Agnostic.com

7 1

How do you feel about Yoga? I haven't tried it but it has been recommended as part of my treatment. I also equated it with spiritualism which i know is defined many ways but there again, I feel this is another word indicating some sort of belief system. What are your thought?

confidentrealm 7 June 18
Share

Enjoy being online again!

Welcome to the community of good people who base their values on evidence and appreciate civil discourse - the social network you will enjoy.

Create your free account

7 comments

Feel free to reply to any comment by clicking the "Reply" button.

2

There was a bit of spirituality in the yoga class that I attended (that there was a cult of personality is a whole different discussion), but nothing that bothered me. What did bother me was how the instructors tried to push us beyond our comfort zones. One instructor taught the class as if it was boot camp, with all the conformity that goes along with that. I hated it! The final straw was when while practicing the Sun Salutation, I sprained my ankle because the instructor told us to "jump" into the pre-Cobra position (I forgot its name) rather than "step" into it. She made a big deal about how I was "not concentrating enough" - as if she was a mindreader! I never returned after that. This caused a problem some years later when I developed fibromyalgia and had so many people pressure me into taking yoga to help it. Telling them that I had a bad experience in the past, when I was younger and stronger, didn't matter. It is seen as a panacea these days, and an expensive one at that! Several years ago, the New York Times Sunday Magazine published a long article about the physical dangers of yoga that I think should be required reading for anybody considering the practice. For many people who are healthy, yoga is good exercise - it is more challenging than it looks! If you have a physical challenge, tread carefully. Do not let any instructor or student pressure and shame you into any positions or moves that you don't feel comfortable doing. If your instructor does not understand and honor your needs, don't hesitate to find another class. It seems easy these days to find a non-spiritual yoga class, but I encourage you to research this practice like any other exercise regimen so that you have a good and therapeutic experience. My very best to you, and SSL!

Thanks. I hadn't considered that. I have had some physical debilitation and I have pain so I don't want to exacerbate it .

2

I was doing some with online videos. not a mention of anything except stretch, but be gentle etc

btroje Level 9 June 18, 2018
1

I love Yoga, especially Cherry Vanilla.

godef Level 7 June 18, 2018
2

It's excellent exercise. You don't have to accept any belief in the supernatural to practice it.

1

One of my favorite cartoons growing up, Booboo, the Park Ranger, funny stu.......Oh! Yoga! Never mind. ☺

1

Use your reason. It depends on what you expect it to do for you.

5

It can be. It started as a meditation practice. However, it's now also an athletic pursuit. I use it for stretching! It is very effective. Don't not do it because it's often associated with religion!! It is amazing exercise.

That's pretty much what I was going to say.

Write Comment
You can include a link to this post in your posts and comments by including the text q:110206
Agnostic does not evaluate or guarantee the accuracy of any content. Read full disclaimer.