Yoga and Food - what's up with that?

This Saturday, February 14, 2009, some of our teachers and former teacher trainees will be heading to Cincinnati, Ohio for a yoga workshop and book signing with Sharon Gannon, founder of the JivaMukti yoga style. Sharon is an amazingly inspiring yoga instructor who strives to promote peace and compassion in the world through yogic living.

A year ago, I was fortunate to travel with friends and my awesome husband to San Francisco for a yoga conference and participated in some of Sharon's classes. Her asana sequences were challenging, but invigorating; I was pushed a bit beyond where I am normally comfortable in my practice, but the confidence of this teacher and her caring manner took away any sense of intrepidation; I was lulled into Yoga Heaven!

A key focus of Sharon Gannon's philosophy, is her interpretation of the yogic principle, Ahimsa (Non-violence) as it relates to food choices; we will each be receiving a copy of her new book, Yoga and Vegetarianism: The Path to Greater Health and Happiness, in which she addresses this idea, at the workshop. "Drawing on both the author's extensive studies of Vedic traditions and her longtime interest in animal rights, Yoga and Vegetarianism shows how the physical and spiritual practice of yoga is historically and structurally tied to a vegetarian lifestyle." http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Yoga-and-Vegetarianism/Sharon-Gannon/e/9781601090218

The subject of food is a challenging one for many yogis; the subject of food is a challenge for most people. Ponder these questions:

• If vegetarianism is part of the yoga practice, are those who eat meat not "real" yogis?
• If practicing non-violence in regard to your food choices is a yoga prerequisite, does that mean veganism is the only "true" path?
• If yoga is open and available to anyone regardless of his/her religion, color, creed, orientation, etc., then does it matter if one hunts and kills for food?
• What about the individual who eats meat, but takes the time to prepare food with his/her family members each evening while talking pleasantly, and then mindfully sits down at the table sharing the evening meal as a family?

Tricky questions.

Let me know what you all think about these ideas. Answer in the blog - just click on "comment" at the bottom right; you can answer anonymously if you choose.

I feel that it is important that we are able to discuss our feelings where it concerns food, religion, politics, family choices, etc. without defensiveness and judgement. We each have a voice that should be heard. At the same time, remember the saying, we have one mouth and two ears; perhaps listening to others is just as important as speaking to them.

So ponder what others have to say; you don't have to change yourself based on what someone else believes. But even if you disagree, respect one another's right to express his/her thoughts, ideas, and feelings; and who knows, perhaps you will learn something that will help you on your journey.

Respect one another; that is how to promote peace and compassion in the world. I look forward to hearing from you! Namaste, Shelli