I am a 16 year old male and have aleays had a drive to do yoga. I love the poses and to meditate. I dont know any names or anything, but at night i practice my flexibility and mostly do the feet behind head pose and lotus pose. I have a burning desire to do yoga, but im embarrased. I cannot tell my parents, friends or anyone because its crazy for a 16 year old guy to do this. I heard the other day that things are called onto you and your life is chosen and youll know it. Ive loved yoga since i was a kid, and i was wondering, what is this telling me? And also, what should i do if it is calling me?
I understand your need to keep this close to the vest. I think it’s wise to be circumspect about who you let in on your little secret. The best thing for you probably would be to find some other young people who share your interest, and find a way to let your parents know. I’ve heard on this forum that there is quite a demand for male yoga teachers, so you might actually be able to make a career out it, if that’s what you want to do. But it’s important to get the proper training.
Here is a link to a residential program that you might want to consider after you graduate from high school. In the meantime you might want to think about getting in touch with some local yoga studios or instructors. http://www.anandaseva.org/yoga/yogic-life-training
It is time to get out of the yoga closet.
I believe it’s important to encourage one to lead a life for themselves rather than one for others. Recently an article entitled The Top 5 Regrets of the Dying was published on Bronnie Ware’s web site. She reinforces that position after years working in palliative care.
Basically we are called by three vocalizations in the human body; the vital or pelvic force, the mental force, or the heart center. The call of the heart center represents the purpose our soul inhabited the physical form. Answering this call leads to life of fulfillment and purpose. The other voices have a different agenda and thus lead to different results.
If you are called to practice then that is lovely and at your stage of the game I wouldn’t spend a lot of time dwelling on which of the vocalizations. We’ll just assume for the moment that it is not a calling of ego, greed, lust or desire.
It’s actually not crazy for a 16 year-old male to be drawn to yoga. It happens to be less usual here in this country and perhaps even more rare in New Jersey. When I look around I see people doing all sorts of “different” things. Some like to argue over nothing at all just to be “right” and have rarely, if ever, experience a shift in their point of view. To me that is crazy.
Frankly, we are called all the time but have become so numb that we suppress the call, ignore it, or wait until it’s a scream. Take your time. Explore the options. Don’t get too worked up about it one way or the other. Find a copy of the Bhagavad Gita and see what sorts of messages are in there for you. In the meantime google the yamas and niyamas and see how you might bring the framework of Yoga into your living.
gordon
Great article Gordon. Thanks for posting.
I’d also suggest if you’re inclined to go to college, there are professions that dovetail nicely with an interest in yoga. Physical therapy comes to mind. Inner Athlete could probably provide better guidance on that than I can.
The thing is, i cant drive, i dont have a job. The odds are against me with getting to a class. As much as i want to be more involved with yoga, i dont want my
Parents knowing. And also, nobody my age and gender likes what i do. Im all alone.
[QUOTE=Yoga5;69287]The thing is, i cant drive, i dont have a job. The odds are against me with getting to a class. As much as i want to be more involved with yoga, i dont want my
Parents knowing. And also, nobody my age and gender likes what i do. Im all alone.[/QUOTE]
First thing is to stop whining and making excuses.
Second, you can start practicing at home in your own room.
Finally there is a wonderful thing called the Internet with a ton of
searchable and free resources, including videos, on yoga.
Oh, and also, do communicate with your family about your dreams and
wishes and stand for them instead of posturing as a victim.
Good luck.
[QUOTE=Yoga5;69287]The thing is, i cant drive, i don’t have a job. The odds are against me with getting to a class. As much as i want to be more involved with yoga, i don’t want my Parents knowing. And also, nobody my age and gender likes what i do. Im all alone.[/QUOTE]
Understandable things, but all navigable, as best I can tell.
The first two are pragmatic. If you want to get there you can find other ways to get there AND you can find ways to manifest money, even at your age. Perhaps especially at your age. Further, if you are so very compelled (and it’s completely okay to decide you are not compelled) you can express this to a studio owner and likely work out a barter, trade, or work-study arrangement as exchange for the teachings.
The second two things are emotional, not pragmatic. And they will ultimately need to be dealt with through introspection and self-study. Based on my experience they are much like a transmission. You can fix it now or you can fix it later but eventually you’re going to have to attend to it.
When we are not completely comfortable with something we’ve chosen we often seek approval of others. This provides an external validation, a peer group, a sense of belonging. In the process of yoga we shift from the external references toward the internal references (your calling, in this case). Perhaps now is not the time for asana classes, which is why I provided you with sound study points that will not require your travel, expense, or relationship with your parents.
True it can be difficult to be a pioneer in something, to have foresight and vision. And while we do not really know who will be “with us” and who may be “agin us” you’re certainly not alone. You just might have a new set of friends.
Oh how I wish I’d discovered yoga in my younger years as you have, good for you! You have an early start.
I suggest the library to pick up some beginner books and DVDs.
get some books on yoga and continue your practice. learn more each day from books about it and keep practicing
try to keep doing it just for pure fun and enjoyment and dont worry about making money with it