Weekly Practice Journals: Theme: Definitions of Yoga -
Throughout the semester, I have learned that there seems to be various definitions to what Yoga is. Some see it more as a physical way of staying healthy and lean, others see it for relaxation purposes. Although I always knew Yoga can make you feel amazing totally after a session, I never realized the medicinal purposes behind it as well. This week, the class learned of viniyoga; a more physically therapeutic way of achieving relaxation. To me, it seems this practice is incredibly Westernized, to calling it "yoga" makes me slightly uncomfortable, however, I can see why it's defined this way. The practitioner of the video demonstrated some postures which all had sanskrit names (a very eastern feel, by the way) all whilst naming the specifics of each muscle with its origins and insertion points. As stated in the class, it had a very blended feel of eastern and western style yoga. Because of this, the definition of yoga cannot truly be defined. It varies between practitioner, between cultures, and more importantly, a reflection of the practitioner depending on their own individual practice.
Lately, I have been wondering what type of modality in yoga is right for me. So far, I feel we have covered many interesting modalities, and can see there's a distinction between each of them. Including my practices outside of class time, I try to look into other types of yoga, however, I tend to gravitate more towards Hatha. I'm not sure if this exactly means it's right for me, or if it's within my own comfort zone. Either way, I would like to look into other modalities available.
Throughout the semester, I have learned that there seems to be various definitions to what Yoga is. Some see it more as a physical way of staying healthy and lean, others see it for relaxation purposes. Although I always knew Yoga can make you feel amazing totally after a session, I never realized the medicinal purposes behind it as well. This week, the class learned of viniyoga; a more physically therapeutic way of achieving relaxation. To me, it seems this practice is incredibly Westernized, to calling it "yoga" makes me slightly uncomfortable, however, I can see why it's defined this way. The practitioner of the video demonstrated some postures which all had sanskrit names (a very eastern feel, by the way) all whilst naming the specifics of each muscle with its origins and insertion points. As stated in the class, it had a very blended feel of eastern and western style yoga. Because of this, the definition of yoga cannot truly be defined. It varies between practitioner, between cultures, and more importantly, a reflection of the practitioner depending on their own individual practice.
Lately, I have been wondering what type of modality in yoga is right for me. So far, I feel we have covered many interesting modalities, and can see there's a distinction between each of them. Including my practices outside of class time, I try to look into other types of yoga, however, I tend to gravitate more towards Hatha. I'm not sure if this exactly means it's right for me, or if it's within my own comfort zone. Either way, I would like to look into other modalities available.
No comments:
Post a Comment