What is the layman's image of yoga? How could it be improved?

Question

Who sets/defines the image for the non-yogi? It seems to me that there are huge misconceptions about yoga and yoginis/yogis.
Why do some people think yoga is for only super flexible people? Why on another thread would some guy say yoga is "gay?"
Why isn't it considered a fact that yoga is good for your mental and physical well being?
Why don't (enough) people know that literally anyone at any age can do yoga?
Who can help all of this??
Baron Baptiste? Steve Ross? There are countless others...
Does the "yoga community" cause some of these problems? Some of the yoga books I've read make pretty strong claims about yoga curing/treating illness.
Thanks,

Answer 1

Well since my partner and I have taken up Yoga we have altered our way of eating and become much more disciplined in exercising, Not to mention our flexibility is astounding compared to what we were like before.

All age groups attend sessions, from the (well frail n aged) to mid lifers to the young....everyone at a different level , it is strange how yoga is perceived to be a Gay pursuit ,usually from the un-informed.

It works out certain vital organs in our bodies which in turn helps us ward off illnesses and makes us much fitter in process, so to me I feel it should be taught in schools as a subject.....

Answer 2

1

Answer 3

It is a myth that yoga is meant for old aged people and all.

Yoga is the time tested science for the heathy living. Actually yoga is the way of life. This is the only full developed science which can cure any diesease without any medicinal intake.
The dictionary meaning of the word “Yoga” is to “join” or “to combine”, to establish unity or proximity with”.

This term has been derived from the Sanskrit root “Yog” which almost accord with its dictionary meaning mentioned above.

But, again the questions spring up, “with what or with whom to join? With whom unity, proximity or communion to be established.

Yogacharyas answer on this question is: “To unite with Brahma the ultimate reality, from which this universe has emerged and in which it will ultimately dissolve”. This reality in popular parlance is addressed and known as “God”.

It is believed that this kind of proximity can be established by concentration of mind, by observing the physical and mental disciplines and doing exercise as professed by those who claim to have been successful in bringing about such unity or proximity by the development of certain virtues etc.

So, do not hesitate to inculcate yoga in ur daily life.

Answer 4

Yoga is misunderstood as a part of Hinduism. The yogic teachers use Sanskrit words,grow beards,sit or stand in special postures and wear safron dresses. The word "yoga" is Sanskrit for "being one".
Actually yoga is a system of physical and mental disciplining unrelated to spiritual realm.
Men women and children of any faith can benefit from yoga.

Answer 5

One of the best sayings I've read is that Yoga is not for experts, it's for people. I read this in the Rolf Gates book, Meditations from the Mat. In this book are hundreds, if not thousands of reasons why Yoga is useful.

Different people will get different benefits from Yoga. Most non-participants are likely to relate first to the physical components of Yoga, Asana (postures) then Pranayama (breathing).

The mindful practitioner will gain benefits to the degree they invest of themselves and participate enthusiastically. This is true in many activities aside from Yoga.

Answer 6

Yes there is a lot of hooey in the Yoga world, but it does seem to be making in roads to the mainstream which is good.

www.yogadawg.com