Diva Yoga

SARVA - relieving myths about yoga, asana by asana

S
Sarvesh Shashi
October 04, 2021
General
SARVA - relieving myths about yoga, asana by asana

Myths about yoga, a 5000-year ancient practice has been circulating for a long. Read this blog as we clear up some uncommon and common myths about yoga.

The 5000-year ancient practice of Yoga, rooted in the Indus civilization of India, has today found a home in the lives of 2 billion people across the globe. The current statistics of the practice are significant but have an unbounded flourishing capacity to enrich the lives of billions more if even the slightest of common challenges are conquered. “SARVA envisions bringing 7 billion breaths together through Yoga.” SARVA believes that one of the initial methods of achieving this magnanimous vision is rather simple.

The answer lies in breaking myths about yoga, which avert people from taking up this life-changing practice.

Let's demystify the most common myths about yoga with SARVA

1. Yoga is Religious

This is one of the most common myths about yoga. Yoga is often confused with religion. It was founded by yogis and has origins in India but the practice is not confined to any religion. Yoga is science, a kind of technology that has only rebooted and transformed the human way of life over the years.

2. Yoga is for the old

Yoga is an age-old practice but definitely not only for the old. Any age group and sex can practise yoga. At SARVA, we have programs for people ranging in different age groups. We have something for everyone.

3. Yoga is Surya Namaskar

While yoga may seem all about asanas, it is miles more than that. We commonly hear people perceiving Surya Namaskars and different asanas as the only yoga practice. This is however only partially true. Yoga has a lot more to offer than just the physical aspects of it. Yoga is the union of mind, body, soul, and nature.

4. I am not fit enough to do yoga

This is perhaps one of the most common myths about yoga that prevents one from taking up yoga. While one of the collateral benefits of yoga is increased body flexibility and endurance, you don’t need to be fit to initialize yoga. Yoga is for all, despite body shape, type and fitness abilities.

5. Yoga is a great weight loss and fitness regime

Of course, one facet of yoga can be used to build a wonderful exercise regime. But yoga is not a weight loss or a fitness tool, though it will help in shaping a healthier you. Calorie burning, muscle strengthening, increased flexibility, and improved postures are some of the awesome health-building benefits of yoga but not the whole practice itself. Yoga is a wholesome and beautiful process of refining the human self rather than just the outer casing i.e. the human body.

Here are few other myths about yoga

  • Yoga is just about stretching
  • Yoga is only about physical movements/postures - eight limbs of yoga - yamas (abstinences), niyama (observances), asana (postures), pranayama (breathing), pratyahara (withdrawal), dharana (concentration), dhyana (meditation) and samadhi (absorption)
  • You can learn yoga only through books

Conclusion

While myths about yoga continue to exist, the benefits of yoga outweigh these myths. The beauty of yoga lies in the fact that it's for everyone. It's open for all and for all age groups. It not only focuses on physical health but also develops holistic health.