The Controversial Case for Yoga: Why It’s More Than Just Stretching

Truthfully, when I first started Above Average Wellness I had no idea what I was doing. The only reason that we are still around today was because I was fueled with passion and purpose. I wanted to create a space where everyone could belong and move their bodies without fear of judgment.
 
At the time, I was a new yogi and really didn't understand all the things that yoga was providing for me, I just knew that it felt good and I wanted to create a space so others could feel good.
 
In a world where fitness trends come and go, yoga remains a hot topic of debate. While some swear by its transformative powers, others dismiss it as  stretching in fancy pants. When I first started I was part of the latter group...stretching in fancy pants... 2 months after I opened I enrolled in Yoga Teacher Training and everything changed. As I learned the deep history and ancient sacred practices I suddenly knew that the purpose of yoga was so much more then physical fitness. Plus I learned a lot of informative things about the way that my body worked and also how to work with the mind. As soon as I seen it, I couldn't unsee it, yoga, is all of life.
 
Here are some of my favorite things that yoga has done for me.

Mindfulness: Yoga isn’t about contorting your body into pretzel-like shapes; it’s about cultivating mindfulness. In a society plagued by stress and distractions, yoga offers a sanctuary to quiet the mind and tune into the present moment. Through breathwork and meditation, we learn to let go of worries about the past and future, finding peace in the here and now. When you are in a yoga class, there is no other place you can be, it is time just for you.

Flexibility Beyond the Mat: Sure, yoga improves flexibility, but its benefits extend far beyond physical. As we bend and stretch on the mat, we also stretch our mental boundaries, challenging ingrained beliefs and habits. Yoga teaches us to embrace discomfort with grace, preparing us to navigate life’s twists and turns with resilience and adaptability. It also helps to to release the general day to day worries and come into an understanding about what is important and what is there to simply teach us to let go.

Strength in Stillness: Contrary to popular belief, yoga is not just for the flexible or the ones with a quiet mind(this doesn't exist btw, you are NOT alone) It’s for everyone, regardless of age, size, or fitness level. Whether you’re holding a plank or sitting in stillness, every pose builds resilience– not just in muscles, but in character. Through practice and self-compassion, we discover that yoga nourishes all the parts of ourselves.

Liberation Through Breath: The breath is the backbone of yoga, anchoring us to the present moment and guiding us through each pose. By harnessing the power of breath, we tap into our inner reservoir of calm and vitality. Our breath is a huge measure of our emotions and can show us what is true for us in the moment.  Yoga teaches us to breathe through discomfort, both on and off the mat, creating a deeper connection with our emotions and our overall well being.

Empowerment Through Self-Exploration: Yoga encourages us to explore the depths of our being, unraveling layers of self-limiting beliefs and discovering our true potential. As we delve into challenging poses and confront our fears head-on, we realize that the only thing holding us back is ourselves. Yoga empowers us to break free from the shackles of doubt and embrace the infinite possibilities that lie within.

Healing From the Inside Out: Beyond the physical benefits, yoga is a powerful tool for healing on a holistic level. Through mindful movement and breathwork, we release pent-up emotions stored in the body, clearing away energetic blockages and fostering emotional well-being. Yoga teaches us to listen to our bodies' wisdom, offering a path to healing from the inside out.

Cultivating Compassion and Kindness: Yoga is not just about self-improvement; it's about spreading love and compassion to all beings. As we cultivate kindness towards ourselves on the mat, we extend that same compassion to others off the mat. Yoga teaches us to see the interconnectedness of all life and inspires us to be agents of positive change in the world.

Embracing Imperfection: In a society obsessed with perfection, yoga offers a refreshing perspective on imperfection. Through wobbly tree poses and imperfect balances, we learn to embrace our flaws and celebrate our uniqueness. Yoga teaches us that perfection is an illusion; it's our quirks and imperfections that make us beautifully human.

Community and Connection: Yoga is more than a solo practice; it’s a community affair. From sweaty studio sessions to women's circles, to restorative practices, to sound healings, yogis come together to support and uplift one another. In a world plagued by isolation, yoga offers a sense of belonging and connection – a reminder that we’re all in this journey of self-discovery together.

Living in Alignment with Our True Essence: Ultimately, yoga is a journey of self-discovery and self-realization. It isn’t just about touching your toes; it’s about touching the depths of your soul. It's about aligning with our true essence and living authentically from the heart. As we tune into the rhythm of our breath and the wisdom of our bodies, we remember who we truly are – divine beings capable of love, joy, and limitless potential.

Dive in, breathe deep, and discover the transformative power of yoga for yourself or maybe you are ready to embark on our next teacher training journey... yoga really is for everyone!