The recent history of yoga practice
Ten years ago, yoga practice was a fairly niche activity that took place in New Age centers and Buddhist retreats. Today, it is a billion dollar industry and a lifestyle choice for many.
Over the years, yoga has lost its hippy background. When we think of yoga we no longer imagine dimly lit halls and the waft of incense. Now yoga takes place in well-lit rooms spread with brightly colored yoga mats. And yoga is no longer for hippies. Everyone from movie stars to children, enjoy yoga practice.
It is not surprising that yoga practice has seen such growth. More people are concerned about fitness than ever before. Yoga offers many physical benefits including improved flexibility and strength. However, yoga offers something unique in the fitness arena. This unique aspect is the use of meditation and mindfulness to ease the stresses of modern day life.
The yoga boom
Along with the increased popularity of yoga, there has been a boom in associated products. A wide variety of yoga-related items such as bags, mats, clothing, and books are now available. Many of these products mirror the ethical and spiritual roots of yoga by offering eco-friendly and ethical products. There is also an array of books that feature inspiring images of yogis in beautiful landscapes such as Yoga Girl by Rachel Brathen.
Yoga publications demonstrate the holistic aspect of yoga practice in their subject matter. Yoga Magazine is the number one yoga publication in the UK and USA. According to their website, each issue is ‘packed with celebrity interviews, organic and natural beauty, fashion, travel, food and the best of yoga and fitness.’ Yoga magazine also has thousands of Facebook and Twitter fans, suggesting that social media has played a part in the yoga boom.
Ethical Products
The most notable thing about yoga products is the high percentage of ethical brands that produce yoga clothing and accessories. Since 2006, Gaiam has enforced a carbon-neutral shipping program. The brand has also partnered with Fair Trade to produce items ethically in countries like Cambodia and India.
Eleven44 is another company who take their responsibilities to the planet seriously. The company make their products in Bali and use only organic cotton and sustainable bamboo.
Purusha People, are based in Los Angeles and use non-toxic water-based inks, low impact dyes, and Fair Trade organic cotton to create their comfortable yoga wear. They also ensure their local workers are paid a living wage.
These ethically and environmentally inspired companies uphold the traditional principles of yoga as a spiritual practice that helps us to understand and value the interconnectedness of life on earth.
Spiritual Roots
Many traditional yogis may fear that the spiritual roots of yoga may have become lost along the way. However, the flood of information available both online and offline suggest that there is room within the yoga world for many types of practice. Yoga can suit those looking for a way to improve fitness as well as those who are seeking a more spiritual practice. The many inspiring and ethical yoga related products also suggest that the original philosophy of yoga is alive and well in the 21st Century.