Yoga Police

I think we’ve all been there…your yoga friend that looks at you with disdain as you chow down your cheeseburger or the yoga teacher who chastises you for liking UFC.  Last time I checked being a yogi doesn’t make you better than anyone else and it certainly doesn’t give you the right to judge others.  We are all on a path towards self-realization but beware when the ego turns you into the yoga police. 

The best way to lead is by example so live your life according to your own definitions of yoga and let others be.  The desire to judge behavior and to influence likes and dislikes comes from the need to control.  In yoga letting go of this need is called Isvara Pranidhana, one of the five Niyamas.  Allowing higher energy to take over requires a lot of trust.  Yet when we can surrender our identities and egos, life unfolds naturally and those around us feel safe in our presence.  The same thing applies to the teachers of this ancient practice.  The moment you start feeling superior to your students, you’ve missed the whole point and let’s not forget that arrogance can be smelled from miles away.  Don’t take yourself too seriously and smile! 

“Blessed are the flexible, for they shall not be bent out of shape.”  ~Author Unknown