Is Yoga’s Popularity defined by measurable benefits

Debatably yoga started in India sometime in 1500 BCE. The Government of India defines Yoga as a spiritual principal that unionizes individual consciousness with universal consciousness bringing perfect harmony to mind and body (Basavaraddhi, 2015). “Yoga, being widely considered as an ‘immortal cultural outcome’ of Indus Saraswati Valley civilization – dating back to 2700 B.C., has proved itself catering to both material and spiritual upliftment of humanity. Basic humane values are the very identity of Yoga Sadhana” (Basavaraddhi, 2015).

The popularity of the practice in the United States is visible from the innumerable yoga studios, the buzz and popularity of yoga clothing. According to a study more than 37 million people are practicing yoga in the United States (Walton, 2016). The study also suggests that people practice yoga for different reasons such as flexibility, stress relief, general fitness and overall health (Walton, 2016). On the business side things are thriving with a spend of over 16 billion on classes, gear and accessories (Walton, 2016).
On a more personal note Yoga is a strong part of my life and who I am. I spend hours practicing in the studio, on clothing and am damily planning classes with friends. Other than the benefits of the practice I think it works really well in strengthening my friendships and spending quality time with firends. My children who are in elementary school have yoga as part of their curriculum. In all Yoga is an enrichment of the mind and body where the results are immeasurable and indefinable but universally cannot be exactly described. However, in principal and in practice the uncanny harmony of mind of body attracts millions just by availability and without there being any proactive marketing and promotion.

References:
Basavaraddi , I.V. (2015). Ministry of External Affairs India. Retrieved on April 15, 2018 from:http://www.mea.gov.in/in-focus-article.htm?25096/Yoga+Its+Origin+History+and+Development
Walton, A.G. (2016). How Yoga is Spreading In The U.S. Forbes Magazine. https://www.forbes.com/sites/alicegwalton/2016/03/15/how-yoga-is-spreading-in-the-u-s/#75dd836b449f