Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Yoga as competition?


So last weekend I drove into Manhattan to meet up with some visiting friends. While leaving my hotel I stumbled upon some sort of yoga happening. Of course, I go inside to check it out. There is something going on in the back of the room which is closed off. When I inquire as to what that is I am told that there is a “yoga competition” in progress.  I cannot enter the room unless I pay the $35 admission fee. I decline, but cannot deny the urge to see this. Since my first yoga class 12 years ago, I have always been told that yoga is non-competitive and we must never compare ourselves to others. I am very puzzled by this yoga competition stuff. To be told that this has been happening in India for decades (although I am aware of this) seems a tad hypocritical to me. I truly enjoy seeing my friends and colleagues excel with their asana practice. I love a gravity defying arm balance myself. However, I always remind my students, friends and myself not to lose the true intention of their practice in the asana. I cannot see where this contest aligns with the yamas and niyamas. I try to keep my mind open, as yoga teaches us that change is inevitable and we must deal with it gracefully. As a yoga teacher and human being, I want to be happy and help others be happy as well. I have learned that the ego is the largest drain of happiness within us. I have worked very hard over the years to be free (at least a little bit!) of it so that I may be happier. I really must exclaim that it has worked! This being said I find that I cannot support “Yoga USA”. I have no judgments on those that do. Live and let live. Be happy :)
Love to all,
Annie 

32 comments:

  1. Really nice information, This information will always help to everyone for gaining knowledge. So please always share your valuable information. I am very thankful to you for providing good information. Bikram Yoga Training in Dubai

    ReplyDelete
  2. This information is meaningful and magnificent which you have shared here about the yoga. I am impressed by the details that you have shared in this post and It reveals how nicely you understand this subject. I would like to thanks for sharing this article here.freediving mexico

    ReplyDelete
  3. Thanks for shared that blog with us. If anyone here searching Best Yoga Teacher Training then visit Ekant Yoga.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Extremely useful information which you have shared here. This is a great way to enhance knowledge for us, and also helpful for us. Yoga Center in Dubai Thankful to you for sharing an article like this.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I generally check this kind of article and I found your article which is related to my interest. Genuinely it is good and instructive information. 30 day yoga challenge for beginners in USA Thankful to you for sharing an article like this.

    ReplyDelete
  6. You have provided valuable data for us. It is great and informative for everyone.Read more info about Yoga Instructor Rishikesh India Keep posting always. I am very thankful to you.

    ReplyDelete
  7. I really thankful to you for this content and informative details. I really like your blog and content about spiritual retreats mexico topic. I truly appreciate your work and efforts. well done.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Your blog contains lots of valuable data. It is a factual and beneficial article for us.online yoga retreat NY Thankful to you for sharing an article like this.

    ReplyDelete
  9. The delightful article you have posted here. This is a good way to increase our knowledge. Continue sharing this kind of articles, Thank you.Folding Yoga Mat

    ReplyDelete
  10. أريد حقًا أن أشكر المؤلف على هذه المدونة الرائعة التي ساعدتني في فهم سبب مي مجموعة يوجا نياسين لتفتيح البشرة مهمة. شكرا للمشاركة.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Thanks for sharing this wonderful article, for the yoga teacher training courses and classes check out this best 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training in Rishikesh, 300 Hour Yoga Teacher Training in Rishikesh and 500 Hour Yoga Teacher Training in Rishikesh. To know more visit the best yoga school in Rishikesh

    ReplyDelete
  12. I am very thankful to you that you have shared this information with us. I got some different kinds of knowledge from your web page about 200 hrs yoga ttc in rishikesh, and it is really helpful for everyone. Thanks for sharing it. Read more info about

    ReplyDelete
  13. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Your post is very informative for me about freediving tulum .excellent article, I really like this post, and thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Information is pretty good and impressed me a lot. This post is quite in-depth and gives a good overview of the topic. If you are looking for topic then 200 Hour Kundalini Tantra Yoga Course is the best option for you.

    ReplyDelete
  16. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Extremely useful information which you have shared here about Yoga Session For Sexual Dysfunction In GurugramThis is a great way to enhance our knowledge for us, and also beneficial for us. Thank you for sharing a blog like this.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Yoga TTc in Rishikesh by Om yogpeeth is nestled in the Himalayan foothills, in the city of Rishikesh. One of India's most spiritual and historically significant cities. It's also a great location to learn about yoga teaching.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Hi Amazing Information! and i completely agree with you, one should never forget the true intention of this practice. Since you are practising yoga from so many years as a beginner one should opt for Ashtanga yoga teacher training or Vinyasa yoga teacher training

    ReplyDelete
  20. You have accomplished extraordinary work by distributing this article here. It is valuable and advantageous data for us. Continue to redesign our insight by share these kinds of articles.Best Place to Do Yoga Teacher Training

    ReplyDelete
  21. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Yoga Essence Rishikesh RishikeshNovember 8, 2022 at 2:19 AM


    Thank you sharing you feel related to yoga. There also a

    Meditation Teacher Training India

    ReplyDelete
  23. Yoga Essence Rishikesh RishikeshNovember 8, 2022 at 2:21 AM

    I didnot aware of this fact about yoga but you give light on it thank you. Enroll your self in

    Kundalini Yoga Teacher Training Rishikesh best kundalini awakening course

    ReplyDelete
  24. Yoga Essence RishikeshNovember 8, 2022 at 2:23 AM

    If you are talking about yoga then how we forget
    Hatha Yoga Teacher Training Rishikesh

    ReplyDelete
  25. Yoga Essence RishikeshNovember 8, 2022 at 2:25 AM

    You can also learn yoga for holism and
    Holistic Yoga Teacher Training Rishikesh is also help you in that.

    ReplyDelete
  26. Yoga Essence RishikeshNovember 8, 2022 at 2:28 AM

    In this article you tell about the true intension of yoga .
    Transformational Yoga Teacher Training Rishikesh

    ReplyDelete
  27. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  28. Yoga Essence RishikeshNovember 8, 2022 at 2:31 AM

    if you also learn about

    Meditation for beginners, you can click on this link

    ReplyDelete
  29. Yoga Essence RishikeshNovember 8, 2022 at 2:34 AM

    Thank you sharing your thought on yoga and variation.

    How to start meditation is a topic which you need to learn before start meditation

    ReplyDelete
  30. At Rishikesh Yoga Gurukulam https://www.rishikeshyogagurukulam.com, we are committed to imparting quality education to our students, making them the best they can be. Our Yoga Teacher Training in Rishikesh courses range from beginner level to advanced, including hot yoga, bikram, and vinyasa flow classes. We have some of the best yoga teachers who have been working in the industry for over 25 years.

    ReplyDelete
  31. Completing my 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training in Rishikesh India has been a transformative journey of self-discovery and growth. The serene landscapes of Rishikesh, combined with the profound teachings of experienced yogis, created an enriching experience that went beyond the physical aspects of yoga.

    I've not only deepened my understanding of asanas, pranayama, and meditation but also gained insights into the philosophy and spirituality of yoga. The supportive and nurturing environment at the training center allowed me to connect with like-minded individuals, forming bonds that will last a lifetime.

    I am leaving Rishikesh with a heart full of gratitude and a toolkit of knowledge to share the gift of yoga with others. This training has been a pivotal chapter in my journey, equipping me to embark on a path of teaching and spreading the essence of yoga.

    Thank you, Rishikesh, for being the sacred backdrop to this life-changing experience. Grateful for the wisdom imparted, the friendships forged, and the growth achieved. Om Shanti 🙏.

    ReplyDelete
  32. Розвантажувальні дні — чим вони корисні і як їх правильно проводити!

    ReplyDelete