Yoga isn't what you think it is.

Allow me to apologize now. I will undoubtedly post about the merits of yoga. Far too much.

If you practice yoga, you understand my plight and won’t mind my blathering about it. This apology is for those who have snubbed yoga.

photo credit: yogaworkflow.com 

Yes, I know… You’re not flexible. You can’t sit still. You are n-e-v-e-r going to say “om” e-v-e-r.  If this sounds like you, yoga isn’t what you think it is.

The purpose of yoga isn’t about posing like a pretzel. It isn’t about fancy mats or the latest Lululemon outfits. It isn’t about an unlimited class card at the hottest studio. 

Yoga is about uniting your mind, body and spirit. It is about discovering and honoring your self - inside and out. You can practice yoga anywhere with nothing – for free.

To borrow a lovely description by Ann Pizer:

The amazing thing about yoga is that your practice is always evolving and changing, so it never gets boring. Although the poses themselves do not change, your relationship to them will.  Anyone can start a yoga practice, even if you don't feel like you are very flexible or very strong. These things will improve the longer you practice. Another great thing about thinking about "your practice" is that it encourages the noncompetitive spirit of yoga. One of the most difficult, but ultimately most liberating things about yoga is letting go of the ego and accepting that no one is better than anyone else. Everyone is just doing their best on any given day. 

(full article: http://yoga.about.com/od/beginningyoga/a/whatisyoga.htm)

Yes, you read that correctly. Yoga is non-competitive. Totally and utterly so. Anyone can start at any time.

Former paratrooper Arthur Boorman was more than 100 pounds overweight and needed a cane and braces to walk. He discovered a former pro wrestler’s yoga DVD online and reclaimed his health, his mobility -- his life. He shared his amazing transformation on YouTube, garnering 7 million views.

http://www.today.com/video/today/50408080/#50408080

One of my most influential yoga instructors taught 14 classes a week through her late seventies. She didn't discover yoga until after she retired. Just last week, I heard about a yoga master who is still teaching and practicing at age 90.

Yes, YOU can do yoga. You are not too old or too heavy. You don’t need a particular body type or fitness level or flexibility. You just need to start. If you stay with it, it will improve your life.