Is There Room for Comparison in Yoga?

Regardless of if you're into Yin, Bikram, Vinyasa, Hatha or DDP Yoga, most instructors will tell you to make the practice your own by listening to your own body.  Most instructors will tell you to not compare yourself to the others in the room.  Each person's practice is individual, and we all have different needs, so if you need to take rest, do it.  

I am very lucky to teach and practice at 2 great yoga studios.  Both studios welcome a variety of styles, students, and abilities.  I love these people!

I got on Facebook this afternoon and read the following, "easy fix...whew!!! Just made us appreciate the heat that much more!  Continues to amaze me why non-bikram people want to debate the heat....living proof the heat is an added bonus!!!  Thanks for hanging in there this morning with me - it's fixed and ready to go!!!!  See you in the HOT room!!!!"

AHHH!!!!!  Why do some yoga instructors and studio owners feel the need to try to put others down?  Why the need to mention "non-bikram people" at all?  Why not just mention how much the heat has benefited you personally?  If you want your students to turn inward and make their practice their own, why not demonstrate that mindset when advertising your classes?  

The same goes for all of the rest of us who may be tempted to put down any other styles of yoga?  WE ARE ALL HERE FOR THE SAME REASON!  Let's share the yoga, share the love, and help everyone feel great.

I have enjoyed Bikram, Ashtanga, Yin, Iyengar, Prana, Vinyasa, Hatha, Aerial Yoga, etc.  Each class was different but helped me get back in my own body.  Please, let us support each other as an entire yoga community, and share the love.

In conclusion, no room for comparison leaves more room for love and mutual respect.  End Yoga Rant.

Namaste - Beth