Yoga is contagious. You can catch the yoga bug from a teacher or a friend who drags you to that ”awesome” class. Once you’ve caught the bug, your condition may progress until you find you’re a “yogi.”
We’ve seen it happen to people from all walks of life, from tax accountants to movie executives. Suddenly, you wake up and find you’re a secret yogi.
How do you know it’s happened?
Well, setting aside the deeper spiritual changes that take place, Western yogis have particular habits. As yoga journeyed West and mixed with our entrepreneurial spirit,we adapted in our own strange way.
You know you’re a yogi when you have the following symptoms:
- You own more lululemon clothes than street clothes.
- You shell out for a Manduka mat or some other uber-mat that costs more than $80.
- You have matching Yogi-toe socks and a skidless Yoga Towel (color coordinated to match your mat and yoga bag).
- At least three of the following words make sense to you: Asana, pranayama, chakra, prana, bandhas, mindfulness, emptiness, mantra, namaste, savasanah.
- You know who Shiva Rea is…
- You’ve been to a Yoga Retreat and finally understand what people mean when they say “transformative.”
- You’ve tried more than one of the following yoga styles: Kundalini, Anusara, Jivamukti, Vinyasa, Restorative, Iyengar, Ashtanga, Integral, Yin.
- Under duress, you find yourself chanting “Om.”
- You are attracted to objects with Lotuses on them.
- You own yoga paraphernalia: mat cleaner spray, neti pot, om necklace, asana poster, blocks, straps.
- You own Mantra CDs.
- You carry an eco friendly water bottle (Siggs or the KleenKanteen).
- Not only do you not eat before class, you’re afraid to.
- You drink tea after class!
- When you can no longer multi-task!
- When you own toe spreaders that are not used for a pedicure!
- When your toddlers are chanting “ohm” and you find yourself calling out “down-dog”! when you need to wipe their tushies after they finish up on the potty!
- When your girlfriends call you to meet for a drink and you say “I can’t, “It’s my yoga night. How about tomorrow?”
So, did any of the above descriptions fit you? If so, you may be a YOGI! If you come up with any other symptoms, let us know in the comments and we’ll add them to the list!
Happy Yoga to You!
{ 20 comments… read them below or add one }
How about….. You know you’re a yogi when you have a reusable Sigg water bottle! LOL
Your wish is our command!
You know your a yogi when…you drink tea after class?
Done! Yogi smackdown!
You know you’re a Yogi when you can no longer multi-task!
Good one! I’ve added it!
We need to do a counter articled entitled ” You know you’re a Yoga Poser” when ….
I will start it for you.
Ha, ha… I thought for a second you were starting with me!!! Sounds good!
… when you own toe spreaders that are not used for a pedicure. Awesome post!
I love your blogs! keep them coming…I may turn into a Yogi someday
Miss you!!
Thanks, liveloveyoga! We’re adding you to the ole’ blogroll
Thanks Vickie!
Thanks every one for your amazing comments. Keep them coming and share the humor.
Have a Yogarific day! I just made that term up now. I think we should add it to the list.
…. When you create new words using the base word “yoga” — or should that be a Yoga Nerd one. I’m a yoga nerd then.
you know your a yogi when… your toddlers are chanting “ohm” and you find yourself calling out “down-dog”! when you need to wipe there tushies after they finish up on the potty, lol!
Bwaaa haaa haa! That paints a vivid picture Elana!
You might be a yogi if you realize that no expensive clothes, yoga mats, toe-socks, towels, retreats, gurus, practice styles, mantras, mandalas, water bottles, toe-spreaders, nor any other paraphernalia are what constitute the practice of yoga. If you find yourself chanting “Om” even when *not* under duress, you might be approaching the path. Namaste
Hey Jay:
Thanks for taking the time to read our blog and make such valid points. Keep on reading!
You know you’re a yogi when your girlfriends call you to meet for a drink and you say “I can’t, “It’s my yoga night. How about tomorrow?”
Miss you Amy, ran into Sony @ Yoga Day yesterday and she directed me to your Blog. Great. All the best to you !
Hey Ann:
Thanks for checking us out and for writing. Looking forward to seeing you at Outback Yoga next time. I will be subbing there on May 19th @ 7:15 pm. Let me know if you can make it.
In love & light,
Sony
Hi Ann, that is so true… I put your addition on our list! Wa hoo!