If you’ve spent any time scrolling through social media lately, you’ve probably come across posts where people are quick to call out others in the yoga community.
It could be about misusing the word ‘Namaste,’ or maybe it’s a debate on how someone is practising a certain asana “wrong,” or even a heated discussion on whether a teacher is really a “yoga teacher” or just an “asana teacher.”
Don’t get me wrong; there’s definitely a point behind these conversations—honouring the roots of yoga is important. But the way we often go about these call-outs can feel more like a show of “I know better than you” rather than a way to genuinely help people learn. It’s starting to feel a bit elitist, and honestly, it’s making yoga seem less inclusive than it really should be.
The Asana Teacher vs. Yoga Teacher Debate (Yes, it's a thing!)
One of the popular debates is whether someone who teaches just asanas should be called a “yoga teacher” or an “asana teacher.” People often say, “If you’re only teaching the physical postures, you’re not teaching yoga - you’re teaching asanas.” And sure, there’s some truth to that. Yoga isn’t just about the physical practice. There’s pranayama, meditation, philosophy, and all the other good stuff. But let’s not diminish the role of asanas in the larger picture.
Does calling someone just an “asana teacher” really help? Not really. Should we start calling pranayama instructors “just pranayama teachers” too? The beauty of yoga is that it meets people wherever they are on their journey.
Some teachers start with asanas because that’s what they’re drawn to. And if that’s their entry point, why push them away by labelling them as “just” anything? Who knows where their practice will take them over time?
Is Everything “Wrong”?
Here’s another thing: the constant stream of telling people they’re doing yoga “wrong” can be pretty discouraging.
From how we say ‘Namaste’ to how we position our bodies in a pose, it feels like there’s always something to nitpick. And sure, accuracy and tradition matter, but when we start labeling everything as wrong, we’re creating a pretty intimidating space for people who are still learning (which, let’s be honest, is all of us).
This kind of vibe isn’t helping. Instead of inspiring people to grow and explore yoga more deeply, it’s making them second-guess themselves, or worse, not try at all. And that’s not what yoga is about, right?
Yoga Should Be About Inclusivity, Not Exclusivity
What we really need is more inclusivity in yoga. That doesn’t mean watering things down to the point where they lose their essence. No one’s suggesting that. But we do need to create a space where everyone - whether they’re new to yoga or have been practicing for years - feels welcome and encouraged to learn.
Instead of calling people out, why not call them in? Instead of saying, “You’re doing this wrong,” we could say, “Here’s another way to approach this.” It’s about creating conversations, not confrontations. We can guide people without making them feel like they don’t belong or that they’ll never get it “right.”
And yes, while it’s important to stay true to yoga’s rich cultural roots, we don’t need to turn the whole thing into an exclusive club where only the people who know the “right” words and techniques are welcome. Yoga is for everyone, and it should feel that way.
Let’s Keep Yoga Real—But Also, Let’s Keep It Accessible
Yoga is deep, complex, and meaningful - no one’s denying that. But that doesn’t mean it has to be intimidating. We can absolutely keep the practice real and rooted in tradition while also making it accessible to everyone.
And no, inclusivity doesn’t mean we have to make yoga superficial. We can still dive into the richness of pranayama, meditation, philosophy, and all the aspects of yoga without scaring people off.
By creating more inclusive spaces, we encourage teachers to keep learning and improving, not out of fear of being called out, but because they genuinely want to deepen their knowledge. And we inspire students to keep practicing - not because they’re afraid of getting something wrong, but because they love the journey of yoga.
Let’s Cut the Noise and Embrace Acceptance
At the end of the day, yoga is about union. It’s about bringing people together, not creating divisions. It’s about cultivating understanding, compassion, and balance - not just in your asanas, but in how you approach life. When we focus too much on what’s wrong, we lose sight of the bigger picture: yoga’s power to connect, uplift, and inspire.
What we really need is more acceptance. Let’s inspire both teachers and students to practice daily - not out of fear of being judged, but out of a genuine love for the practice. Let’s embrace the holistic beauty of yoga and remember that everyone’s journey looks different - and that’s okay.
So, how about we dial down the noise and judgment and focus more on creating a welcoming, inspiring yoga community?
Let’s make space for everyone, no matter where they are in their practice, and keep the heart of yoga alive.
