In an age of speed, nothing is more urgent than slowing down.

Yoga seems to have become a thing other than itself here in the Western world. In my practice over the past 25 years, I have witnessed some rather interesting mutations of this practice we call yoga.

I support creativity and evolution, when it is grounded in an appreciation of tradition. We cannot call all movement practices yoga simply because the shapes resemble those of yoga asana (poses). The term “yoga” has been frivolously thrown around as a trend for many years.

Now, I am observing the decline in the draw of the word “yoga.” And I don’t think it’s because true yoga is any less transformational and powerful. I believe the name has been improperly and overused.

Students are seeking words like somatic, restorative, breathwork, and healing arts. In my opinion, no matter what you call it, what we are still craving is YOGA. In its more authentic sense.

Yoga is by definition a somatic practice. It is designed to bring you deeper and deeper into your self awareness and consciousness.

It teaches you to find the present moment and make it a habit of spending more time in presence and less in a state of distraction.

It is designed to restore the body to its original quality of health, equanimity and stillness. If your practice looks like laying down or seated with your attention on your breath and body, working toward a quieter mind and ego, then guess what?! That is yoga. Not the handstands or even downward facing dog.

It is an ancient spiritual practice created to clear the human body and mind so that we may exist in a higher state of consciousness.

So call it what you want, but know that when I share what I have learned as “yoga,” we may move and play, but the essence is pure and comes from deep gratitude for the traditional practices of cleansing and clearing.

The ultimate goal:
learning to be still, present, and connected.

Whatever may be trending in the world of wellness, remember, most of these practices are not new. They are ancient, tried and true, deserving of our reverence and homage.