Some of you might be familiar with a certain video that has been floating around the internet with a waif, young woman in her lingerie practicing near her lover who is asleep in bed. It is important to break down this video in terms of context. One way to view this video is as a piece of art. The director obviously knows how to capture a body on film; he or she presents a talented dancer who has worked her entire life building up her strength and flexibility. On first view, it is a beautiful piece of work. However, this video was not intended to be a piece of art rather it is a well tailored advertisement aimed to get people into a business.
And how does advertising target most people? By unconsciously pushing consumers to come face to face with their own insecurities of self-worth and body image. So, it is safe to say that this is what media has been trying to accomplish with the capitalization of yoga. This certain video isn’t the first advertisement to try to objectify the female yogini form. Yoga Journal for instance rarely shows a woman with curves on their cover (not to mention the models wear scantily clad outfits) and ToeSox uses a naked woman to present their product. Even many local yoga studios use photos of their most slender and talented yogis to advertise their classes. Is this truly yoga??!!!
NO, this is NOT! This is just a continuation of the objectifying and the disempowerment of women (and once and a while men). And it is not only a gender or body issue, it is an issue of ageism, racism, sexism, and so much more. Yoga is NOT just for the 5% of people who can do arm balances and wear skimpy clothing, it is for EVERYONE. Anyone at any age, who is working with any impairment or from any religion/background can benefit from the physical, emotional, and mental benefits of yoga. If yoga is union, it should be about unifying all peoples.
For me, teaching yoga helps people rebuild and strengthen the insecurities that society or the media presses upon them everyday. I understand the psychology of advertising but using yoga and these tactics in the same light is contradictory and saddening. If I was to give my two cents to yoga business’ it would be to show diversity and show the beauty of all shapes, sizes, colors, and ages. Because that is what makes yoga yoga.
May everyone here be happy.
May everyone here be healthy.
May everyone here be prosperous.
May no one be the least little bit unhappy at all.
My auspicious blessing to you.
-Swami Kripalu
Welcome to my website! It is currently under construction and will be updated as soon as possible. But in the meantime, if you would like to know my current yoga teaching schedule please follow the link above to my google calendar. Hope to see you on the mat!