Yoga as a Competitive Sport...in the Olympics!
I just heard on NPR that yoga is trying to make its way into the 2020 Olympics! Some practitioners of Bikram yoga (the fast-paced yoga, where you sweat it out in a heated room) are creating a competitive-style of yoga, in which seven poses are performed within a few minutes for judging and perfection.
There are those who advocate for yoga to be in the Olympics, and others who think yoga is too "hyped-up" as it is. They say yoga is meant to be meditative, contemplative, relaxing and rejuvenating. Yoga is about many other things, including simplicity, being one with yourself and with nature; the ego and need to compete are not among this list.
What do you think? Do you practice yoga on a regular basis? If so, which style? Should yoga be an Olympic sport?
Comments
That is so interesting! While I understand those who've achieved a certain level of athletism through yoga wanting to make it competitive, I'm a little worried some want to make it an Olympic sport. Yoga, to me, was one of those activities you turn to because it was NOT competitive and a way to clear one's mind. And although most people practice in a room with others, there was also something very intimate about it and very 'center' focused. It seems that by making a spectacle out of yoga, the practice looses some of its authenticity. Maybe, I'm just a purist .... Anyone else have thoughts on this?
From Yoga Instructor Wendy Hartley:
Yoga should be kept in it's purity and is not a competitive sport.
With all things, you will always find a paradox or a duality.
Yoga means "union", with mind, body and spirit. It's not within a factor of trying to compete from the nature of the ego, but from the humility of the self.
Therefore at it's core, yoga should not be a competitive sport. It's not about competition within yourself, you are one with self when you are doing yoga.
Namaste'
Wendy Hartley
Think about the impact this would have on young boys and girls throughout the world. The olympics would inspires thousands of new yogis and yoginis to get involved in a practice that will do nothing but enrich their lives.
Competitive Yoga is laughable. I love to do Yoga as a form of relaxation and I love sports. And Yoga is not a sport.
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