Ego-Narcissism-Meditation-Yoga-Always-A-Student-Podcast 732

A new study says egos get bigger after meditation and yoga. Wait! What? I thought yoga quiets the ego? Get my reaction to this study in Ego-Narcissism-Meditation-Yoga-Always-A-Student-Podcast 732.

Study Could Shake Up Yoga Community

The study, from Southhampton University makes some claims that might shake up the Yoga community. In the west these days our ‘persona’ is a product and a real thing. Furthermore social media emphasizing the ego.

Yoga Stereotype

Especially relevant is the emphasis placed on youth and beauty. Yoga in the US certainly has a stereotype. So it’s especially relevant given these factors, people may do yoga to feel better about themselves. Is that so bad?

Hitting The Mat To Lose Weight

We come to the mat for many different reasons. For beginners, spirituality usually isn’t one of those reasons. People want to lose weight. Some want to look good for an upcoming event. Others are stressed out. In addition some yogis use the practice to cross-train for a better finish for the marathon or to make their golf game better.

Judgements Aren’t All Bad

We’re not supposed to make judgements. We do, though. One thing I understood years after I started practicing is that yoga amplifies what is inside you. If you’re a jerk, yoga will make you a bigger jerk. I explain how that might work in Ego-Narcissism-Meditation-Yoga-Always-A-Student-Podcast 732.

Yoga Journey

The study didn’t examine how yogis change after practicing for a few years or decades. What if comparisons and judgements are part of the yoga journey? Therefore, if we stay on the path we learn lessons that put the ego in perspective.

Talking About Myself

I spend a lot of time talking about myself in a podcast taking the position that yoga is in fact ego calming. I find that most noteworthy and ironic.

What Is A Healthy Ego?

In conclusion, what is a heathy ego? When does a healthy sense of self become narcissism? For many students of yoga this is a huge part of the journey. Maybe its starts with wanting to lose weight or look good, but ends with profound insights.

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