Being Unique, Yoga, and Diversity

In today’s modern world, we often encounter terms such as diversity and uniqueness. If we dive into the world of yoga, these terms become even more pervasive. One of the reasons for that is, without a doubt, the fact that it is human nature for us to compare ourselves to each other. We live in a globalised world in which everybody has their own unique set of skills and opportunities. If we start comparing ourselves to people from different or similar backgrounds, it can lead us to suppress who we are. This can create feelings of worthlessness and send us spiraling into bad moods. Luckily, some tools can help us work with our thoughts and teach us to appreciate our uniqueness. They can lead us to self-love and to realising our worth.

Discover Your Uniqueness

Make a list of things and characteristics you value the most about yourself. Then, whenever you have a need to compare yourself to others, go back to this list. Thanks to this, you will focus on your unique self, originality, and advantages. It will steer you away from becoming obsessed with what you might not have and keep you focused on what you do have. For example, you can write these down on paper, on your laptop, or make mental notes.
Ask people around you, people you love and trust, what things they love and value the most about you. Again, note these down, and whenever you self-doubt yourself, check this list and remind yourself that people who love you love you for who you are. I do this a lot! When I feel not at my best, and somebody I love gives me a list of things they love about me, I take a screenshot or write it down.

If it’s not your day, try to make a nice small gesture toward someone else. Shift your focus outward. This will give your mind a vital message that you matter because you made someone’s day a tad nicer! Remember, a smile goes a long way.
Do something nice for yourself—every single day. Lately, I have been having quite a busy schedule. However, I do something for myself every day. These are tiny things, like cooking my favorite pasta, having a cup of coffee, and having a bit of my favourite chocolate bar. On other days, I make time for love; other times, I plan a trip or go to a bookstore.
Remind yourself of something you are grateful for each day. I had a tough day last week, and I was focusing on things I didn’t have. Suddenly I realised I needed to focus on the things I do have. I looked at people around me and thought that probably everybody I see has an item they wish for, but they choose to focus on what they have, which makes the difference. This is a little bit like, you know, some people who always look for something better…never find it. Because what they forget in their chase is that ‘the better’ is whatever we look after, not what we look for*.

* Please remember I am talking about a regular moody day. If you struggle long-term, please speak to someone; feel free to reach out to me; if you are facing any form of abuse (spousal, parental, or other), please remember that that is not something you should ever endure or be grateful for.

Being Unique and Yoga

If we look at being unique from the yoga perspective, we can explore several aspects. But let’s start at the beginning—at ourselves. Ask yourself what your uniqueness means to you and what does it entail? Your uniqueness is how you contribute to diversity. Our looks are not the only characteristics that make us unique; our originality is rooted mainly in ourselves. You probably know the saying, “Never judge anybody until you have walked in their shoes.” How we perceive reality and what makes us unique comes from our experiences. If we believe that we are born as blank slates, we must also think that our perception of the world and how we interact with it is primarily influenced by our early experiences, the people we have, and the values we live by.

You have probably heard about the American Dream. A concept that was heavily marketed to people worldwide in the second half of the twentieth century. Every famous model used to be thin, and this ideal of beauty was also served to us in Hollywood. Plan, which, more often than not, was based on an unhealthy lifestyle and painful conditions. Ideal, which made people feel worthless. This brings me to the term ‘ableism,’ which is now very often used in yoga.

Definition of Ableism

Ableism is a term that refers to discrimination based on (dis) abilities of individuals. It is when someone is discriminated against because they cannot do certain things; or when someone is preferred based on the fact they can do certain things. Of course, we can juggle on thin ice here, as even people who are more able-bodied* than others are uniquely amazing. However, we talk about this from a bigger perspective—see the world of yoga, times are changing now, but a couple of years ago, all yoga practitioners, who were sought after by big yoga brands, fell into the same category—they were able-bodied*, thing individuals, often based in the US. But, of course, it was not just the US. The Western culture had been idealizing yoga, turning it into a fitness-styled workout while supporting only non-disabled persons who fit into the narrative.

We need to realize that success looks different and is unique too. For a person who fears getting into assisted, a headstand might be the breakthrough they waited for; for a different person, it’s mind-blowing if they do a one-hand handstand. We should acknowledge both this success and not put one above the other.

Please note that this paragraph is a description of a term. Hence the term ‘able-bodied’ was used to offer a full, non-censored description and definition.

Become a Unique Yoga Teacher

If you aim to be a good yoga teacher, it is paramount that you treat your students as the individuals they are. It is essential to offer as many cues as possible and bear in mind that each one of your students has a different body to work with. It is also vital that you mind the words you choose. Avoid language, which tells students what to do and instead offers them variations. For example, avoid using the term ‘modification’ and replace it with ‘variation.’ Or instead of telling your students, “Do not lift your hand above your head,” said a more inclusive, “If you wish to, lift your hand above your head and keep it there for a couple of breaths.”

How (Not) to Compare Yourself to Others

As a yoga student, you must set your mind free of stereotypes and expectations. This can be extremely hard, but doing so will elevate your yoga practice and open new doors for you. We should only compare ourselves to ourselves. How have you changed ever since you started a regular yoga practice? What have you learned? How long a journey have you walked? When you stop comparing yourself to others, you will find many great things within you.

Why Does Being Unique Matter

Our uniqueness can be a guide for others. They can learn from it. Uniqueness leads to progress. Again, let’s look at it from the yoga perspective. In the beginning, there were Āsanas, each one with its purpose. Nowadays, we have yoga blocks, wheels, bolsters, and other props, which can make yoga more comfortable and accessible for us. These props were introduced once yoga became a worldwide practice, and someone decided to offer their students a new space for their bodies. Maybe a person didn’t reach the ground during Trikonasana—they were unique and inspired the introduction of blocks—inspired progress and change.

Honestly, uniqueness should be celebrated, and I am glad that that is the direction we are all walking. As I mentioned at the beginning of this article, essence creates diversity, and diversity opens new doors for us. Doors to a world in which we will have a chance to inspire and learn from each other. That is an entrance to a more inclusive world where understanding and respect play the main characters. And if you ever need a little inspiration, look around you; each flower is unique and proudly displays that to the world.