When I was 19 I began my first yoga teacher training program. It was a rigorous, yearlong program that really opened my eyes. My program not only gave me the tools to teach a yoga class of my own, but also helped me understand the vast and expansive depth that the world of yoga holds. Contrary to popular belief, yoga is not simply something that you "do" by going to a class and working out. The more and more the Westernized versions of yoga grow in popularity, the more I feel embarrassed to tell people that I teach and practice yoga.

Yoga is much more so a spiritual practice than it is a physical practice. Yes asana (postures) is part of it but so are meditation, self-study, non-judgement, practicing ahimsa or non-violence, and so on. I'm beginning to meet so many self-proclaimed "yogis" that have simply become fans of a watered down practice that makes them feel fit and peppy. 

Like what the flip is this? 

I understand that sometimes one needs to take clothes off while exercising because one gets hot. . .but this scantily clad yogi is turning herself into an object for the male-gaze and developing a certain type of sexualized holistic look for other female fans to emulate. I mean just type in a Google search of "yoga" and all you see is hot girls. . .

This is great and all but please keep in mind that the practice of YOGA was developed for MEN! Yes, that's right! MEN! 

Can you see how different these images are? The fandom of yoga is something entirely different than the actual yogic system of beliefs. It would make me very happy if people would start understanding this fact and maybe even start paying attention to the richness of yoga and how it can deeply affect one's life.