5 COMPARISONS OF TRADITIONAL YOGA IN A MODERN WORLD

The Western world shared yoga with a modern approach that has made this artful movement so popular in the last decade. We’ve become accustomed to this style not realizing how diluted the practice has become  as it made it's way to North America. 
If you are attending Yoga at fitness gym or heated studio, there's  a chance it's not 

traditional yoga. Nothing wrong with this, but it's simply a modern take on traditional yoga to achieve physical wellness and that's still a pretty awesome way to weave yoga into your life. However, you are probably missing out on a lot of the non-fitness related benefits yoga has to offer! 
At Markham Yoga we care about your whole health and wellness, not just the physical.
We apply practical approaches to yoga for teachers and yoga enthusiasts and provide the tools, tips and tricks to weave in holistic approaches to modern movement. 

​Here’s a few reasons why learning the Pure Heart of Yoga with Markham Yoga might be right for you! 

1. Physical Yoga vs. Spiritual Yoga
The Western world of yoga is primarily focused on fitness, at Markham Yoga, we share the philosophies of yoga and the ‘why’ it feels so darn good! 
Traditional yoga is about becoming more self-aware, centred, and present in each moment. It’s about being in harmony with your inner and outer world so you can create a better world for yourself. 
It’s also about developing more focus, concentration, relieving stress, learning how to reduce anxiety, depression, fear. We delve deep into these layers of energies while practicing our headstands! Did you know headstands shouldn't be done at certain times of the day? Well, we'd share the why's with you but that's just giving away trade secrets of our training! 

2. Yoga practice vs. Yoga Lifestyle
Traditional yoga is rooted in thousands of years of culture and, of course, tradition, it incorporates all of that history and knowledge into everyday life. 
Our lead teachers come from an upbringing of yoga as a lifestyle and not just for the sake of getting a paper that shares a qualification to lead a yoga exercise class of yoga.
Many of our teachers whom are third generation yogis or have been exposed yoga as a part of their lives form a young age, share and offer practices that is still done in many homes in India today and not just because it's trendy but as a path to wellness. 

3. Meditation vs. Mindfullness
In modern yoga, guided meditation is a new age way of finding calm, relaxation and peace. This is more ‘mindfulness’ rather than meditation. At Markham Yoga, we will share the differences between mindfulness, mediation and different forms of meditation to reach a state of emotional, mental and physical stillness. We may even share a few mantras or chants to those wanting to explore this. 

4. Big Business of Modern Yoga vs. Traditional Yoga that isn’t that 
The ancient, traditional practice of yoga was, and still is, about sharing wisdom and knowledge from those who came before us. It’s about seeking enlightenment and becoming your highest self.  Traditional yoga has never been about greed or money. The perfect yoga outfit, the highest dollar yoga mat, or the newest, most amazing yoga product has never been a part of this type of yoga practice.
Modern yoga, unfortunately, tends to thrive on fancy retreats, high end yoga studios that sell smoothies and sweatpants, and overpriced workshops. Not always. But often.
There are so many studios and teachers who exude the practice of yoga as a lifestyle and make money, and that's what makes sense, do share the love of yoga because of yoga, not because of the revenue. 
At MYW, we offer you the foundation and tools to become a solid teacher, and support your adventures as a yoga teacher, with mentorship, guidance however you wish to launch your career, we’re here to be a part of that growth, every step of the way! 

5. Modern yoga teacher role vs. Traditional yoga teacher role
Modern yoga teachers are everywhere and we adore them and their powerful and confident physiques! 
Many modern yoga teachers are physical trainers, fitness instructors, retired dancers or gymnasts, it’s amazing! We often have jaw dropping moments of envy seeing some of these moves. But, we shoudn't feel envious of this as this isn't really what traditional yoga is about. Impressive, yeh! Totally, but a goal...maybe. But real yoga that brings enlightenment to the soul that's constant and personal? Hmmmm....
Traditional yoga teachers take a vested interest in their yogi students, guiding them in their practice both on and off the mat. Helping them create a yoga lifestyle that benefits their whole body health. At Markham Yoga, this is essence of our work. 
More like a life mentor, or, on occasion a yoga master you can continue to learn from throughout the years.
So, you see at Markham Yoga, we’re more than just a Yoga School, we’re a place to learn a lifestyle that makes your heart sing.