...OK, what the f**k does this mean anyway?? (So not ‘yogic’ of me right?! Lol)
When it was said to me, the context was (I’m guessing) that I was not a being a pushover or doormat. Although, I was never unkind, unfair, or unreasonable but was quickly labeled “unyogic” from what was ‘said person’ just not getting their way.
I asked around to other people who do and do not practice yoga.. and for quite a few still, the meaning of being yogic is some form of unicorns and glitter. Ha!!! Here in lies the problem. (Although, if this were really true, more people would be doing yoga cause who doesn’t want those??)
This is a GRAND misunderstanding. Where all people practicing yoga be it for physical or spiritual reasons (or both) all have shortcomings as we are humans.. some are pushovers and some strong willed. But let’s start the conversation with what yoga/yogic/yogis/yoginis really are NOT... limited by certain rules or beliefs that may limit their values; rather they live in a way that is unashamedly open and free (perhaps misunderstood as unicorns and glitter). And if there were a “yoga rule book” it might be the Bhagavad Gita.. and it says this, as a way to define us: Fearlessness, purity of heart, perseverance in acquiring wisdom and in practicing yoga, charity, subjugation of the senses, performance of holy rites, study of the scriptures, self-discipline, straightforwardness; Noninjury, truthfulness, freedom from wrath, renunciation, peacefulness, nonslanderousness, compassion for all creatures, absence of greed, gentleness, modesty, lack of restlessness; Radiance of character, forgiveness, patience, cleanness, freedom from hate, absence of conceit—these qualities are the wealth of a divinely inclined person. (MLK, Nelson Mandela & Ralph Waldo Emerson, to name a few examples)
So, perhaps before projecting stones into a glass house of reflective judgement.. realize it’s ALL yoga. And if ever wanting to label someone as non yogic (knowing now what it “really” is) perhaps look both eyes wide open into the mirror of discovery as a tool to learn a little more about yourself, instead.
