your goals and feeling like a juicy sparkly capable spirit in a blessed body.
In fact, I just did a live webcast this week talking about how to take your yoga practice into your life.
In Yoga Club there will be tutorials, meditations and a monthly Q&A call. Really, I don’t think I could make this easier for you!
Okay… maybe I can, tee hee!
This Sunday, Sept 4, is a free yoga class online. It’s 3-4:30 p.m. PST. Get online a little early to find your bearings and ask any questions through the chat, or show up right on time and give it a go. Here’s the link to join.
If you’re already feeling a YES to my online yoga club, you can find more information on my website.
Confession and a deal
I also have a confession to make: My mom is Doni Chamberlain.
You may not know his, but you, dear reader, are very special to me, for being such a supporter of my mother and her website. So, for A News Cafe.com readers, I’m offering to you who sign up before Sunday – and select the the three-month yoga club – a free 30-minute private yoga session with me on video chat. (You don’t need to be techie, just have a computer with a camera… or know someone… and an internet connection, I’ll walk you through it.) During this personal video chat we can personally address any injuries, pains or fears; hopes and dreams you may have around your yoga practice.
To redeem this gift of the 30-minute private yoga session via video chat, when you register, just make a note that you were referred by Doni or A News Café.
Now, the next time I’m in Redding and we meet, I hope you will be confessing to me, with a twinkle in your eye and spring in your step, how you fell in love with yourself on a yoga mat.
Saeri Star Wilde is a Sonoma County artist, yoga teacher, birth doula and life coach. In addition to her on-site yoga classes, she teaches online private yoga sessions, and online lightwork sessions (Reiki and intuitive counsel). If you are in Sonoma County, you can attend one of her yoga classes, or schedule an in-person private yoga session. You can follow her on Facebook, or learn more about Saeri’s work and services atinnerglowing.com. For more information email her at hello@innerglowing.com
