Feeling Like A Yoga Outsider

Have you ever felt like an outsider? I have, plenty of times. But one time stands out to me: 5 years ago, when I arrived in Bali for my yoga teacher training.

First of all, it was hotter than the sun. And as a redhead I’m really not the type that does well in the sun. Talk about factor-snowman. That sort of heat makes me incapable of many things: coherent sentences, sensible thoughts, decisions on what to have for breakfast, how to put my trousers on…

As well as the heat, I was suddenly thrown into a collection of scantily-clad Canadians, Americans, and Australians (mostly) who had Sanskrit tattoos and a great deal of bendiness in places that had no business being bendy. I felt like the Bridget Jones of my training; a *tiny* bit too fat, very un-tanned, incapable of a good handstand, and much too excited about eating steak for a yogi.

Now, after saying that, some of my best friendships were formed in that sweaty, mosquito-ridden yoga shala, and the group were some of the loveliest, kindest, and funniest people I’ve had the privilege of spending time with, too. But could they’ve fit the yogi stereotype more? Not really, and that’s ok. But I didn’t much, and still don’t really. And I’m here to tell you, despite my lack of veganism, handstandery, and ability to look like Cameron Diaz in my Lululemons, that I’m still a legitimate, capable, badass yogi and yoga teacher.

Or, maybe let’s move it away from yoga a second. What about running? Do you look like Mo Farah? You got legs up to your ears and wear your Asics wherever you go? You got medals hanging out in your hall? (Ok, I don’t run, I’m guessing a bit here…) No? That’s ok. You can STILL be an awesome, capable, confident runner. You see what I mean?

Let’s toss this idea out the window that you have to be X to do Y. Whether it’s yoga, running, crochet, mountain biking, surfing, video-gaming. Whether you want to be a patisserie chef or a drummer in a neoclassical metal band… You go be you. Do the things that ignite that flame. Ignore the judgement and the stereotype-fitting-in-thing (it might all be in your head anyway).

Yoga is an incredible movement and life-bettering practice for anyone, regardless of lifestyle, shape, size, diet, nationality, ability to touch their toes, or balance on their hands. We’re here to be a reminder of that, every single day. Practice with us (this 30-minute Love Your Back session is a perfect introduction and a spinal reset, too) and see what I mean.