Thanks for posting that... lots of people talked about it today, and I unfortunately missed it. I am psyched I got to see it though, everyone was right, Ana was AWESOME!

I would like to voice my my opinion on Ana Forrest's demomstrations. As a yoga instructor for 30 years I find her demos very unappealing. The extreme flexibility she has was not developed through her practice. She has always been flexible. However, the strength she has is quite an acomplishment. I do wish she would keep all that showy stuff away from a yoga demonstration. This is not what yoga is about. It's not about achieving a circus- like flexibilty and it's misinforming for the public.

I watched this at work in my break and I had to hold the tears back! The beauty of the poses was extremely moving and inspiring. I must go to San Fran next year!

Thank you for posting the performance. I was very disappointed to miss it live. I have tremendous respect for her ability and teaching skill. Thank you for making this effort.

Can anyone tell me why Ana's wearing gloves?

where I live there is no yogaclass or teacher within a 1000 miles so that was a great dose of inspiration, thanks a lot!

I have been practicing yoga for almost 5 years now, and I am still working on reaching a full control of handstand:)... Seeing Ana Forrest' demonstration was quite amazing but disappointing. Not just that this show was presented in a yoga conference but this also proves to me how the majority of the western world is perceiving Yoga. It gives the image of a strong flexible body but nothing more than that, which is really sad...

Thanks for sharing it with us. The wonderful complexity of the human body, the amazing control, the graciously flowing asanas. A lovely demonstration of Ana Forrest having practised yoga for years. Let us grand her the right to express herself as she is, even if that is not the personification of -what everyone expects to be- Yoga. She is human, she has wrinkles, she can look wild and although the most advanced performer, she rids you of the need for perfection! Thank you Chad Capellman, for the videos, thank you Louis Delmar for your comments, and thanks Ana. Big applause.

I so agree with the comments of Louis Delmar - it's nice to see what can be possible but it's not about Yoga

Thank you Anna for a wonderful demonstration of strong, fluid, rock-star gymnastics - but where was the yoga? Where was the humility?

Like the rejection of 'powers' (siddhis), the trumpeting of accomplishments and abilities trap us into another few thousand cycles without God Realisation. While a healthy body/mind is an essential on the path, the addiction to the feeling of Power in the body, so common to the 'western yoga business' is not, that and the need for adoration is a recipe for further entanglement.

Corporate conferences and asana demonstrations have little to do with yoga.

Just love God, breathe God, be God.

To me this is not what yoga is all about. It is more of a circus act. BUT there is no doubt that this is one very fit, flexible dedicated lady.

Different folks different strokes.

Gillie UK

Concerning Ana Forrest demo, it was indeed very impressive. However, it all looked like a hollywood show to me. The introduction seemed one for a Ceasar's award. The egos of both the introducer and the performer seem to have inflated a great deal ! Both of them seem to need a lot of recognition in their lives. Isn't yoga just the opposite of this ? Where is non-attachment, what is the aim of this ? Gaining more students ? What spiritual inspiration is there to be gained ?

May you all be happy.

Patricia from Senegal

Is that yoga or gymnastics? I fully agree with Louis Delmar. And yes, why's she wearing gloves? And what does the posture seek to prove anyway -- that we should sign up for gymnastic classes instead of yoga?

These demonstrations are truly lovely and powerful exhibits of dance, gymnastics, and ego. They took much discipline and effort for which I have great respect, but completely distort the teachings and study of what is real yoga.

Can you tell me what music Anna uses please?

I believe Anna is wearing "yoga gloves" that help her to stick to the floor since she has no mat. I've seen other pictures of her wearing them.

She's wearing gloves because your hands can get very sweaty. This helps with gripping the floor or your matt better

I'm new to yoga - in my 6th month - and I am truly inspired by this. Thank you!

Uh, very nice gymnastics demonstration. I was attracted to yoga because it allowed me to use my body without the wearing away at my soul that I found in competetive gymnastics......This demonstration was showmanship. The spiritual element was hard to locate for me. Is western yoga headed to the summer Olympics?? I hope not.

Uh, very nice gymnastics demonstration. I was attracted to yoga because it allowed me to use my body without the wearing away at my soul that I found in competetive gymnastics......This demonstration was showmanship. The spiritual element was hard to locate for me. Is western yoga headed to the summer Olympics?? I hope not.

well, it was a nice "show". i could hardly find any real Yogic message in it. She has a great flexibility. But that is not all for Yoga. In fact, the fifth limb of Yoga known as "Pratyahara" completely denies such showmanship.

Tanhaa

Yoga Is. My understanding is everything is Shiva...there is nothing that is not Shiva. Why should Ana hide away her incredible ability and strength? I don't think I'll ever get to her level of ability, but I love that she shows what is possible.
Peace!

I'm inspired....

--

Watching the videos of Ana Forrest reminds me of watching the 'National Aerobics Instructors' competition on cable. People showing off what they can do, but none of it can be taught or practiced in their classes. I believe a true teacher and practitioner of yoga would refuse to perform in a carnival side show like Ana did.

Watching Ana Forest asana demonstrations are beginning to wear on me. As the camera scans the room it is interesting to see so many desperate people seeking something outside themselves. When will American Yoga Hollywood and Yoga Journal wake up and see the message being transmitted through these displays. Yoga is about so much more than asana and when one person is in the spotlight and showcased, separation of whole consciousness is nurtured. All those people are looking at Ana in amazement like there is something so wonderful about what she is doing. Yes, it is beautiful but true asana is not meant for showcasing, true asana is meant for solitude and reflection. I think Ana might find her showcasing better served in the Tripcore group or Cirque de Soliel. But as for yoga it seems the purpose is being lost.

No wonder the myth about being flexible and being a pretzel is still circulating amongst the general population regarding yoga when these kinds of theatrics are becoming more popular.

Whatever happened to being ordinary? Because most people are ordinary, they live day in and day out without recognizing any special talent or being recognized by the public eye. But it seems at Yoga Journal conferences yoga is more about idolizing "incredible" teachers instead of nurturing universal consciousness and creating healing energy.

Most people will never be able to attain what Ana has done with her body but by seeing these demonstrations you can be sure they will keep striving to achieve this state with their bodies. Which means the the soul of yoga is lost. No where in the sutras does it say showcase your asana practice and encourage others to strive for something greater than the simple ness of being human. However, it does say we must be cautious of the ego once we achieve freedom in our body.

I am reminded of something I read once about how difficult it is for a very flexible person to achieve the same benefits as the less flexible. I applaud her strength and poise, and am thankful I don't have to tie myself in knots to achieve a sense of openness and balance.

What she can do is absolutely incredible, but it is not Yoga.

yah, that looks painful. I just hope that in getting to that level of those poses, she was able to experience lots of 'a-ha' inspiring moments. If so, then I'd be able to appreciate it more as a 'yoga practice'. I'm also a teacher, but watching that makes me feel a bit 'dummied down'. Tried to see if she looked peaceful during the performance. Hmmm... Thanks for posting!

I'm also inspiried. Could you see how Ana got the breath into every aspect of the pose? It is truly amazing. Her body and spirit was deeply shown in every aspect of the poses.

To the critic: Remember that Iyengar when he was younger did many demonstrations of yoga. From what I can tell, it is part of the tradition.

HI
I WAS BLOWN AWAY AND MOVED TO TEARS. ANA IS TRUE TO HERSELF. I LOVE HER FOR IT. THANK YOU FOR CONTINUING TO INSPIRE ME. PRACTICING FORREST YOGA HAS TRANSFOMRED ME AND HAS INSPIRED MY FRIENDS TO LIVE WITH A PASSION FOR LIFE. THANK YOU ANA FORREST, JONATHAN, HEATHER, JILL AND JULIAN.

In yoga there is no right or wrong (as I understand it). So why not enjoy the beauty of the postures Ana displayed?

I loved watching Ana expressing her strength and flexibility in her very own way - there is no right or wrong way to practice, that is left to the individual. It was a true inspiration and thanks for posting it! I'm 50 and have practiced for 10 years, I will work towards her skills (maybe by 70!)

I was moved to tears at watching Ana perform. I see a woman sharing her amazing God given gift of movement and the use of energy through the body. Call it what you may...my understanding of yoga is that it is union with the Divine, and it certainly looks to me like Ana is connected.

Honestly, my biggest disappointment during the conference was the "Dogmatic" approach that so many people had. Yoga means "union". If Ana finds her "union" in her spectacular ability to perform Asana, if that is the vehicle that she chooses, who are we to judge her? Why can't we just honor her dedication and strength? Why does everyone have to be so critical? Where is the Yoga in that???

Nothing is as it seems. I look at this picture and try to imagine how it would feel to do this. What is this experience?

Amazing peformance, very strong and very frexible, what Anna can do is absolutely incredible. Am looking forward to see her tommorow night for her demostration here in Hong Kong, wll do annas workshop in the weekend, looking forward to meet Anna in person she is one of a kind.

I love watching Ana do her thing. Before I studied with her (just one day) I could have made the comments about it not "being" yoga, but that really is meaningless. She is just so inspiring as a teacher and invites her students into their best practice, always offering possibilities to stretch your own practice. THis is the outer limits, but I see no ego about it--just beautiful sharing.

Kudos to Ana, she has been on one heck of a life journey. I knew an Indian gentleman, born in south of India, his father was a yoga teacher and this gentleman was a yoga teacher, too. They would go around India performing yoga poses on wooden stages doing very much what Ana did. They would wow the audience with their abilities and it would garner yoga students. So, it is not a western thing: showmanship is universal.
peace.

Ana is a testament to living a promising sprititual life regardless of the initial hand she was dealt. Her body expresses the purest of belief and beauty. One must get over their own obstacles or insecurities in the name of personal inflexibility and be true to what you really are like she is true only to what she is. Yoga as we all know is a very personal journey. Be glad and blessed for your inflexibility but a good life that did not not have to endure the hardships that she had to. With every struggle, God gives one so much more. I'll take my lack of handstanding any day. Ana deserves everything she is without bias or criticism. She is the heart of yoga and one should explore only their own hearts through yoga not someone elses.

I loved this. I watched in awe.
Why is there so much criticism about how this isn't yoga? No one is saying that to be a true yogi one must be able to do this. No one is saying that this is all there is to yoga. No one is saying that this outweighs other aspects of yoga. Why not celebrate this aspect? In my yoga classes, we clap for each moment of growth; this manifests itself differently in each person, but each is celebrated equally. Why inject negativity and criticism into the universe instead of rejoicing with each other?

Thank you for posting this. It's exciting to see such a demonstration once in a while.

I was honored to have a class with Ana in Miami, Fl at a yoga conference there and I will tell you that for me she is authentic in every sense of the word. She has an incredible energy and when she teaches, the yoga-ness of her yoga shines through like the brightest ray of sun. She is real, she is true, she is down to earth....she is excellent physically,emotionally, vibrationally, and she is an incredible teacher. My favorite thing that I took away from her class was that sometimes you have to go "through the pain", not around it, not away from it, but straight through it, until you get to the other side. I have thought about this so much in my own practice, while honoring my edge and my commitment to ahimsa,and I have been so inspired by Ana Forrest. Please, if you found this performance circusy in a negative way, please work through those feelings, not around them, through them, and to the other side. Yoga is not one thing with a trademark on it, it is all of ours. My thanks and gratitude for Ana and for this video demonstration. Peace be with us all.

Who is the artist of the music that she used for her performance?

Namaste'...
No judgements. Good or Bad.
Who are we to judge if it is spiritual/yoga for her or not.
It is what it is...

Quote from: The History of Yoga
By Linda Sparrowe

Once he had developed and perfected his sequences, Krishnamacharya took his show on the road. He and his students demonstrated yoga asanas to appreciative audiences all over India.

Another quote from Krishnamacharya's Legacy:

Yoga's resurgence in India owes a great deal to his countless lecture tours and demonstrations during the 1930s, and his four most famous disciples?Jois, Iyengar, Devi, and Krishnamacharya's son, T.K.V. Desikachar played a huge role in popularizing yoga in the West.

Yogaoffthemat states that the one thing they took away from a session with Ana was "sometimes you have to go �through the pain�, not around it." I can't imagine any style of Yoga or any discipline of �lifestyle enlightenment� would preach this, or train their instructors in this way. I think she's seen too many Claude Van Damme movies! Ana can teach what she wants; I just don�t think she should call it Yoga.

The best thing about the video posting is reading all the comments from fellow yogis! I guess we really don`t know what the hell yoga is...and that`s wonderful!

I love you Ana.

Wow! What an eye full! Ana's performance and all of the reactions. Tat tvam Asi.I am that. Would you ask a flower to bloom less beautifully than it is capable of? or a bird to tone down its song? Are these the expressions of the divine?

I questioned the performance aspects also and yet,I believe the answers lie within. What was in Ana's heart and soul as she moved?

Could she have been expressing the divine with love toward and for the divine?

Who else is there?

As for ego, can we assess the ego of another? Are we not ensnared by ego, and our own shadow, when we become reactive to the expressions of another being?

May we all love the mystery that is all there is?

The big "S" Self

Ana's demonstration was beautiful. Period. There's no need for all the negative comments and intolerant attitude about what is yoga and what is not yoga. We all take what we need from yoga and give back to it what we can of ourselves.

I'm surprised to hear so much judgment for Ana. It seemed to me that she is expressing what yoga means TO HER...perhaps not what it means to some of YOU. Is there some "yoga rule" that dictates how people use the strength and joy they gain from their own practice? Goodness, people.

Beautifull! Just watching it transmits energy to me.
Yoga is union.We should support other yogis no matter what their level of pratcice is. Isn?t that what it?s about?

Yes, we should not judge, nor be negative. However, I do not know if the performance shown by internet can be compared with the road shows performed by Indian Yoga Masters to promote Yoga. When BKS Iyengar does a demonstration, he will explain the spiritual aspect which is behind his demonstration and promote yoga's philosophy. Even if this is done through his ego, after all we are all human beings, BKS Iyengar's message is without any doubt 100% spiritual.

The video shown, including the introduction and the great "aerobics" music behind the performance, did not transmit anything about the spirituality behind Ana's spectacular demonstration.

Maybe, to have shown this out of its original context was not deserving the spiritual aim behind it.

Surely everyone in this conference and in my favourite yoga magazine is seeking spirituality, not ego inflation. However, sometimes, ego can be so smart that it is only good to inquire what the true meaning of our actions are, even when they seem most positive.

May you all be happy !

Patricia

Yoga is duality. Therefore if we can find the positive in Ana's demonstration we also must honor and aknowledge the negative. Otherwise we are denying the whole.
Iyengar and other historical teachers may very well have performed for audiences and because of this we say Ana's demonstration is justified. But in making this statement we must then honor the opposite which is Ana's demonstartion is also corupt. Be careful to give to much power to the historical teachers they easily could have been swayed by ego and corruptness. Just because a teacher can draw big crowds and people love her does not mean that what is happening is o.k. On the other hand it is happening so it is o.k.
In honoring both sides of any issue we nurture wholeness. And it is in this practice that our souls will find the greatest freedom. It is not realistic to think if we just focus on the positive, beautiful and peaceful parts of life that the world we be better. Part of yoga practice is to accept the negative, ugly and warful parts of life. So to the praisers and the critics you are both right and wrong, you are one!

First and foremost I feel gratitude to YJ for posting Ana's demonstration and all the comments that it stirred within yogis around the globe. Many yoga instructors like myself were unable to attend the conference, so this posting helps us to be current on what is possible with asanas and the reaction of the ego to these possibilities. The blog reveals that the human experience continues to be challenged by spiritual guidelines not to judge. May we all learn from everything we see and read and share.
Thank you YJ, for this amazing opportunity.

I think the best way to know if she is doing yoga or not is to know if she is doing the asanas painfully. I think we could ask her about it ! . I have learned that once you have pain it is not yoga because it is aggression to the body. If she can do theses asanas without suffering that is ok. It is YOGA ! Another point in that maybe she is doing too much arm poses. And that does not pass me the feeling of a balanced Yoga attitude. Anyway it is a beautiful show!

Peace for all.

I never knew that the folks who post comments on this website were the final arbiters of what is or what is not yoga! The next time I'm confused about my path I'll be sure to ask your opinions, seek your advice, secure your permission.

Or, better yet, I'll continue to do what I've done for the past 55 years: read the Yoga Sutras!! What a revolutionary idea!! So, unless your name is Patanjali, don't expect me to take your opinions as anything more than that, regardless of which side you're on.

WE ARE ALL ONE!!! This is one of the few things I know for sure. Wouldn't it be great if we all acted like it was true.

What I see in Anna's yoga is yoga at it's best! Beauty, grace, focus, strength, playfulness, creativity, and inspiration!

I think all the complainers here are showing their ego's insecurity. All the God, all the human triumph, all buzz words for the yoga world used here are practiced in Anna's performance. Yes, PERFORMANCE! " A presentation before an audience." Are you kidding me, to even have one negative thing to say about what Anna displayed, her blood sweat 'n tears, is not yogic, the jealousy is not yoga, the envy is not yoga, but yes it is human and unfortunately you are not practicing your yoga! I sugest you all go inside yourselves to that thin ray of light at the center of your body and see what it is you do not like about yourself that brought up this insecurity within you. Then expand the light outward, open your heart, empty your mind and really see yourself. Then before you judge another ask "Is it because I don't wake up a 3:30 AM and work my butt off to accomplish what Anna has that I have the need to cut her down." If so back to yoga 101, no judegment of self or others!

Thanks for the video, thanks for the forum that allows me to give Anna kudos for inspiring me, becuase without seeing what the human body is capable of I have no goal to set for myself, no connection to another who has experienced such heights. Peace, Diana

We don't have egos in yoga!!

Greetings yogis!! I became aware of this "demonstration" b/c someone emailed me the site. So while I was not at the conference, I did study with Ana for 2 years in LA and take her workshops whenever she's in town. I found it "funny" that so many comments were made about her demonstration not being "yoga"--as if we were all experts on what "yoga" really is. However, I feel like I have to thrown in my 2 cents, because, well, I studied with the woman and have a little more experience than the ones that simply saw the demo on their computer or in person.....Anyone who knows Ana, knows that she has had her share of challenges, including injuries. The fact that she has TRANSFORMED those injuries into the kind of practice and "demonstration" that she has shared with us proves (to me anyway) that she IS an alchemist. And anyone that has been LUCKY enough to be a student of hers knows that she challenges each of us to be our own alchemist. She does not push you into a pose if you have an injury or a physical limitation, rather she finds what you CAN do and encourages you to work from that place. She doesn't let you hide in your habits and old way of thinking...she encourages you to shed that skin and feel the magic of your body. Ana DOES teach those difficult poses in her classes and I have done things in her classes that I thought I could never do. Why did I ever believe arm balances were out of the question for me? Because I'm a woman? Because i'm not a gymnist? Because yoga "isn't about that"? Well, let me tell you all that arm balances make me FEEL strong. And when I feel strong I don't feel depressed and am more equipted to take on the world (and write this response!) I find Ana's ability to do all the "hard" poses a testament to her DEDICATION to her yoga practice, not ego run amuck. Buy hey, that's just one girl's opinion...to all of those who had negative comments to say about it--I simply say: you just don't get Ana or what Ana's all about. Too bad! because if you got it, you might actually feel like an Alchemist. I sure do! Shanti.

I personally was not inspired by Ana's demonstration,I think it was an impresive circus style demonstration of a powerful and incredible flexible gifted person.
With due respect to those who find her inspiring.

Ana's yoga is what all people who practice should aspire to. Every single posture she did is in Mr Iyengar's "Light on Yoga". The beautiful flow routine she came up with is breath taking. Her internal focus while doing the postures is clear and her "Performance" exhibets years of practic and devotion to yoga. And yes for those of you who are a little green around the gils... Some of us were born with the gift of a very flexible body. It is a use or loos thing. Ana has definatly used it. Thanks Ana !!!

Sorry, I don't do yoga yet. I get referred by a friend who does. I just have to say, though, all you critics are vicious. It is sounding exactly like what happened in the West when Bruce Lee brought his martial arts over here. And yet, look at him.. a legend. Bruce Lee demonstrated, and was also 100% dedicated to his art. Just read his books. It was on his mind in his sleep and in the day, when he was injured, and when he was acting. I couldn't help but post once I seen Ana was headed to Hong Kong to demonstrate (which made me think of Bruce Lee). Bruce Lee wanted to show the West what they (Chinese) were all about, the Chinese were all against him, and he did it anyway because he felt this art should be allowed to be shown/taught to anyone who is seeking training. Is yoga not about this? I'm sure here in Phoenix I can find classes and people to teach me. So, as you can see, this is seeming like a remake of Bruce Lee's life. Critics = Chinese against Bruce Lee, America = beneficiaries of a new art (you), Ana = Bruce Lee. Not to compare at all, as they both have different styles of art. But, all I'm saying is think before you post such negative thoughts and vibes. I'm sure Ana has feelings which can be hurt just like you.

Practicing yoga is much simpler than aspiring to stand on our hands and do advanced asanas. What happens once one is able to do these asanas? Then what? The striving and seeking mind holds potential for great suffering and in aspiring to any goal one would be wise to excercise caution, discipline and boundries.
I am baffled by the intolerance yogi's have developed towards negative and critical aspects of life. There is this idea amongst western practitioners that yoga is only about being in light, love and blissfulness. This is a lie! Exploring the depths of the inner world can be scarey, painful and very difficult. Inside of our being there is divine white light but there is also a dark black hole. The darkness can not be ignored. It exsists as much as the light exsists. Focusing only on the positive and white light in our hearts completly neglects one half of the whole. Be weary of this thinking for it holds great danger.
The time of day in which one practices asana is irrelevant to whether or not she is a dedicated practictioner working her butt off. Morning and evening are equal and hold the same value for practicing asana.
It is also sad to see yogi's denying the wisdom of other yogi's and claiming only the sutras to be worthy of wisdom. Yoga is not a religion and the sutras are not a bible. It is within being human that the greatest wisdom lies.
Within and without, dark and light....freedom waits.
Raven Song

Interresting..the comments..this is not yoga ...what is yoga? It was a show of concentration not everybody have to do the same movement..it can well be that someone can do less but needs lots more concentration to do this it is also a show the question is if she is alone is the same or moe concentration there the level is high but can be a lot higher the movenments can be more still more quiet much more quiet. Everything in yoga is difficult if we try to have a still body than everything is difficult nothing is simple. If your body becomes a little still than everyone can do most things

Beauty exists in all things and in all beings. Remember to honour the beauty which exists within, as well as that which surrounds you.

As a yoga teacher I find Ana's demonstration inspiring and empowering. To me, she was demonstrating the joy and limitless possibility she has discovered in herself through yoga.

Hello,

Please, lighten up.

Love Dean

Ana Forest is a beautiful yogi to watch. Not only is she strong and flexible but her face is deep in conncentration and she moves thru her breath. Unlike typical gymnastics she is one with each pose. The people posting negative comments about her performance should question themselves, not by judging her devotion to yoga but theres. I never read anything about judgement and critisizm in the yamas and nyamas. Her demonstrations are not for us to judge but to enjoy the expression of yoga thru her body and spirit!

If you ask any advanced gymnast to learn, practice and perform this routine she could. So what makes Ana's performance any different from gymnastics. Well we think the calm breath, the concentration and long holds / pauses. But does a gymnast not breath, concentrate and do long holds as well?
Demonstrations like Ana's test the boundries of what is yoga? and what is gymnastics? This is a reasonable question to ask and a very useful discussion to have. How else can we grow as yogi's if we are not to have these types of discussions?
After seeing Ana's demonstartions I have become less interested and obsessed with my own asana practice. Rather I have found myself diving deep into the depths of meditation.
Ana is maybe just lingering in her accomplishments with asana because they are so powerful but one day this will become obsolete and meditation will be all that is required.

Ana you are a thing of beauty. I don't know what took my breath away more, her practice or the shock of encountering comments of people who criticized her as full of ego. If you have studied yoga even a little you know how to view her performance. If you found yerself angry and critical towards what you saw, you REALLY need yoga in your life. As for Ana's alleged comment on going through pain rather than around it, I suspect strongly she was referring to the Buddhist concept of facing one's shenpa or difficulties, experiencing one's emotional pains in order to deal and ultimately overcome them. She would have to be something of a mental degenerate to advise otherwise, which is inconceivable. Ana, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You bring to mind the last lines of Keat's famous ode,
"'Beauty is truth, truth beauty'--"that is all Ye know on earth, and all ye need to know."

There are two aspects of the sutras that apply to this discussion. First, karma (action) is not black and white (one reason why yoga is not a religion). This sutra gives people space to be human and freedom to express themselves however they need to. Ana expresses herself through demonstration but in turn others express themselves through criticism and support.
Second, when a yogi experiences any sensation (i.e. anger, love, peace or criticism) she will regain balance by meditating on the opposite. So, to say the people offering negative comments about Ana's demonstration are somehow misguided in their actions must be balanced by saying the people offering positive comments about Ana's demonstration are equally misguided.
Just because you offer a positive comment does not automatically mean you are behaving in a more "yogic" way than those sharing negative comments. It would be wise for all people involved in this discussion to meditate on the opposite of what they think to be true. It would also be wise for those sharing positive comments to explore the danger of becoming trapped in the thinking that yoga simply means love and light because there is more to yoga (union) than one side.

Ana Forrest has only showcased her own body and not yogasanas.Yoga demos should be given to show the dynamism and purpose of yogasanas.She has, however, used asanas as a background to show her own contortions. None of the poses she struck were classical in nature and therefore have no names, purpose,or need.It could be said that as a yoga demo it was a waste of time- hers and the viewers.

Perhaps a flower should not bloom because such beauty is not humble enough?

People who responded with anger at Ana being Ana should ponder that question, IMHO.

The comments posted here are a sad commentary on the way yoga is taught in this culture. Many people seem to think that yoga is "whatever I say it is." Others seem to value "open-mindedness" and think there is no right or wrong way to "do" yoga.

Yoga is "the inhibition of the modifications of the mind." There are absolute truths. In fact "truth" transcends dualities. WE ARE ALL ONE. The opposite of this statement is not true.

Mama G.
Thank you for your input. For my part, as one of the critics of the critics, I must say however that although I have learned that yoga involves acceptance of one's human weakness, (for want of a better word) I've yet to come across readings that equate that natural tendency to negativity with a pass on that behavior. You caution and counsel (well) on meditation toward the opposite pole, but in the present instance, I don't think your prescription entirely applies. A well respected yoga teacher puts on a performance of a skill she has dedicated years to perfecting through great trial and self discipline and many onlookers' knee jerk reaction is to label it vanity driven. Why? That's where the criticism is being placed. Where was it ever implied that nothing but Ana's ability level is acceptable? I have never attended such a yoga class. Suggesting one can't call a spade a spade because doing so would allegedly deny yoga's "unitary nature" is to give too much importance to that static definition and to risk falling into meaningless relativism. Even Buddhists have a concept of "idiot compassion."

Hi,
This will seem supreficial, but does anyone know what the lovely music playing in the background was???
Thanks!

Dharma,
"Absolute truths" are cultivated in fundamentalist religious thinking and suggest black & white. The fully alive human being clearly sees beyond absolute truths and exsists wholely in each second, humbly grounded in between dualities. To find this ground both sides of any duality have to be acknowledged, honored, embraced and loved for what they are.
WE ARE ALL ONE, without embracing the opposite of this statement - WE ARE NOT ALL ONE, exsistence is lost.
Imagine this: I'm standing next to you. Yes, I know we are one, born from the same universal conciousness or exsistence. But looking at your human body different from mine, I know that it is physically impossible for us to be one.

Cynthia,
No where in this discussion has anyone implied that nothing but Ana's skill level is acceptable. The critisism is not of her skill level but rather of the action of showcasing asana.
The idiot or the fool is a great aspect of being human that we often deny. It is in this vulnerability that the greatest answers can be found and humility glows.

One of the greatest challenges western yogis will face is acknowledging how Yoga was transported from the East.
In spirit, yoga came to us from a place of darkness. Two of the most influential men who brought yoga to the west (Iynegar & Pattabi Jois) were driven by a disagreement about styles of practice. This arguement lead to competition and a drive to be the best. In these actions there was certainly a seed of corruptness. Therefore, it is understandable that some western teacher's actions could prove to be corrupt. No matter how beautiful their asana demonstrations may be.

What an interesting blog this is! The supporters and the critics are certainly forced to stand behind their opinions! I can certainly see how this demonstration is beautiful. I can also certainly see how a newcomer to yoga might see this and be intimidated too. However, the main reason I appreciate Ana's demonstration is this: My friends, Ana has taught yoga since 1972 ~ (34 years). That puts her well into what our "youth obsessed" society would call middle age, right? Yet, look what she can do ~ A beautiful example of how yoga keeps the body young and healthy, as well as the mind and the soul!

My dear Raven,
Your wild interpretation of my statements has made something crystal clear, which for me, at least, has resolved the issue we've been discussing. No matter how careful one might be in one's attempt to communicate, nor how well intentioned one might be in the performance of an asana, there will ALWAYS be those who, for reasons known only to themselves, will choose to misunderstand. We can only put ourselves out there, do what we can, and hope for the best.

I love the demonstration! =)

It's interesting to see in these comments how so many people who apparently place value in being humble and tolerant find they have to tell us what is Yoga and what isn't.
I'd agree that you can practice Yoga without being able to do asanas like Ana. However that doesn't make the oppossite true, that Ana's demo is not Yoga.

Many Yoga practitioners seem to define themselves by what they do.

For all you negative critics, mind to body connection is Yoga, even in athletics and if the human mind would connect with the body and soul, perhaps we would produce better athletes! Apparently Ana is spiritually connected, otherwise she would care about such negative comments! Give credit where it is due!