Recently, I was told by a student I like very much that I need to reach more people by being on Instagram and TikTok and showing what I can do.
I acknowledge that, but I still have a problem showing off on the CIRCUS apps. You see, I'm not the worse, and I'm not the best... and that is OK. But in an age when you are shown time and time again that you are not as good as the younger generation, it can make you make feel bad about yourself.
fig.1 - Marcio demonstrates different side plank postures to yoga students in their beginner's course. "There is more than one (perfect posture). There is the perfect posture for you today. Just embrace it and feel good about it".
We hear a lot about self-harming and depression in the younger generation, and this has to do with being bombarded with images reminding you that you are not that good. It is important to learn that in the circus, you have extraordinary people... they are the ones who are not "normal", but still, you are made to think you are supposed to put your head in your butt like I see some doing.
I usually make a joke and say they are young and have no bones but are still made of cartilage, or that people in their 90s that can do the splits are phenomenal but are probably doing yoga for 60 years, or I tell people that I do not want and need to be a contortionist. Otherwise, I'd join the circus du solei.
Remember, I am are average, and that is OK.
I'm good enough to teach you to enjoy your Yoga practices. I'm good enough to have a mobile life free of pain by doing the suitable Yoga for me. I'm average and do not need to see people getting into a pretzel.
Of course, I do check a few videos here and there. We always get attracted to the spectacular, and I'm no exception. But, though Yoga tells us that we should cheer amazing people, we should not be obsessed about replicating something we are not suited to do - we should not aim at being them.
Consider, they are good today, have the highest views, more friends and followers, subscribers and thumbs u, but tomorrow they are passed, depressed cause no one cheers them anymore. That is the idea of ageing: Young and fresh and full of stamina, I'm now on the wise and preparing for a time when my body is decaying - hopefully with some grace. There is a reason people are "old in sports after their 30s" or in dance or chess.
I'm not old, but I'm not trying to be 20 gaming to have all my friends giving me likes because I need attention as I want people to love me. The people that matter already love me.
So I say thank you, but I do not need that. I'm fine just being average and happy. I'm not here to please the masses, I'm here to be comfortable with my life.
fig.2 - Marcio demonstrates different crane/crow postures to yoga students in their beginner's course. "Today I can do a nice crow, tomorrow, I might not want to do that and keep my feet on the floor. It is not a failure, it is my decision".
You are the top today, someone else will be tomorrow. But do not worry, you are still special to you and me. Just live your life and get out of the circus mind and expectations.
Another student today on my beginner course at Yoga Life Space told me she was doing hardcore Yoga, and after having children, she felt she didn't need to do it anymore. Things changed. Priorities changed, and the body changed. She said she loved my teachings because I gave options which made everyone feel included and cared for. Thank you. That is what I want. Showing other ways of doing things which will make you stronger, age with grace, keep your spirit uplifted and feel good about yourself independently if you can put your head in your butt in s super impossible back bend.
I am on Instagram. I'm on Facebook. I'm not on Twitter or tiktok,. but mostly, I'm here, in the real world, for myself and for you who trust me.