Yoga and criticism

Okay this is weird, I'm being critical of critics! Something wrong with that.

I was talking with my best friend and training partner about how criticism is such a part of gym culture. It seems to be the way that people, especially guys, show intimacy.

If you are around me, you know I subscribe to the helpful belief that people are usually doing the best they can with the knowledge and awareness that they have at the moment. Thank you Louise Hay. I also ascribe to the belief that in asana, there is no such thing as a perfect pose. Thank you Bryan Kest.

I try not to leave room in my yoga practice and classes for criticism. Work hard, stay focused on your breath, and do the best you can. If you are in a class that makes you feel bad or increases your self-criticism, get out. Never let yoga be an opportunity to reinforce your ability to criticize yourself. Trust me, you've got that skill down and it doesn't need further practice. How about using your practice to flood love and approval to every part of your body. Everyone needs love and and approval, why not give it to yourself?

So the same day we were talking about gym culture and criticism, I had an instructor point out with critical surprise that I couldn't do Gomukhasana fully and I was a yoga teacher. There are many poses I can't do and the list is probably longer than the ones I can do. I tell people that if I could already do this stuff I wouldn't need to practice.

The same day I ran into a guy whose girlfriend went to my class and loved it BUT couldn't believe that I talked all the way through the class. This was the compliment with criticism topping. I told myself to accept the compliment. By the way, I do talk a lot.

Please catch yourself criticizing yourself and stop. Catch yourself criticizing someone else and stop that too. I don't think we have to worry about not having enough criticism in the world around us. Increasing the love and approval that is out there is worth it.

Namaste,

Dean