In today's yoga and wellness world, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of advice, products, and promises that bombard us from every direction. There are countless self-proclaimed gurus and wellness experts who insist they have the ultimate solution—if only you’ll buy what they’re selling. Yet, if we observe closely, it becomes apparent that many of these so-called experts do not embody the very principles they preach. Their actions often contradict their words, revealing a dissonance between what they claim and how they live.
In yoga, one of the most valuable skills we can cultivate is discernment—the ability to see things as they are, to assess situations objectively, and to make wise choices based on a deep understanding rather than superficial promises. Discernment allows us to navigate through the noise, recognizing that not everything that glitters is gold.
The ancient yogic texts remind us of the importance of discernment. The Bhagavad Gita speaks to this in Chapter 2, Verse 50: “Yoga is skill in action.” This isn’t just about physical postures; it’s about the skill of living wisely and making decisions that are aligned with our higher selves. It’s about seeing beyond the surface and understanding the deeper implications of our choices.
In my journey, I've always been guided by the notion that “to define is to limit.” This idea, rooted in the philosophy of non-dualism, reminds us that the moment we put ourselves into rigid boxes or categories, we begin to limit our potential. In the wellness world, this often manifests as rigid labels or dogmatic approaches that leave little room for personal intuition or individual needs. We must remember that much of what is demonized or labeled as problematic is done so to create fear—fear that someone, somewhere, is eager to profit from.
It's essential to remain steadfast in your practice, wise in your choices, and ever mindful of your intuition. In yoga, as in life, there is rarely a one-size-fits-all solution. What works for one person may not work for another, and what is true today may evolve tomorrow. This is why discernment is so crucial. It allows us to move beyond the surface, beyond the sales pitches, and into a space where we can connect with our true selves and make choices that are genuinely nourishing.
As you continue on your path, I encourage you to stay curious, question what you’re told, and trust in your own inner wisdom. Yoga is not just about the poses we practice on the mat; it’s about the choices we make off the mat as well.
Comments