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Yoga for Perfectionists: Embracing Imperfection to Discover Your True Self in Practice and Teaching
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Judy Pfaff, 1979, Untitled
Are you constantly striving for perfection—chasing goals, comparing yourself to others, and never feeling good enough? Despite having so much, many of us feel like we're falling short. Personally, I struggle to stay present, often consumed by the desire to advance my career while resenting the success of others. As Paul Verhaeghe poignantly notes, "Never before have we in the West had it so good, and never have we felt so bad" (2016, p.108).
In a time when opportunities abound, anxiety, stress, and burnout continue to rise. How did we get here, and how can we reclaim our sense of self? In this blog, I will explore the impact of modern Western culture on our mental health and examine how yoga can guide us on a healing journey of self-discovery. Additionally, I’ll address the challenges faced by Western yoga teachers and how culture can distort the essence of yoga.
The Toll of Modern Society on Mental Health
"Our identity is not an immutable core hidden away in the depths of our being; it is a collection of ideas that the outside world has inscribed on our bodies." (Verhaeghe, P., 2016, p.7)
In a world of unprecedented progress, we paradoxically struggle to thrive. The "Surviving or Thriving? The State of the UK's Mental Health" report reveals that only 13% of individuals experience high levels of positive mental health, with younger generations suffering the most, highlighting the detrimental impact of societal changes on well-being.
So, why is this happening? A major factor is how our identities are shaped by neoliberal values that prioritize individualism, competition, and self-optimization over community and shared meaning. As Paul Verhaeghe notes, Western society has shifted focus from social progress toward individual perfection, obsessing over perfecting our minds, bodies, and socioeconomic status (2016, p.73). This relentless pursuit leaves many feeling lost and disconnected, undermining our mental and physical health.
Mental health is fundamentally a social construct, and its presence or absence serves as a social indicator, requiring both social and individual solutions (WHO, n.d.). Our modern lifestyle, fueled by the chase for success and perfection, causes significant distress, prompting the need to explore healing practices like yoga.
Elaine de Kooning, Juarez, 1989
How Yoga Offers a Path to Healing
"We begin where we are, how we are, and whatever happens, happens.” (T K V Desikachar, 1995, p.7)
Yoga, with its roots in Eastern philosophy, offers an antidote to the pressures of Western life. Rather than focusing on perfecting the body or mind, yoga teaches us to come together, to unite, and to find peace in the present moment.
Yoga acts as a manual for the individual to dive into the depths of who we are as a human, it forces us to look under the surface of things and explore the nature of who we are. We can use yoga to understand how and why our minds and bodies are influenced by modern Western society.
Through the eight limbs of yoga—ranging from ethical guidelines (Yama and Niyama) to meditation (Dhyana) and self-realization (Samadhi)—we learn to reconnect with our true selves. This holistic practice encompasses much more than the physical postures (asanas) we often associate with yoga in the West.
Yoga for Mental and Physical Health
Yoga helps us recalibrate our nervous system and balance our heart rate variability (HRV), which is crucial for overall well-being. The autonomic nervous system has two branches: the sympathetic nervous system (SNS), responsible for our fight-or-flight response, and the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS), which promotes relaxation, digestion, and healing (Van der Kolk, 2014, p. 266) In our fast-paced lives, we often rush or dwell on the past, preventing our nervous system from truly resting, which can leave us feeling unsettled.
Thích Nhất Hạnh illustrates this perfectly: “If while washing the dishes, we think only of the cup of tea that awaits us, thus hurrying to get the dishes out of the way as if they were a nuisance, then we are not washing the dishes to wash the dishes. What's more, we are not alive during the time we are washing the dishes.” (2008, p.5)
Through yoga, we can slow down and tune into our bodies and minds, allowing us to reconnect with ourselves. Techniques like breathwork (pranayama) and mindful movement (asanas) enhance HRV, vital for managing stress.
Joan Snyder, Field marks, 2019
Yoga in a Western Context: Avoiding Perfectionism and Pressure
As yoga teachers, we can reflect on how societal pressures influence our teaching and create a more authentic and supportive environment for our students. This awareness enriches our practice and fosters deeper connections with those we guide. Sharing our personal journeys and struggles in our classes can reinforce the message that "everything is already okay" (Cope, 2018, p. 65).
However, even yoga in the West is not immune to the influence of neoliberalism. The emphasis on achieving the "perfect" pose or becoming a "successful" yoga teacher can sometimes distort the true purpose of the practice. Social media often amplifies these pressures, creating a focus on image rather than self-awareness and healing.
As yoga teachers, it's essential to recognize this and strive to offer a holistic practice that honors all aspects of yoga, not just the physical. By incorporating pranayama, meditation, and ethical teachings, we can help our students experience the full benefits of yoga.
Embracing Imperfection in Practice
One of the greatest gifts yoga offers is the reminder that it's not about achieving perfection. Instead, it's about the journey—showing up as we are and finding peace in the process. By embracing imperfection, both in our own lives and in our yoga practice, we create a more compassionate, inclusive space for ourselves and others.
In a society that constantly pushes us to be more, do more, and achieve more, yoga provides a counterbalance, encouraging us to slow down, breathe, and simply be. This is where true healing begins.
Conclusion
While modern Western society often leaves us feeling disconnected and overwhelmed, yoga offers a way back to ourselves. By focusing on the present moment and engaging in a holistic practice that nurtures body, mind, and soul, we can begin to heal from the inside out. As yoga teachers, we have the opportunity to share this gift with others and help them navigate the complexities of life with more ease, compassion, and self-awareness.
In a world where we have never had it so good yet felt so bad, yoga reminds us of what truly matters—our connection to ourselves, each other, and the present moment.
Feeling inspired? Join our women’s yoga class and experience the healing power of yoga in a supportive, no-pressure environment. It’s all about connection, self-compassion, and finding balance—beyond just the poses. Whether you're new or seasoned, this is your chance to reconnect, recharge, and embrace your unique journey.
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