Yoga Selfies: Om Yoga Magazine Jan/Feb

The latest issue of Om Yoga Magazine is another double feature for January and February. It's packed full of great articles, recipes and inspiration to help you start the New Year healthy and happy!

One of the articles which particularly struck me covers the topic of Yoga Selfies.

"Like them or loathe them, yoga selfies are quickly becoming ubiquitous on social media."

Writing a blog, and being a regular user of Instagram and Twitter I'm aware of the powerful influence social media can have. Personally I very rarely, if ever, post "posed/staged" fitness photos, the only selfies are usually running ones where I'm sweaty and red-faced!

But I've seen lots of other people who post photos of themselves in various impressive yoga poses- some pretty mundane shots at home, while others are set against rather exotic backdrops like beaches and glimmering ocean waves at sunset. Generally I find them inspiring and beautiful, and often quite helpful if they're accompanied by useful teaching notes.

But I can see how for some they could be demoralising. I know I sometimes find it slightly disheartening in actual yoga classes when everyone around me is bending and stretching into complex positions and I'm stuck feeling like an awkward fish!

For most people it's all seen as a bit of fun, a way to do yoga, capture it through the wonders of modern technology and share it with friends. And of course, in terms of bloggers or yoga teachers, it's part of self-promotion too! But there are others, who call it showing-off, self-indulgent and contrary to the spirit of yoga.

The article in Om Yoga Magazine goes into more detail in understanding the yoga selfie craze rather than judging it, trying to determine what it means- whether we are identifying with the seer i.e. being the audience, or with the seen - being in the driving seat. It suggests that one of the ways in which we might enjoy the experience of life is to be seen. This does not have to be an exercise of self indulgence, it can simply be a way of enjoying yourself and creating enjoyment for others.

"Performing for the small screen of Facebook and Instagram has the capacity to amazing, inspire and captivate"

Some people fit naturally into just one of these roles, which enables those in the "seen" role to be successful. Others may enjoy both, at different times- being the audience and the one giving the show!

One of the aspects of yoga selfies, is the issue of body image. There was a recent post on the DoYouYoga website discussing "curvy yogis" and "thin yogis", which generated some interesting comments on Facebook, suggesting that mostly skinny women demonstrate yoga poses and if you're slightly larger you will never be able to do yoga and it's therefore pointless to even try. On the other hand, should someone be frowned upon because they're percieved as "pretty" and "thin" regardless of how hard they've worked or what obstacles they may have overcome? This is a whole other issue really!

Do you think there's any harm in having a bit of fun with your yoga and your camera phone? Or do you find that it makes you feel competitive or demotivated? 

Beki x

NB: I am an Om Yoga Blogger, and am provided with a free digital subscription in return for my blog reviews. If you would like to subscribe click this link or follow the ad in the sidebar (affiliate link). For all of my previous Om Yoga posts, head to the Yoga tab at the top of the blog!