The Expectation Vs Reality of Yoga
The expectation vs reality of Yoga are extremely wide varying!!
Consider the Social media image of the yoga expert – lithe, skinny, bendy bodies with their glossy hair tied in a perfect yoga ponytail (if there is such a thing). Unsurprisingly this can seem a little scary.
I know. Each day I look at some of these accounts and feel like crawling under my duvet and hiding, even after the ‘not caring about others’ mindset and I have been working for years.
So I am going to be completely honest with you and I want to share that, the expectation vs reality of a yogi right here – I am a teacher, an enthusiast, a daily practitioner (of some form) and a fully blooded full fledged yogi.
The Expectations Vs Reality Facts About Me
I am not lithe or skinny. I am not bendy and my hair is NEVER EVER tied back in a neat pony.
My practice is squeezed around running after my teenage son, teaching classes, looking after the home, blogging, social media-ing, writing and general life – ing.
I am not your typical Yogini.
Wine, chocolate, rock music and slumbering on the bed watching The Real Housewives are my hobbies
I am you.
And yet…..
And yet I know the benefits that Yoga & spirituality have on my life. They keep me super grounded and accountable.
Do you already practice yoga and feel you maybe a fake?
Or are you considering starting a practice and don’t think you’ll really be able to cut it?
The Golden Rules
Expectation vs Reality of Yoga – Your Yoga is Perfect
Whether you get a full 40 minutes on the mat today, or 3 deep breaths while waiting for the kettle, it is perfect.
For me, Yoga is a technology to be taken OFF of the mate and into everyday life. Consequently you are able to tap into that moment of bliss and re connection at any given moment. Perhaps sitting at a red light, or waiting for the children to come out of school. You could be standing in a queue in the super market.
The main point here is that connecting to yourself ensures that you are listening and being present. That is what yoga is.
To join my classes go to www.realjoyoga.com/online-classes
Expectation Vs Reality of Yoga – Wear Whatever You Want
Sometimes I practice in my Pjs. You maybe in the mood for leggings, harem pants, shorts – as long as you can move – it is beautiful. The most important point is to be comfortable, not designer labels. I am the first to admit that a good quality pair of yoga pants, or a sweaty betty Stamina sports bra are luxuries. But if they aren’t at hand then be in what you are in.
I wear a lot of white as it expands the aura. However I am also a colour enthusiast so am just as happy in multi colours as Whites.
Expectation vs Reality of Yoga – Time is Under Your Management
Time expectation vs reality. The expectation is 1-2 hrs a day – the reality, it does not matter about time. The main thing is that it fits into your schedule.
I promise you, the more you integrate yoga & meditation into your everyday life, the more you make time!
It becomes a priority, so as long as you take that time, that is ok. Even 20 minutes slotted into your day is quite easy in the morning before the family wake up. Equally 20 minutes before bed, a 5 minute meditation – the key here is not to judge.
Most Importantly Nothing is ever wasted, time is perfect, however long!
You are a Yogi
The expectation vs reality of yoga is simple. In yoga there are no expectations. Therefore when you find yourself getting caught up in the social media impossibility of it all, the fact that you care is a good thing.
You are taking notice and giving yourself goals. To sum up the reality is to get on your mat, fall out of a pose (safely) giggle, laugh and enjoy the process.
