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Is there a dark side to the Yoga industry?

Aric Petrus

Well hello there, dear reader! Are you ready to discover the dark side of the Yoga industry? Buckle up, because we’re about to dive into some serious yoga drama.

First things first, let’s acknowledge the fact that yoga has exploded in popularity in recent years. From fancy yoga retreats in Bali to Instagram-famous yoga influencers, it seems like everyone and their mom is doing yoga these days. While this accessibility to yoga has led to some positive outcomes, there’s a flip side to this coin. As the yoga industry has grown, so have the opportunities for the industry to become corrupted.

One major issue within the yoga industry is the problem of cultural appropriation. Yoga has its roots in ancient Indian traditions, yet Western yoga studios and brands have profited off of the practice without giving proper credit or respect to its origins. From mispronouncing Sanskrit words to white Americans sporting bindis at yoga festivals, the ways in which Westerners have taken ownership of yoga has become problematic. It’s important to acknowledge where yoga comes from and to show respect to the cultures in which it originated.

Another major issue within the yoga industry is a lack of diversity and inclusion. Yoga has the potential to benefit everyone regardless of their background, yet the majority of yoga classes and studios tend to cater to a specific demographic - white, upper-middle-class individuals. This lack of representation within the yoga industry creates a barrier to entry for those who don’t fit this mold, whether it be people of color, individuals with disabilities, or low-income communities.

The commercialization of yoga has also led to a focus on appearance over substance. The rise of flashy yoga apparel and perfectly curated Instagram accounts has created a culture of “yoga as a fashion statement” rather than “yoga as a way of life.” The pressure to look a certain way or perform advanced poses can take away from the true focus of yoga - mindfulness, meditation, and overall well-being.

Lastly, there have been instances of abuse within the yoga community. In recent years, there have been numerous allegations of sexual assault and exploitation by prominent yoga teachers and gurus. These instances of abuse show that the yoga industry is not immune to the same issues that plague other industries. It’s important to hold those who use their power to harm others accountable for their actions and to strive for a safe and ethical yoga community.

So, dear reader, there you have it - the dark side of the Yoga industry. Just like with any industry, there are always areas in need of improvement. But that doesn’t mean we should abandon yoga altogether. Rather, we should work towards creating a more inclusive, culturally aware, and ethical yoga community. Let’s make yoga a practice that truly benefits everyone, regardless of their background. Namaste!