Comments on: Is Yoga a Competition?

By: Aruna

Aruna — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 16:57:17 +0000

Competition is a tough topic because there are so many facets to it. On the one hand you don’t want to feel you are better because you beat someone else. Or as you mentioned in the Empathy article, that there is scarcity.

Yet it can also be fun to compete at some things, to see life as a game, to push yourself beyond being on your own. I loved playing softball during one phase of my youth, even though it was in a recreational league, I liked playing to win.

So why not let everyone do what they want. Let each person decide what yoga is. Isn’t saying my yoga is better then your yoga a form of competition too?

I’m wary of those who want to tell others what they should and should not be doing to be a yogi or anything. I like what you said about yoga being a personal path – which gives freedom to choose your path and freedom for others to choose theirs.

By: Bob Weisenberg

Bob Weisenberg — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 15:25:07 +0000

I was starting to wonder where all the competitors themselves were in this debate. The discussion is certainly enriched by getting their direct input.

Bob Weisenberg
http://YogaDemystified.com

By: DonnaKFreeman

DonnaKFreeman — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:24:31 +0000

Thanks BikeRunYoga for your input. I think celebrating personal growth and having a goal such as a yoga event to aim for is worthwhile. Its wonderful to know that all body types and abilities compete. I’ve never watched a yoga competition so need to keep my mind open to the experience.

By: BikeRunYoga

BikeRunYoga — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:34:16 +0000

And thanks for the article! It is always great to see people are at least discussing the issue of competition and why it may or may not be something people find fits in the yoga world.

By: BikeRunYoga

BikeRunYoga — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:32:27 +0000

I’ve competed three times in Texas and I disagree with Alba. The competition is not about tiny bodies doing odd things with the body. It is an avenue to demonstrate what the mind and body can do when you focus. There are many people that compete that are not “thin” or able to contort their body. They compete because they want to share yoga and show other people that anyone can do it, no matter what shape or how flexible you are.

Yes there is a component of competition but just as in a marathon or other mass individual competitive sport, many don’t compete to win, they compete with themselves to do the best they can and to share that effort with others.