tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4794216849014878589.post8023298122292331793..comments2023-10-24T08:35:09.213-07:00Comments on patrick nolan yoga: what to do? how to act?pjn1390http://www.blogger.com/profile/07783034828464888566noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4794216849014878589.post-76253253656261815332014-11-30T19:48:17.179-08:002014-11-30T19:48:17.179-08:00Hi Patrick, I stumbled upon your blog from your yo...Hi Patrick, I stumbled upon your blog from your youtube videos on jump backs!. <br /><br />This piece holds particular significance to me because not only am I Australian (Iggy makes me cringe) and but I am of Indian origin and have fallen in love with the Ashtanga practice. <br /><br />Before writing I thought I should read your other writings, and after doing so I see nothing but for a total love and respect, and genuine interest in this culture that you are called appropriating. So I don't think you have anything to worry about.<br /><br />I will admit, I do find some of it, irritating. Australia was a very racist and unwelcoming place for many immigrants, and Indians in particular stood out due their cultural differences. So I won't lie it is a bit annoying to see these same people walking around with bindyas on their forehead, or Om tattoos saying "Om Shanthi On" . But you hit the nail on the head, and its all about respect. And respect is not something you can fake.<br /><br />As for the Indians/diaspora shouting about the authenticity of yoga. I wouldn't worry too much about them. I certainly don't think they are the majority. My parents and family taught me much about yoga yet asana barely even rated a mention in their teachings. They will be happy the asana component is being kept alive.<br /><br />In fact I am constantly telling my elderly parents about how knowledgeable my yoga teachers are about Indian texts and how ironically, it is due the adoption of yoga in the west, that I have sort of rediscovered my own culture and ancestry. Funny that! <br /><br />just my 2 cents!<br />c yaStevehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06334231995218319320noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4794216849014878589.post-1578954714750787222014-09-30T08:23:39.806-07:002014-09-30T08:23:39.806-07:00and ask questions! i always feel that if you follo...and ask questions! i always feel that if you follow all said rules above, it's (usually) okay to ask of someone in whose cultural practice you're engaging in what the deal is and if how you're taking part in it is respectful.<br /><br />and then of course to remember that your question does not constitute a full blown ethnography, but rather a personal response to that particular person in that particular culture at that particular time.<br /><br />but we (particularly when the "we" comes from the dominant, more "socially powerful" culture/race/gender, etc) can't expect others to constantly educate us and use the energy that they most likely need to expend more of on a day to day basis just getting around in their world, to help us or make us feel more "comfortable". <br /><br />then you realize shit it's all so complicated but we really can only do our best by always checking ourselves first. <br /><br />thanks for sharing and reminding me about this today - your mind is cool!<br /><br />see you tomorrow sensei :)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com