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Yoga is shining its light in mainstream media more and more every day. Here, our editors’ picks for top-trending stories.
California Appeals Court Rules Yoga Doesn’t Violate Religious Freedom
While yoga is a welcome part of physical education for many, in one Southern California school district, parents recently sued, arguing the practice is too closely related to the Hindu religion. Their challenge was rejected in appeals court, which deemed the yoga program to be “devoid of any religious, mystical or spiritual trappings,” as reported by the Wall Street Journal. Read the article.
See alsoIs Yoga a Religion?
Teenager with Terminal Blood Disease Does Yoga Poses in Her Hospital Room: See the Inspiring Photos
At 19 years old, Briana Donis says yoga gives her the strength to fight aplastic anemia. Her disease, which prevents the body from producing blood cells and results in uncontrolled bleeding and fatigue, keeps her confined to a hospital room for months on end, but she posts yoga pose pics on Instagram almost daily. Read the article.
See also#FindYourInspiration: One Yogi’s Breast Cancer “ChemoAsana”
They’re Not Afraid to Say It: ‘Fat Yoga’
Studios around the country are embracing fat yoga, a practice created specifically for practitioners with larger body types. While some struggle with the brash name, many voluptuous yogis find it empowering. Read the article.
See also6 Tips for Teaching Yoga to Plus-Size Students
Yoga Helps 700-Pound Man Begin Incredible Weight Loss Journey
Richard Widmark of Richmond, VA, grew up coping with life’s challenges by overeating and has been morbidly obese for decades. But he’s proving that it’s never too late to start practicing yoga. The experience has led him to a healthier diet, self-image, and overall outlook. Read the article.
Vogueing and Yoga: ‘Voga’ Workout Coming to America
Voga, a yoga hybrid incorporating 80’s dance moves, is coming to the US this spring. The new mind-body fitness movement has already debuted in London, Paris, and Istanbul. Each class has its own DJ, and yogis are encouraged to practice with “attitude and flamboyance.” Read the article.
See alsoYJ Tried It: Silent Disco Yoga
Is Western Yoga Practice Off-Balance?
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is leading a campaign to bring traditional yoga back to its birthplace, emphasizing much more than exercise. The Prime Minister says through cleansing, breathing, meditating, and posing, yoga’s greater purpose is to help people discover a sense of oneness with themselves, the world, and nature. Read the article.
Charles Barkley Attempts To Do Yoga, Is Not Totally Terrible At It
The legendary basketball player takes a shot at Downward Dog and Cobra on camera, bringing some yoga to a different demographic. Barkley may not be the most bendy yogi we’ve seen, but we give him an A for effort. Read the article.
Warrior Pose — One Way to Help Veterans with PTSD? Lots of Yoga.
US Veterans Affairs and the military are starting to consider yoga as an alternative treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder and pain suffered by soldiers returning from overseas. The Veterans Health Administration has launched four pilot programs, including yoga, acupuncture, Qigong, guided imagery, and equine therapies. Read the article.
READ MOREYoga for Veterans: Resources, Benefits, and Practices