Most of us have a familiar relationship with yoga.
That is, we are familiar with the Western adaptation of the physical side of yoga.
Yoga originated in India long, long ago. The Yoga we know and love is absolutely worthy of our love – our powerful, inspiring, and passionate practices should be honored. But there’s even more to it, and that’s what’s missing.
I was born in Toronto, Canada, but my family worked hard to maintain our Indian roots. I didn’t understand it all. Back then I thought we were weird because of the way we dressed, did our hair, wore bindis, and sang our prayers. I was trying to fit in, and my parents stood out as much as one possibly could. How embarrassing.
Add “preserving cultural traditions” to the long list of things that our parents did when we are growing up that made us roll our eyes, but we will forever be grateful for later in life. I wish I could have a word with my 13 year old self – listen up sweetheart, your parents are creating a foundation for you that will shape your identity and your career. You are lucky to have them! And by the way, eat your roti and daal while you have it cooked for you everyday.
As I grew older I learned to balance the two worlds that felt like they divided me… a Canadian life, and a much more brightly colored and elaborate Indian culture. Thanks to my dear parents persistence, I blossomed into a woman who was strongly rooted in her cultural identity and recognized the beauty in her life and in herself. I talk about this journey more in my recent publication in Yoga Journal. It’s worth the read!
In the article I talk about Yoga’s departure from its traditional roots, and my struggle with reconciling that.
Here’s a little excerpt:
This rise in popularity of yoga in the West isn’t always something to celebrate. I didn’t even know what cultural appropriation meant until a couple of years ago, when a few of the more traditional yogis (those steeped in the Raja Yoga path) brought me into a conversation about the Western “conscious event” organizers choosing to exclude Indians who have a lineage of teachers or singers in their families. Instead, they were inviting Westerners with big Instagram followings who had just learned yogasana a few years ago. It’s become a business, and as with any business, the goal is to bring in more income and serve more people, so if those people happen to be teaching “yoga”—in a form that mostly focuses on postures—should we accept that it isn’t fully representing the lifestyle of being a yogi?
I believe there needs to be a balance of honoring tradition and allowing for modernization. We can greatly benefit from celebrating and learning from Indian singers and Vedic teachers who are beautifully steeped in tradition. We also benefit by making room for modern approaches to the yogic and devotional path. Let’s chant, share, and grow together to raise the vibration of the planet.
You can read the full article on Yoga Journal here. I hope you will. Take a moment to think about how you can bring the traditional roots of yoga into your practice. Yoga is meant to be lived in every part of your life – it’s a part of you, through and through. Live yoga, and be your greatest self.
Now I know that this is no small undertaking. This is a commitment, and every commitment is easier with help.
If you need a jumpstart, apply for my immersive experience-based 4 day retreat in July 2019. For you women who are leading and serving in this field of health, wellness and consciousness — Connect with your true, powerful self (when you are deeply nourished and inspired) and transform your lifestyle.
If you’re interested in the program, hit reply and let me know. There’s a process of getting to know if this is a fit and in highest alignment now. This is not something I offer often, in fact, this is the first time it is at this level of service to you…and I’m not sure it will happen again. It’s a special offering, called the Secret Sauce Mastermind Retreat.
Love you!
Hemalayaa