Things I have learned practicing and teaching for 20 years I wish people would have made more clear…

Yoga is not a substitute for a good therapist

Yoga is a physical and mental discipline that has been practiced for centuries and has been shown to have a number of benefits for physical and mental health. However, it is important to note that yoga is not a substitute for therapy or other forms of medical treatment.

While yoga can be a helpful complementary practice for some people, it is not designed to diagnose or treat specific mental or physical health conditions. If you are experiencing mental health challenges or physical symptoms, it is important to seek the guidance and care of a qualified healthcare professional, such as a therapist or physician.

Therapy, whether it be through counseling or medication, can be an effective treatment for a wide range of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, and trauma. It can also help individuals develop coping skills, gain insight into their thoughts and behaviors, and improve their overall well-being.

While yoga can be a helpful complement to therapy, it is not a replacement for it. If you are seeking support for mental or physical health concerns, it is important to seek the guidance and care of a qualified healthcare professional.

Just learning something doesn’t make you an expert -

The Dunning-Kruger effect is a cognitive bias in which people who have low ability in a particular area tend to overestimate their ability and underestimate the ability of others in that area. This can lead them to make poor decisions and to be unaware of their own limitations.

The Dunning-Kruger effect is named after psychologists David Dunning and Justin Kruger, who first described it in a 1999 paper. In their research, they found that people who performed poorly on a test of logical reasoning tended to overestimate their ability and underestimate the ability of others. They also found that people who performed well on the test tended to underestimate their own ability and overestimate the ability of others.

The Dunning-Kruger effect can have a number of negative consequences. People who are affected by it may make poor decisions or act in a self-defeating manner because they are unaware of their own limitations. They may also be resistant to feedback or criticism, as they do not recognize their own mistakes or flaws.

To avoid the Dunning-Kruger effect, it is important to be aware of one's own limitations and to seek out opportunities for learning and growth. It is also important to be open to feedback and to consider the perspectives of others. By doing so, individuals can better understand their strengths and weaknesses and make more informed decisions.

Learn the difference between appreciation and appropriation

The Western fascination with all things Indian, including yoga, has a long history that dates back to the 19th century, when Western travelers and scholars began to explore and document the cultures and traditions of India. This fascination has continued to the present day, with many people in the West practicing yoga and incorporating other aspects of Indian culture into their lives.

While it is not necessarily wrong for people in the West to be interested in Indian culture and yoga, it is important to be mindful of the risks of cultural appropriation. Cultural appropriation refers to the adoption or use of elements of one culture by members of another culture without proper understanding or respect for the original culture. It can involve the misuse or misrepresentation of cultural practices, traditions, or symbols, and can be harmful to the members of the original culture.

To avoid cultural appropriation, it is important to educate oneself about the culture and history of the practices or traditions that one is interested in. This can involve reading about the culture, learning from members of the culture, or seeking out guidance from qualified teachers or practitioners. It is also important to respect the cultural context in which the practices or traditions originated and to avoid appropriating them for personal gain or profit. By doing so, individuals can better understand and appreciate the cultures and traditions that they are interested in, and avoid causing harm or disrespect.

Yoga teacher trainings are not always enough too make good Yoga teachers

While Western yoga teacher trainings can provide valuable knowledge and skills to those who wish to become yoga teachers, they may not be sufficient to make good yoga teachers on their own. This is because yoga is a complex and multifaceted practice that has deep roots in ancient Indian culture and philosophy. In order to truly understand and effectively teach yoga, it is important to have a deep understanding and appreciation of these cultural and philosophical foundations.

While Western yoga teacher trainings may cover some of these aspects, they may not provide a comprehensive understanding of the cultural and philosophical context in which yoga originated. This can limit the ability of Western yoga teachers to fully understand and teach the practice in a authentic and meaningful way.

Additionally, many Western yoga teacher trainings are focused primarily on physical asanas (postures) and may not adequately address other important aspects of yoga practice, such as pranayama (breath control), meditation, and the ethical principles that are central to the practice.

To truly become good yoga teachers, it is important for individuals to seek out teacher trainings and other educational opportunities that provide a deep and comprehensive understanding of the practice. This may involve studying with qualified teachers who have a deep understanding of the cultural and philosophical foundations of yoga, and seeking out opportunities to learn about and practice other aspects of the practice beyond asanas. By doing so, individuals can develop a more well-rounded and authentic understanding of yoga and be better equipped to teach it in a meaningful and effective way.

the difference between Dualism and non Dualism as it relates to Yoga philosophy

In yoga philosophy, dualism refers to the belief that there are two separate and distinct entities or principles that make up the ultimate reality. These principles are typically understood to be the individual self (jiva) and the ultimate reality (Brahman). According to dualistic teachings, the ultimate goal of human life is to realize the unity of these two principles and to achieve liberation from suffering.

In contrast, non-dualism, also known as monism, refers to the belief that there is only one ultimate reality, and that the individual self and the ultimate reality are not separate but are instead one and the same. According to non-dualistic teachings, the ultimate goal of human life is to realize the unity of the individual self and the ultimate reality, and to realize that there is no separation between the two.

Both dualism and non-dualism are important aspects of yoga philosophy, and different schools of yoga may emphasize one or the other. However, both approaches recognize the importance of realizing the unity of the individual self and the ultimate reality in order to achieve liberation from suffering.

There are three major philosophies intermingled in Yoga.

Samkhya, Yoga, and Vedanta are three philosophical systems that originated in ancient India and continue to be influential today. While they share some common themes and concepts, they also have some significant differences. Here is a brief overview of each philosophy:

• Samkhya: Samkhya is a dualistic philosophy that posits the existence of two ultimate realities, Purusha (consciousness) and Prakriti (nature). It teaches that the ultimate goal of human life is the realization of Purusha, which is achieved through the process of discrimination (viveka) and detachment (vairagya). Samkhya is often associated with the practice of yoga, as it is believed to provide the theoretical foundation for understanding the nature of the mind and its relation to the body.

• Yoga: Yoga is a spiritual discipline that involves the practice of physical postures (asanas), breath control (pranayama), and meditation (dhyana). It is based on the idea that the union of the individual self (jiva) with the universal self (Brahman) can be achieved through the cultivation of physical, mental, and spiritual discipline. Yoga is often associated with the Samkhya philosophy, as it is believed to provide the practical means for realizing the ultimate goal of Samkhya.

• Vedanta: Vedanta is a philosophical system that is based on the teachings of the Vedas, the oldest sacred texts of Hinduism. It is a monistic philosophy that teaches that the ultimate reality, Brahman, is the one eternal, unchanging, and infinite consciousness that underlies all existence. Vedanta teaches that the goal of human life is to realize the unity of the individual self with Brahman through the practice of self-inquiry (atma-vichara) and the cultivation of knowledge (jnana).

In summary, Samkhya is a dualistic philosophy that teaches the ultimate goal of human life is the realization of Purusha through discrimination and detachment, while Yoga is a spiritual discipline that involves the cultivation of physical, mental, and spiritual discipline to achieve the union of the individual self with the universal self. Vedanta, on the other hand, is a monistic philosophy that teaches that the ultimate goal of human life is the realization of the unity of the individual self with the eternal, unchanging, and infinite consciousness of Brahman through self-inquiry and knowledge.

Physiology is relevant in physical Yoga training

In physical Yoga training, differences in physiology can be relevant in a number of ways. Here are a few examples:

1. Flexibility: Different people have different levels of flexibility due to a variety of factors such as genetics, age, gender, and activity level. As a result, some people may find it easier to perform certain Yoga poses than others. For example, someone who is naturally more flexible may find it easier to do a deep forward bend, while someone who is less flexible may struggle with the same pose.

2. Strength: Similarly, differences in strength can also affect a person's ability to perform Yoga poses. For example, someone who is naturally stronger may find it easier to hold a plank pose or do a handstand, while someone who is weaker may struggle with these poses.

3. Body type: People come in all shapes and sizes, and these differences can also impact a person's ability to perform Yoga poses. For example, someone with a larger frame may find it more challenging to do poses that require a lot of balance or require them to contort their body in a small space.

4. Health conditions: Certain health conditions, such as joint problems or injuries, can also affect a person's ability to perform Yoga poses. For example, someone with osteoarthritis may have difficulty with poses that put a lot of stress on their joints, while someone with a back injury may need to be cautious with poses that require them to bend or twist their spine.

5. Experience: Finally, a person's level of experience with Yoga can also play a role in their ability to perform certain poses. As a person becomes more experienced and practices more regularly, they may become more flexible, stronger, and more adept at performing Yoga poses.

To accommodate these differences in physiology, it is important for Yoga instructors to offer modifications and variations of poses to suit the needs and abilities of their students. It is also important for students to listen to their bodies and not push themselves too hard, as this can lead to injury.

Perhaps Hot Yoga is not so hot

Hot Yoga is a form of Yoga that is practiced in a heated room, typically at a temperature of around 95-100 degrees Fahrenheit (35-38 degrees Celsius). While some people may enjoy the benefits of practicing Yoga in a heated environment, such as increased flexibility and sweating, there are also some potential risks and drawbacks to consider.

1. Dehydration: One potential risk of hot Yoga is dehydration. The body sweats more in a heated environment, which can lead to fluid loss. It is important to stay hydrated during a hot Yoga practice by drinking plenty of water before, during, and after the class.

2. Heat stroke: In severe cases, practicing Yoga in a hot room can increase the risk of heat stroke, a serious condition that occurs when the body's temperature becomes too high and the body's cooling mechanisms are unable to bring it down. Symptoms of heat stroke include dizziness, headache, and fainting.

3. Injuries: The heat in a hot Yoga class can cause muscles to become more flexible, which can make some poses feel easier to perform. However, this increased flexibility can also increase the risk of injury if a person pushes their body too far or tries to perform poses that are beyond their current ability.

4. Exacerbating health conditions: For people with certain health conditions, practicing hot Yoga may not be advisable. For example, people with heart problems, asthma, or heat intolerance may find it difficult to tolerate the heat and may be at increased risk of experiencing adverse effects.

Overall, it is important to be mindful of the potential risks and drawbacks of hot Yoga and to take appropriate precautions to ensure that it is practiced safely. This may include staying hydrated, taking breaks when needed, and listening to your body. If you have any health concerns, it is always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional before starting a new exercise program.