History of Yoga- Overview

In the episode by Bodyposiyogi, The History of Yoga-Overview, Jill and Jordan give the general history of yoga dating all the way back to 5000 B.C. They educate how yoga was more of a philosophy than a physical practice. The philosophy of yoga originally focused on breath control and being able to control the mind. It wasn’t until Britain invaded India that yoga began to incorporate the physical aspect. At that time, body building and gymnastics was popular in Europe which is what gave influence to the physically demanding yoga poses that we know know as head stands and inversions. Jill and Jordan then give context of when yoga came to the United States and how it ended up being so popular on the West Coast. 

I learned that yoga actually dates back farther than most people think. Since the actual written philosophy of yoga was not written till 500 B.C. most people consider that is the time frame that yoga was born. Yoga was actually created much earlier than 500 B.C. In places such as South Asia and India, there are ancient sculptures that suggest that yoga was created as early as 2000 B.C. I also learned that yoga was first brought to the United States in the mid 1920’s to Los Angeles California. It was Hollywood that ended up making yoga so popular. Celebrities began practicing yoga and raving about it which made it popular. A fun fact I learned is that Marilyn Monroe was one of the celebrities that did yoga and there are many pictures of her practicing the asanas of yoga. 

Fagan, J., & Jordan, E. (2017, May 16). Bodyposiyogi Podcast: History of Yoga- Overview [Audio blog post]. Retrieved July 12, 2019.