Independence Day: the freedom to practice yoga

July 4, 4:57 PMTampa Yoga ExaminerDanielle Hope Hier

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When I was asked to contribute a chapter in Deborah Bernstein's and Bob Weisenberg's innovative new book,  Yoga in America, what I wanted to say poured out on the page, before I even consciously realized...what I wanted to say.

In my head, I thought about comparing and contrasting how we, as Americans, approach yoga vs. other countries, including technical and dietary differences.  And yet, what I found myself typing is that, however anyone chooses to think or feel about America or Americans, one this is certain, thanks to our independence, we have the rare privilege of trying on different religions, philosophies, and families of yoga for size, and finding our own personalized practice. 

It didn't matter if anyone agreed with what I came to define as my Soul's purpose, demonstrated through my yoga.  The point is, that in this amazing country, people may have told me I "shouldn't" approach yoga and spirituality the way that I did; but at no time did anyone say I "couldn't".

Please remember and give thanks for three things on this 4th of July holiday: 1) The many men and women who have risked, and sacrificed their lives for this country  2) Being American means we have the freedom to believe any way that we choose, and, 3) We have the rare opportunity to develop a independent yoga practice that is personal to only us. 

For all these things, we give thanks on this Independence Day.