Many UT students take workout classes as a way to stay fit. In Zilker Park, yoga classes are often held for groups of all ages, including college students. This has become a source of community, helping students to better themselves physically and mentally. Sharing traditions and rituals can be a beautiful way to connect with others and strengthen our knowledge and mind-body connection.
Yoga is an ancient Indian practice that has spiritual and religious ties to Hinduism and Buddhism. It has made its way across continents, rising in popularity in Western nations. While this allows the tradition of yoga to reach more people, it is deeply important to acknowledge its origins and cultural significance when participating.
As wellness trends endlessly cycle, it can be easy to unintentionally appropriate traditions. You might see a viral video depicting yoga as a heated, music-focused workout class and assume that is how it is intended to be practiced. Modern, Western-style yoga has often been modified to focus on fast-paced movements and incorporate weighted exercises, transforming a practice that honors the connection between the mind and body into an aesthetic centered around exercise.
Yoga has many benefits to the body and can be an excellent way to stay in shape. However, it is also important to understand the roles meditation and breathwork have in the practice. Solely viewing yoga as a form of exercise ignores some of the wonderful spiritual benefits it has to offer.
“I think we have to have a deep understanding and a reverence and a desire to study the history of it and the culture,” said Andrew Bresnen, a certified yoga instructor and director of Mysore Austin. “(My teacher) always told us, don’t practice to become a yogi. Practice yoga and become yourself.”
Despite being a traditionally Indian practice with religious ties, all are encouraged to participate. Yoga can be incredibly healing, allowing you to ground yourself and learn what your mind and body need.
Purvi Shah is a certified yoga instructor and physical therapist based in Austin. Her practice, Motion to Meditation, focuses on connecting with oneself through meditation and movement.
“I think it always comes down to: know thyself, know what works for you,” Shah said. “Know what you want, and that’s when the meditation practices are important. … Clear out your mind and (don’t) follow the herd.”
Even if you are new to yoga, perfection is never expected. Like all traditions with cultural significance, it is important to understand where it comes from. It’s okay to take part in it, but recognizing the ancient roots that have molded the practice can make it even more rewarding.
Step out of your comfort zone and lean into the deep history of yoga or whatever cultural practice you might be interested in. You might leave with a new discovery.
Sayed is a health and society sophomore from Frisco, Texas.