It is a well agreed opinion that yoga has turned into an industry that needs to be regulated, sanctioned and registered.

It was only a matter of time.

When mass populations gravitate toward anything that has monetary value, it’s an inevitable conclusion for that element to be industrialized.

The categories of yoga have increased exponentially as well, exemplified by the different names under which Yoga Alliance allows you to register as a teacher.

Let’s face it, there are many quibbles about the best types of yoga, the most authentic and the most versatile (“My Core Power yoga is better than your Ashtanga Yoga!”).

At the end of the day, everyone comes onto their mats for different reasons, beliefs and philosophies.

With a routine practice, those elements evolve as well. Personally, as long as people step onto their mat, I could care less which yoga type they categorize or box themselves in.

The power of yoga translates to transformation and transformation is anything but unilateral. It is completely subjective, yet universal in its effects—perspective shifts, reactions, correlations, etc. Sometimes the effects are slyly embodied and sometimes overt.

Hopefully, if it’s not in their initial practice, individuals also gravitate towards incorporating meditation or pranayam (breathing techniques) too. Everyone has their path. With time, we can hope the latter elements of yoga come into play, instead of just relying solely on the aesthetic.

Either way, once you are on your mat, you dare to delve into yourself. So, even if this practice is an industry and comes with its sanctioning nuances (R.Y.T. labels, liability insurance etc), you make the choice to explore yourself. You dare to dive into the uncomfortable and preset notions binding you. You choose to challenge your ego.

 

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Ed: B. Bemel