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Monday, February 08, 2010
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Mixing Yoga and Food Stirs Up Trouble |
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Yogic diet is a hotly debated topic in the yoga community. Many ancient texts of yoga stress the necessity of a meatless diet, and one that is free from alcohol or stimulants. From the Hatha Yoga Pradipika which clearly directs the practitioner toward a sattvic (balanced) diet of nuts, grains, milk, and ghee, to the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali that emphasize the importance of non-harming through the practice of ahimsa, the bulk of the yogic compendium advocate vegetarianism and purity. But, a new trend in chic New York studio, Exhale Spa, not only defies this definition, but goes as far as bringing food onto the mat in the context of practice, which is stirring up lots of debate.
The series called “Yoga for Foodies” combines an hour-long asana practice with a several course meal served right on the yoga mat, and it’s raising eyebrows in the yoga community. The meals, though vegetarian in this instance, include wine and chocolate in the menu. The question is, is offering food in the context of yoga practice yogic? The sister sciences of Yoga and Ayurveda both agree that diet is important to balance, physically, mentally and spiritually. But the nourishment of our bodies through practice and through food are not traditionally coupled in the same practice. In addition, the offering of stimulants and alcohol into the space of practice is an invitation to review the purpose. Yoga traditionally is about discrimination (viveka), and though there are schools of yoga that take a less restrictive view on aspects like alcohol and meat, overall the inclusion of these into a practice were strictly for veneration and worship. Are the renegade yogi explorers who are introducing this practice into yoga studios in New York, and soon to Chicago, Cleveland, and Dallas, really incorporating food into a practice in a yogic way or simply addition to a tradition of Western gluttony? We cannot deny that yoga is an industry. And as with any industry, it will grow to grandiose proportions, trying to market itself to anyone and everyone with a niche that has to this point been undiscovered. We can bring all sorts of things to the yoga mat if we choose, under the guise of heightened awareness or greater ability to discern, but should we? If practitioners are using the practice of yoga in its traditional sense, to bring them closer to Self-realization, then the addition of anything to a practice is suspect. But if yogis are clear about this distinction, and are instead wishing to utilize asana as a tool to greater enjoyment of the simple pleasures, then I suppose that it is possible to combine elements that seem antithetical into an experience of deeper understanding. I would prefer not to debate the ethics of diet choices with my yogi friends or with you, because everyone has such different reasons for their personal diet choices. But understanding how our diet and our choices effect our practice is worthy of a discussion. If we do anything without the important tool of discrimination, then we run the risk of acting superficially and thus the results will be superfluous. When we choose to walk this path of yoga as one to enhance or expand our lives, no choice or decision is without purpose. There really isn’t a meal, or a practice, or a glass of wine that doesn’t affect our practice of living a yogic life. I am not a yogic purist. I do not adhere to strict dietary guidelines nor do I abstain from a good glass of red wine or an exceptional cup of coffee, but every time I make the choice to imbibe, I know that the buck doesn’t stop at my mouth. I know that all of my choices in one form or another will have an impact on my practice and ultimately my path of spiritual understanding. I try not to think of it as a weighty responsibility that I have to carry around, but rather as a gift of seeing every moment for exactly what it is at the time, and not downplaying any activity or action as unrelated to my spiritual path. 2 Comments
Well Said. I don't really like the idea of food on the mat, but each to their own. We all have the right to make our own choices and we either benefit or suffer for our choices. I have just discovered that I have food allergies to Wheat, dairy and gluten so I have changed my diet to exclude these items. This hasn't really been hard at all and I can't believe how much better I feel. No more Asthma, bloating and low energy. The other great thing is that my Asana practice has also improved as I feel so much lighter, I can move into postures with much more ease and no discomfort. Fantastic.
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March 07, 2010
I have never liked the idea of involving food in yoga practices anywhere near at least 3 hours of my practices. I did right when I started my practice, just out of not knowing the consequences, and got really dizzy and sick to my stomach, so it is certainly not more me. I hate to see people go against the true traditions of yoga, but I can't really judge someone if it works for them.
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April 30, 2010
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Ahimsa, the yogic practice of non violence must be adhered to when engaging in the practice of hatha yoga. Respect your body's limitations and inner wisdom, if something feels wrong or dangerous, please do not do it.
Please consult your health care practitioner before starting a yoga, pranayama or other exercise program.
All contents copyright 2001-2012 Timothy Burgin and Yogabasics.com. All rights reserved. Om shanti peace.
Please consult your health care practitioner before starting a yoga, pranayama or other exercise program.
All contents copyright 2001-2012 Timothy Burgin and Yogabasics.com. All rights reserved. Om shanti peace.
