Common Misconceptions about Yoga

• The worst misconception that comes from a capitalist, body shaming culture is that you have to be skinny and flexible to do yoga. Tragically the western commodification of yoga has produced this awful narrow aesthetic that does not make yoga appear inclusive or accessible to the vast majority. Yoga is for everyone. No matter what age, colour, gender, weight or level of flexibility. A good teacher will provide variations for each pose that as long as you are willing to show up and breathe into your best form of a pose, you will get all the benefits. The joy of yoga is that it meets us where we are.

• Another misconception is that yoga is just plain old exercise... it is so much more. Like many others, I used to come to yoga for a good workout until it became my way of life. The exercise aspect of it is like a 'gateway drug' to the abundant possibilities for growth, oneness and contentment that a balanced life can bring. Going to regular yoga classes promotes that lovely sense of equanimity and soon that trickles out into other parts of your life!