LIFE. HEALTH.

The Truth about Yoga
July/August 2009
By Jesie Powers, SHINE Contributor

I know what you're thinking, because I was thinking the same exact thing before my first yoga class: "Yoga is for hippies, tree huggers, and oh, black people do not do that!"

Well, just like I was....you too my dear are wrong.

I honestly do not know what possessed me to go to a yoga class my first go 'round. Maybe it was that horrific Boot Camp class I had taken at the YMCA. All I know is that after that class of muscle building and lap running, I told myself that I needed something to help me relax. And then, there was Yoga, just waiting in the wings for me. I got my little mat out, listened as the instructor put on some "soothing" tunes, and the rest is history. From then on, I was hooked.

For me, Yoga is so good, that I have to spread the word. It's like when you taste a bite of this great cake, you just have to tell everyone what their missing. So miss out no further, it is time to take note of these myths about Yoga and go to your first class. 

Myth #1: "Yoga is for hippies." Okay so I can see why someone would think Yoga is nothing but a gym-class full of peace sign wearing, nature in-tuned Bohemians. Historically, Yoga is a form of mediation that began in India. Even though Yoga has been said to have connections with Buddhism. There is no restraint put on you when you enter a Yoga class, saying that you have to be a Buddhist. So, people from all religious and cultural background can participate. I have had conversations with people from a variety of backgrounds. You've got students, mothers, fathers, CEOs, part-timers, athletes, and a heap of others flowing into Yoga classes all over. Plus there is no sign on the door that says: "For Hippies Only." So get that out of your head now.

Myth #2:  "I can't get into all those positions...I'm not that flexible." I will admit, when I first saw images of Yoga on TV, I thought to myself, "How did they do that?" I figured it was some type of talent or gift you simply had to be born with to fold into a pretzel-like position. But I soon learned through a class called "Flow Yoga," that every move is a gradual process that soon leads to that final intertwined stance. Granted, everyone just does not have the same type of flexibility, but if you have an experienced instructor, he or she will give you a modified position that you can tweak to suit your capabilities.

Myth #3: "Black people do not do that!"
Yes when I go to Yoga class, many times I am the only one in there who looks like me. But that's not all the time. Every now and then I will see a new face...so everything is worth a try. Plus, don't let skin color stop you from trying something new, because that is just a lame excuse.

Myth #4: "Yoga is just a waste of time I can be spending doing something productive."
Actually, Yoga is time well spent. The main aspect I love about Yoga is the relaxing feeling I get as soon as I step in the class - and even for the rest of that day - something the rest of that week. All the ripping and running we do on a daily basis, we need to have some form of relaxation to slow our minds down and take a breather. It is so necessary. Yoga classes are normally not very competitive (at least in my experiences), so there should be no pressure for that time being.

Your homework: Is to do Yoga at least once before the Summer is out, just to see how you like it. Let me know right here at SHINE how your experience was.

Until next time....

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