Tantra. When I tell people that this is the school of yoga philosophy which resonates with me I quickly qualify that in fact there are different variations on this spiritual philosophy. I don’t follow the “left-handed” Tantra that is associated with extreme sexual positions and practices. You can relax your facial expressions now. I will not be attending the Tantra Summer Camp Retreat.
Tight black pants. Those things that we used to wear out clubbing in our teens and early twenties. Now they are the new lace teddy and garter straps. Figure hugging fabrics designed to pull in and lift every curve. The lift extends under the pants as there are now yoga panties make by the PINK line from Victoria’s Secret. Can somebody fill me in on how these would help my practice? All I can see are lines, lines, lines!
The sexualization of yoga. Something that has existed as long as yoga has been around, yet we now live in a culture that capitalizes on the sex appeal of fit, flexible, women marching around in tight black pants and tank tops. Our Down-Dogs are being molded to an Ass up in the Air pose. Do I really have to worry about that guy behind me in class staring me down? I find the sexualization of this very personal, emotional, and spiritual practice to be worthy of an eye roll. While the mental effects of yoga take themselves off the mat I leave most of the physical practice there. Aside from some laughter inducing late night headstands or arm balances you won’t find me in any of these off the mat (or some even on the mat for that matter)!
This recent article from the NYPost talks about the idea of “Trophy Yogis.” As yoga teachers are we objectified even further? Can I still do a deep adjustment on male students without worrying how I may be perceived? Many yoga teachers hold policies about dating or relationships with any of their students. This falls along the Yama of Brahmacharya or restraint in sexual relations. This can be interpreted in many ways, but in regards to the student-teacher relationship it means that there will be certain boundaries that won’t be crossed.
I accept that this is going to continue to be an issue and a topic of discussion. Perhaps it ends up getting more people to the mat where they can discover that yoga isn’t really about sex.
What is your stance on this issue? Does Yoga=Sex? Does this way of marketing it cheapen the practice?
Photo Credits: Psalmisadorayoga.com, victoriassecret.com, curiousphotos.blogspot.com
Wow what a really interesting topic! I have so many opinions about all of this, so I’ll try to keep it easy to read and brief.
1. I absolutely think this cheapens the practice. Sex is not what yoga is about and I’m guessing the majority of those who practice yoga are not practicing it for sexual reasons,
2. However, being flexible in certain yoga poses CAN help achieve maximum pleasure during sex, but I don’t think it should be the sole purpose of practicing (and perfecting) those poses.
3. Society needs to lay off bringing sex into everything (movies, music, yoga, etc). It’s getting old. And I sound like a prude.
Very interesting topic!
All things are connected- sex, yoga/exercise, extend it out to eating and going to the bathroom. They are all natural human experiences, but there is a certain time and place for all of them, and for maximum health (physical and spiritual hygiene), they should probably not intermingle.
A great way to frame this! Thanks Erin!