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Stop Acting Enlightened! This Yoga Teacher is Calling Yogis Out

In the bigness of their hearts, yogis are some of the most judgmental fuckers on this planet.

 
One of the most reliable – and hilarious – traps along the spiritual path is the ego trip of spirituality itself.
 
I’m a yogi/vegan and I need you to KNOW IT!
 
See how ahimsic (non-violent) I am!?
 
Funny how those trying their best to be ahimsic are often the last to actually show it . . .
 
At the risk of being labeled non-satvic (impure) or some shit, I’ll go ahead and be the one to break it to you . . . Yogis judge, because yogis are human too.
 

But the next time you judge (maybe it’s right now, and wouldn’t that be convenient for you?), we might all be served by considering our outward expressions a reflection of our inward intentions.

 
And I don’t mean in a “when you point the finger, there are 4 fingers pointing back at you” trite kind of way . . .
 
While you’re judging me, you’re really just judging those small qualities you like least in you.
 
Going out of your way to say or do something – the convenience of hiding behind a keyboard notwithstanding – to prove that you are just that much more _______ (insert currently trending Sanskrit word here) than me.
 
Tapas (austerities) aren’t about walking some rigid, razor’s edge for the duration of this existence, but about exploring the edges and touching the opposites so that a middle-path can be successfully navigated.
 
Crack the cover of Herman Hesse’s Siddhartha before you cast your next stone.
 
Recommended Read: Why Every Yogi Should Read Siddhartha
 

Before the words come out of your mouth – the level of the mind which, Buddha said, matters most – consider that those who have really mastered non-reaction, loving-kindness, and non-judgment don’t need anyone to know it.

 
While we’re working at it, I’ll give us all a pass from one of the world’s influential greats. Mahatma Ghandi, Mr. non-violence himself, once said, “This world is inconveniently arranged for a literal practice of ahimsa.”
 
If GHANDI didn’t expect such a rigid, dogmatic adherence to one of the most judged, hurled, and maligned practices of simply being loving and kind, then maybe we shouldn’t either?
 

I see you in me
And me in you
Which is why I kid
The way I do
. . .
 
Thanks for reading, and for not taking this shit so seriously . . .
 
Namaste, J
 
Want to try a different take on yoga? Try the Outlaw Yoga – Strong Body, Quiet Mind 6-class program:
 
Strong-body-quite-mind-article-ad
 

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Justin Kaliszewski

Justin is a reformed meat-head and former amateur cage fighter. He brings a lifetime of travel and world's worth of experience in battling the ego to the mat. An avid student, artist, and treasure hunter; he infuses a creativity and perseverance into his teachings, along with a distinct blend of humor and wisdom that redefines what it means to be an Outlaw and a yogi. A nomad at heart, you can also catch him at the Outlaw Yoga Littleton, CO studio and as he tours the country teaching Outlaw Yoga in studios, at festivals, and in guest appearances.

outlawyoga.com

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