THE PERFECT TIME TO JOIN
50% OFF MEMBERSHIP

We use cookies to provide and improve our services. By using our site, you consent to cookies.

Cookie Image

This Yoga Teacher is Sick of the Yoga Community’s Bullsh*t

Namaste bitches. Yes, you read that correctly.
 
When I first saw that phrase on a T-shirt I actually giggled to myself (yogis do have a sense of humor you know!).
 
But now, I am starting to view this little saying in a slightly less humorous way.
 
 

The Growth of the Yoga Community

Yoga is growing and I love it. As a yoga teacher, I see many different people coming into my classes with different needs, backgrounds, goals, and practices. I love that!
 
I love seeing people let go of their fears and step into a yoga room. I love to see the tears on their faces when emotions are released and the smiles that beam from ear to ear when they achieve something they have worked so hard on. This is why I teach.
 
But, now, I notice a growing “scene” in the yoga community that has me less excited. Particularly in the yoga teacher world. This “holier than thou” scene that’s spread throughout the yoga community is disheartening and frightening.
 

 
 
 

How the Bullshit Breaks Apart the Yoga Community

I am part of many yoga instructor groups online and the conversations between these yoga teachers is fucking ridiculous. I saw a question posted by a new teacher who asked for some suggestions for music to play during Savasana. This “yoga community” ripped her to shreds.
 
This new teacher, excited to begin her journey of bringing yoga to her community, came to her peers to ask a question, to better herself as a teacher . . . and she was bullied for her teaching style. I could not believe what I was reading, it was equivalent to a political post on Facebook!
 
Everyone came out of hiding to comment about who was correct, who was an idiot, and who should just quit teaching altogether. What the fuck?!
 
 

The Attitude of Yogis

Aren’t we – as yogis – supposed to be full of love, light, and acceptance? When did the hateful, hurtful, discouraging “yogis” enter the picture? When did the yoga community change?
 
We should feel safety and support from our fellow yogis – not judgement and cruelty. Yes, there are many different styles and lineages of yoga, there are new yoga trends and hybrid classes and yoga has certainly become more “Westernized” to fit our modern culture.
 

We are all unique individuals and resonate with different energies and movements.

 
But guess what? It is ALL fucking yoga! There is no concrete, set in stone, no “if, ands, or buts” way to teach or practice yoga.
 
We are all unique individuals and resonate with different energies and movements. Personally, my practice is a sweaty, fast-paced Vinyasa flow that challenges me physically . . . this is the best way I can get my mind to become quiet. My best friend may enjoy a quiet Yin class to help clear her head. To each their own, my loves.
 

 
 
 

Yoga Community, Please Stop the Bullshit Judgements

So let us all come together, jump off of our high yoga teaching horses and agree that we are all practicing yoga in our own way.
 
No more pissing contests about who is right and which way is correct. If you really feel the need to throw your two cents in, please do! But be respectful. Remember the whole Eight Limbed Path deal that we learned about and teach to our students? Yeah, let’s keep that in mind before we start criticizing or being toxic to each other.
 
We are yogis, we all sit in the “feels” part of the brain, so don’t make us cry more than we already do.
 
So, namaste, bitches.
 

This article has been read 4K+ times. Feelin’ the love!

Comments

wonderful comments!

5 Ways to Drop Your Ego in Yoga
Yoga, when practiced consistently, has the power to break apart the ego. The epic combination of movement and intention equals a force of freedom and love.
Read »

Michelle Stanger

Michelle Stanger is a 200-RYT yoga instructor with years of teaching experience. She specializes in Power Vinyasa, Buti Yoga and handstands and is best known as a teacher for her fun, light-hearted attitude and classes that are as challenging as they are welcoming.

MichelleStanger.com

This Month's Letter
From the Editor

Monthly motivation and food for
thought from our founder.

READ THE LETTER
Mind, body & life wellness in your inbox.
iPhone

Get the
YA Classes App

No WiFi? No Problem! Download
classes and take them without an
internet connection.

2k+
Download YA Classes app on the Apple App Store
Download YA Classes app on the Google Play Store

Also available in Apple TV , Mac and Amazon apps.

Send this to a friend
Follow us on Close

Create Your FREE Account

Woohoo! You’re about to unlock unlimited articles, exclusive
community content, and select on-demand yoga and fitness classes.

OR USE THE FORM BELOW

Lost password?