Dear Gumby:

You Suck!   Looking all Green and bendy saying “Watch me, I can twist and fold and look all silly”.  People think that unless they are equally as flexible, they will not be able to do Yoga.  Please let the public know that you are an exception, and not everyone should be that bendy.  Tell them that flexibility is a perk from practicing Yoga, not a prerequisite.  Folks need not be afraid of Yoga because they are unable to touch their toes, or tie both feet behind their head.  You are a myth… Myth #1 to be exact. 

Sincerely,

Me.

If we were all built like Gumby, we wouldn’t need Yoga, and I’d be unemployed.    Throughout my time as an Instructor, I can honestly say that this myth is the #1 reason that people are scared away from coming to a Yoga Class… worried they won’t be flexible enough.  Understandably, looking at the covers of Yoga magazines and watching the few elite Gumbies strike a pose, can be a bit intimidating.  But I’ve practice with teachers who’s range of motion did not include a Pretzel Formation of any sorts and yet they had so much to teach us.  Yoga is about our personal practice.  Doing what we are capable of, and enjoying that experience.  Of course, we will always find those that are Yogier Than Thou.  Don’t get me wrong, it is beautiful to watch someone grow and blossom and find their practice.  When they have something inspirational to share or gracefully move into a pose, it is truly a reason to celebrate!!  However, if the body is forced into a posture before it is ready simply to prove something or keep up with someone.. let it go.  Let it go.  None of us need to be Yogier Than Thou.  We are who we are… we don’t need to be anything more.  Whether our intention is simply to breathe or reach a goal that we set for ourselves, we are all perfect for Yoga.   

So if you’ve been waiting to turn green and bendy before starting a Yoga practice, please don’t.   Know that there is always someone a little less flexible, maybe with an injury, or maybe a health condition.  These people are practicing because they know the benefits of Yoga, which isn’t always  the ability to bend, but the ability to breath and be present and enjoy the practice.

G.U.M.B.Y.: Give Up this Myth, and just Be Yourself.

Namaste’

Carrisa