Asana Is Not Enough

Yoga. Union. Union of the self. Union of the body and mind. Union of the individual with the universal.

It is difficult or impossible to walk the path to union if our bodies are sick, which is why we often begin with physical exercise to rid the body of disease and improve its function. But physical health takes more than exercise. It takes proper nutrition. Physical health does not mean burning enough calories to offset unhealthy food or habits. 

When I see what "yoga" is becoming around me, I am sad. I see it becoming little more than an exercise routine, because our culture is obsessed with exercise and being skinny. Yoga postures are just the latest fitness fad. If we don't teach the greater goals of yoga, it will fade with the rest of the physical fitness fads: vibrating belts, thighmasters, 8 minute abs, step aerobics, pilates, elliptical machines, exercise bikes and resistance bands. I fear that 5 or 10 years from now, yoga will be an passé physical fitness trend.

Yoga Postures are great for the body, without a doubt. But they are the beginning of a more important journey of spirit and unity.