From the Mat: The Most Commonly Asked Yoga Question

I've taught yoga for a long time and there is one question that comes up time and time again. No matter the decade, location, or even the age of an aspiring yoga student I'm still asked, "What's in yoga for a person who can't do all that bendy stuff?" 

Yes, the asanas or yoga postures are very often referred to as "bendy stuff" which does not offend me in the least. We all have a perspective and I can see how for some that would be their best way to interpret what they witness when they consider yoga. 

Let's just say that the asanas that many people unfamiliar with yoga consider "yoga" are merely a part of the overall picture. Sure, most yogis practice these postures but that is not the heart of yoga. In fact, the asanas are tools meant to assist us in getting to the deeper purpose of yoga which is quieting the mind. 

If one cannot, for physical mobility reasons, attempt the postures they can still practice yoga. The "bendy stuff" is not mandatory for following a yogic lifestyle. I will say, though, that I've never met a human body that could not in some way participate in modified asana poses. I've taught wheelchair-bound yogis who include asana in their practice.

So what's in it for a person who doesn't want to include the "bendy stuff" in their yoga practice? Plenty! 

Breathwork. Chanting. Meditation. Philosophy. History. The yamas and niyams. Ethics. Ayurveda.    

I could go on, but you get the idea. Asana practice is but a small piece of the puzzle so if you're considering adding yoga to your day-to-day, look beyond the "bendy stuff" to find the heart and soul of this ancient practice. You may be pleasantly surprised!