LifeSoup by Cherie Dawn Haas

Yoga is an ancient, spiritual practice, so is it okay to post pics of your practice online? A friend of mine recently asked why someone who does yoga would do such a thing, and after blushing because I do this, and then thinking about it, my answer was … it depends on the person.

Obviously there are plenty of folks who post for the instant ego boost – without going into a dissertation on the topic – that’s what drives social media. These folks feel good, they know they’re sexy beasts, and they want the Likes and Follows. Cool. “Go get ‘em!” I say.

I’ve been known to ask my husband and even my kids, to take a photo of me while I’m in a yoga pose so I can share it online. For the record: I’m not a sexy beast in skimpy clothes so it doesn’t feel weird to say, “Hey, do me a favor…” I’m usually in casual clothes and just feel inspired at the moment. I’m doing what I love, and I want to share that joy with anyone who’s within reach.

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Sharing joy is a beautiful thing.

This is why I love that so many yoga students and teachers share their pics – they’re inspired, and that inspires me, and yoga is amazing, so why wouldn’t we want more of it online? Imagine if yoga outnumbered some other things that we’ve seen trending over the years?

It reminds me of this idea I have to maybe one day start leading online yoga classes. My first thought – you know that voice in the back of your head that’s always ready with a fear or reservation – is that there are already so many yoga videos online. Why would I need to go to the trouble to create them as well? The answer, which came quickly, is that we always need more yoga available to the public.

When people find yoga classes, ideally they are led to the deeper meanings behind the poses: the eight limbs, which include moral codes such as being truthful and generous, practicing contentment, and so much more. Doesn’t the world need more of this?

So while many Instagrammers have varying reasons for posting pictures of themselves practicing yoga, I say, post away! Hashtag it up! I see you, and I think you’re amazing, and you’re adding to the positive side of social media because…

Throughout my journey, I’ve learned important lessons that let me see beauty, like:

• Don’t compare yourself to others, when it comes to beauty, success, talent, etc. If someone seems to be doing “better” than you, practice being happy for them. There’s plenty of everything to go around.
• Try to be compassionate instead of judgmental. Everyone has their own battle they’re dealing with, so when you find yourself judging someone else, consider the possibilities if it makes your thoughts toward them more gentle. Also, note how much better it feels to be compassionate and empathetic versus possibly feeding the ego by thinking that maybe you’re better than someone else because you wouldn’t do xyz.
• If it bothers you that much, then mute, block, or unfollow them (and maybe do a deep dive on why it bothers you – are you feeling jealous, for example? How can you reframe your mind?). Use the settings we have available to us and don’t let social media cause you to feel negativity toward others or even toward yourself.

What are your thoughts on posting yoga pictures on Instagram? Do you, have you, and why or why not?

Peace, love, and yoga,
Cherie Dawn 

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