Yoga, this beautiful, holistic practice has been appropriated through the years as it gained popularity in the West and has, in many spaces, been reduced to simply a fitness regimen.

“Cultural appropriation is when someone uses someone else’s culture, including practices, symbols, rituals, fashion or other elements from a target or “minority” culture, without considering the source, origins, or people of that culture.” (Susanna Barkataki, Embrace Yoga’s Roots, 2020)

Additionally, there are many corporations that capitalize off the ideology of yoga yet do not practice the essence of the ancient tradition themselves in their business practices. 

It is part of my practice as a teacher and student of yoga to ensure I am appreciating and honoring yoga’s roots and not appropriating them. As such, I intentionally chose to complete a 300 Hour Yoga Teacher Training with Susanna Barkataki and Ignite Yoga and Wellness Institute and highly encourage you to follow these South Asian yoga teachers (and there are many many many more to explore!) on Instagram who highlight appropriations, encourage appreciation and offer classes and workshops on deeper knowledge:

There is also an excellent article by Yoga International that highlights the cultural appropriation of yoga and how to appreciate, rather than appropriate to help get you started.