Dealing With Imposter Syndrome & The Dark Side Of Yoga

Solo episode and a two part episode with 2 completely different topics that have been on my mind and I’m dealing with.  Dealing with Imposter syndrome and dealing with the dark side of yoga or the judgmental side.  What is Imposter Syndrome?  Impostor syndrome—the idea that you’ve only succeeded due to luck, and not because of your talent or qualifications—was first identified in 1978 by psychologists Pauline Rose Clance and Suzanne Imes. In their paper, they theorized that women were uniquely affected by impostor syndrome. I talk about having it and dealing with it and ways to help move past it. The Dark Side Of Yoga. This is in all areas of the fitness industry I think. I want to first say I have not experienced this in any yoga studios I have taught at, went to, or any teachers in my area. For the most part I think the Cleveland area has a very supportive yoga and fitness community. I am talking about social media, Facebook groups, and Instagram accounts. Yoga we are taught to have compassion and non-judgment so I have had to take a step back and unfollow a lot of the Facebook Groups I was in.  Yoga has become very popular and I think a lot of teacher, myself included are trying to teach it and bring it to everyone in a way that everyone feels comfortable practicing it. Traditional Yogis do not like this and think it is not real yoga. I talk about how I teach and practice. I believe in bringing yoga and fitness to everyone and making it all inclusive and I will continue to teach that way. This world needs more love and compassion and less judgment.  In this episode: 5:40 -  If you experience these characteristics you may have Imposter Syndrome. 6:35 - Why someone has Imposter Syndrome 8:02 - Ways to move past Imposter Syndrome 9:13 - Stop comparing yourself to others 12:12 - Why I unfollowed yoga Facebook Groups and what I mean about the Dark Side Of Yoga. There seems to be a lot of judgment in a practice that is supposed to live by non-judgement.  18:00 - Embrace everyone, have compassion for all.  Follow me on Instagram: www.instagram.com/fitfunandfrazzled www.instagram.com/nikkilanigan.yogaandwellness