Yoga and Sport: The Difference

Yoga as we know it today raises questions about the origins of this practice. Let's be clear: "yoga," from the Sanskrit root "yug," means "union," so its origins are undeniably Indian. But what was yoga in India at that time? It was a spiritual practice that certainly included a physical aspect, but above all, it had moral and religious dimensions.

Today, yoga as we know it is a Western reinvention. And why not? We live in the age of globalization, between those who uphold tradition and those who readily rename a Western concept with a name from elsewhere, beyond our borders. Behind every concept lies an approach, but not just one; everyone will make it their own. For me, spirituality is a small spirituality, expressed through a pragmatic, simple, everyday approach. By learning to breathe in a yoga posture, you learn to treat yourself differently, you listen to yourself, you begin to truly feel your body, you discern the language beyond words and the mind. And so, in everyday life, you react differently, your thoughts become clearer, you discern better, you learn to know yourself.

To illustrate the difference between yoga and sport, let's take a concrete example: I often hear people say "aerial dance and aerial yoga are the same," so let's make a comparative list:

• Aerial dance, a sport originating from circus arts, is practiced in teams. It's interactive between the dancers; they watch what you do, encourage you, guide you, assist you, and correct you, all under the supervision of the instructor. Yoga is practiced in a bubble; you don't look at your neighbor, you are completely focused on your present moment with yourself. Occasionally, the instructor intervenes to assist the individual.

• Aerial dance focuses on action, strength, endurance, and breath control, sometimes even catching one's breath. Yoga focuses on observing action, finding balance between strength and relaxation, resilience, and maintaining a regular, calm breath.

• Aerial dance is all about the show, the bursts of laughter. Yoga shouldn't be about the show... it's a moment for yourself, away from the spotlight.