When we mistake yoga for a workout routine, reduce it to physical fitness or even practice some of the deeper practices without an eye to the whole system of liberation it offers, we rob ourselves and each other of the potential of this practice.

You see, to be colonized is to become a stranger in your own land and culture.

If our thought, speech or action is not bringing us right there, toward connection, it is not yoga.

It’s for you, if you’ve ever been unsure, insecure or curious about how to practice yoga without causing harm. Even the best-intentioned can cause harm by taking yoga out of context or diluting the practice. Harm can also be caused when people aren’t aware of the culture and traditions from which yoga comes, and unintentionally disrespect cultural elements of yoga.