Yoga Cake
Yoga: It’s Not About the “Stuff”
Instead, think of yoga like a cake. There are layers, frosting and toppings.
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The most important thing for yoga is you. Think of yourself as the cake.
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I say this as often as I can to remind my students about what’s important in yoga: showing up on your mat.
Sometimes, when chatting with people about yoga, I regularly hear about how they aren’t comfortable in studios, think yoga is only for women, or they aren’t flexible enough. It doesn’t help that many studios you walk into look like an extension of Instagram with flexible folks on expensive mats wearing small, tight, expensive clothes.
In this post, I’d like to address some of these preconceptions by reiterating the most important part of yoga—YOU.
The Most Important Part of Yoga is Showing Up
Show up for class and be physically present and put some effort in making your mind available, too.
Of course, this comes with time, and it’s also the next level of yoga. By showing up physically first and putting in the time, your mind will have no choice but to transform as well. The physical and mental presence within yourself develop simultaneously.
If that’s all you need, why all the other stuff?
Well there are a myriad of reasons why people are into “yoga stuff”. There are yoga geeks like me, people who are into the “yoga lifestyle”, folks who need extra support, and people who like gear for any reason.
Of course, you don’t need any of the other stuff, but if you’re curious about what’s out there and what it can do for you, it doesn’t have to be a guessing game. Let’s talk about it.
Choosing a Mat
A mat is nice, but it’s not a requirement. A swanky mat is even nicer, and again not required. There are plenty of poses you can do standing at your desk, laying in bed, or sitting on the bus.
A mat of your own is recommended if you become a regular at a studio. Even then, it’s not mandatory, but many find it more pleasant than using a shared mat provided by the teacher.
Spend $15-$30 and you’ll find a mat that is decent for many needs. Or just use a free/ low cost one at your local Y or someplace with a mix of people and classes.
Get Informed Abut the Class Environment
Start with a class for beginners and let the teacher know you are brand new to yoga. Watch yoga videos online to learn some tips and tricks or sign up for a subscription inexpensively. This way, you don’t feel lost. Yoga can be confusing if you’re completely new.
When I first started, I realized quickly that some aspects of yoga are not intuitive. Do I have to chant? What if I’m not strong? Not flexible? The bottom line is that even if you feel out of your element in the first class or two, you will eventually catch on.
Soon, you won’t even remember what it was like to be new because you’ll be so focused on your practice.
Okay, but do I Have to Wear $100 Spandex?
No, of course not. Wear what you can move in. There are plenty of inexpensive choices on sale at the Gap or TJ Max - that’s what I do, and I teach! Wearing Athleta and Lulumon doesn’t make you a better yogi.
Nothing against the brands. They have some nice stuff. I do just fine without. So will you!
Don’t Listen to Yoga Dogma
It’s important to do yoga on your own terms so you feel comfortable. Go at your own pace and do what feels best. I wear sports shorts to my warm studio, which I feel moderately stupid in, but otherwise I get too hot!
I’m not a hot yoga person, so I wear the shorts and I’m comfortable. I don’t wear just a sports bra, either. I always wear a tank. Whatever you wear, feel good about the fact that you’re showing up!
Yoga is the Cake. The Stuff is the Frosting
Just remember for your next yoga session that you are the most important aspect of yoga and all the other stuff is frosting in various flavors. It’s fine to have your cake without frosting—or with multiple kinds!
Find peace and enjoy your yoga a bit more next time without worrying about what you need to “be a yoga person”. All you need to do is be present physically and try to allow your mind to keep coming back to focus on you instead of your yoga class. The rest will come as you go.
How are you going to make sure you show up today?
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Nadine Blinn teaches yoga in offices around Seattle and the Eastside. As a teacher I use yoga and meditation to create rejuvenation, release, and calm. It all starts with switching the mental to-do list off and following your breath to create a balanced human state.