Here's how social media helped Yoga flourish through across the globe

This picture has been used for representational purpose only

In today's day and age, if you are not on Social Media, you are considered to be the ‘odd man out.' We are constantly hooked on to our Social Media platforms. Whether we are in the train, office, lounging at home, or even studying, FaceBook or Instagram is always on.

Now that everything is easily accessible through Social Media at just a few taps and scrolls, information is available in surplus. However, is this extensive information true and valid? We look at people's ‘perfect' life online and feel bad about our ‘normal and basic' life offline. We start comparing the ‘reel' life to ‘real' life. For any information to become knowledge, it is important for it to go through some filtration.

When it comes to Yoga, Social Media has played the role of both, blessing as well as a curse. Social Media is a blessing to Yoga as it has helped to spread the awareness of Yoga, not just in India but all across the globe. There are millions of Yoga pictures out there on the internet, people practice it daily, and encourage or ‘influence' their online friends to do the same thing.

Like every coin has two sides, there is a downside to Social Media and Yoga as well. On one hand, people get motivated with these Instagram accounts, and on the other hand, they also get demotivated. You might wonder how is it possible to get motivated and demotivated as well, right? Well, that's simply because no one wants to talk about the basics, foundation, and philosophies of yoga. All the pictures that you see online are of the advanced asanas, that a beginner will find difficult to you. One can get intimidated by looking at such 'perfect' flexible bodies on Social Media.

We must understand that Yoga is for all, no matter what your body type is, or what your age is! Yoga is for those who can't touch their toes, who are fighting with mental health issues, who are trying to lose weight, differently-abled, obese, malnourished, and even for those who just want to remain fit and healthy. Yoga is a ‘one size that fits all.'

The pictures of the advanced asanas on Social Media can definitely help you to achieve it if you have been practicing consistently. However, for a beginner, learning online is not the solution. You must always learn from an experienced teacher. As only they can help you with your foundation, asanas, and correct breathing as well. Surely take inspiration from the Social Media but ultimately let your own practice and inner light guide you further on this path.

Prayatna Saithilyananta Samapattibhyam
A yoga pose can only be mastered by relaxing the efforts and by total absorption in your practice.

Everything exists in this world, the good as well as evil. Finally, the choice is yours, whether you want to take a particular thing as a boon or a curse.

By Dr. Hansaji Jayadeva Yogendra - Director, The Yoga Institute

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