There are a lot of fads that arise on those mind-controlling social media platforms that are, for lack of a better word, stupid. However, there’s one trending topic that has that has the ability to benefit and enrich our lives. No, I’m not talking about selfies or even the Hotline Bling overdubs—I’m talking about yoga.
You’ve all seen it at one time or another on Instagram, some really in shape person telling you how being bendy has drastically changed their outlook on life. Stretching? I don’t even want to stretch for the remote when it’s on the coffee table next to me.
But think about it, yes it can get tiring seeing all these “yogis” on your newsfeed talking about being enlightened through their process, but when was the last time a social media takeover was something that was actually beneficial to our lives? Yoga is actually something very complex and fulfilling.
“There are 195 Sutras, or principles, of yoga as a lifestyle. Only two of which pertain to the physical practice,” said Megan Langrehr, a Monmouth graduate who now teaches yoga at Sid Yoga in Towson, MD, and Yoga Centric in Bel Air, MD. “Through the growth of my yoga practice- physically, mentally and spiritually- I have allowed my vision of life and my purpose in the Universe to shift to an entirely new domain.”
Constantly witnessing the highlights of people’s lives at the tap of a button has the ability to be discouraging to say the least. This is where practicing yoga and its lifestyle mantras can step in and make those anxieties quiet down.
“I feel the sudden prevalence of yoga on social media sites is due to the fact that people are realizing how happy and inspiring the practice of yoga is,” Langrehr said. “In turning to yoga for support and a realignment of self-love, the elimination of these illnesses (depression, anxiety, etc.) is undeniable.”
Let’s face it, college is hard. Juggling classes, homework, a job, and clubs can be overwhelming. Everyone needs to find that reliever that will take out all the stress of the day and yoga seems like a viable outlet.
“It [yoga] has helped with college because it teaches you to find yourself and know your body and mind so that you are aware of what you need to do to make yourself more organized, leading to less stress,” said Mikala Miller, a senior yoga fanatic. “When you do those things, any amount of school work or outside responsibilities cannot bring you down.”
After seeing it for so many weeks online and hearing about how beneficial it can be—in preparation for writing this article I managed to find myself taking a yoga class. Only this wasn’t regular yoga; it was a hot vinyasa class.
Entering the studio at Younique Yoga in Belmar, (where, mind you, they use space heaters to keep the room between 98-108 degrees Fahrenheit,) I immediately wanted to die.
The moves get difficult (especially when you’re dripping sweat), but our guide, Amanda, made sure everyone was as positive and relaxed as possible— driving home the point that everything is done at your own pace. In the studio, it is known that nothing is a competition, and everything is an attempt at inner peace and peace with the life around you.
When I left the building, clothes drenched and body aching, not only did I complete a great workout, but escaped for an hour and fifteen minutes. No cell phones, no internet, just my mind and body along with the space heaters and my soaked mat. There was something about that release from the outer world that truly did keep me grounded in the present, and helped me not worry about every little thing. Yes, I have been to three classes since the experience.
Maybe some aren’t looking to bend and stretch and sweat to find what they’re looking for— and that’s fine. But the message that yoga tries to communicate, a sense of self-worth, love and optimistic outlook towards life is something that can resonate with anyone.
