I’m not a fan of PDA, but I am guilty of PDY: Public Displays of Yoga.
Today, The Baltimore Chop posted an editorial, titled “Stop Doing Yoga in Public.” It’s safe to say that the author is not doing Natarajasana outdoors:
“Listen yoga people: when we see you downtown on the edge of the water standing on one foot welcoming the dawn and chanting mantras, it’s all we can do not to shove you into the harbor. It’s gauche. You look like an asshole. You are an asshole.”
Being "gauche" in Beijing
Admittedly, the author states that the article is half-satire. I’ll admit, PDY can be annoying. Maybe SFO built the world’s first yoga room so that yogis would stop headstanding on the moving walkways. But, asshole? Damn. That’s a wee harsh. Sometimes there’s a misconception that yogis are either pushing their spiritual agenda or flaunting their physical practice when doing yoga outside the studio. I don’t think that’s the case. Sometimes yogis just want to practice or meditate out in nature. Sometimes yogis just want to take a picture mid-asana and make it their profile picture. Not unlike a couple making-out on a park bench, it’s really not that big of a deal or that interesting. It’s not like we’re playing naked bongos outside.
So tell me, do you partake in PDY? Or am I the only asshole in the room?
-The Humble Warrior
Impressive PDY!
The Humble Warrior 
it’s not something I do regularly, but I have practised in public in the local park before. Sheez, whats up with this guy? Calling us assholes is very harsh. I think he is reflecting more about how he actually feels about himself. Yoga is most commonly practiced indoors, it’s nice to get outside once in a while, especially after the winters darkness or you sit in an office all day like I do, you want to get outside and do your thing. It’s intimidating practicing in public and takes a bit of courage, even more so now you know there are attitudes like this walking past, silently judging and abusing you.
Don’t fear, Warriors and Goddesses! Practice outside if that’s what you feel like. I think most people don’t fall into the author’s category.
I’m new to this blogging thing, and I’m amazed it reaches Australia. So, thanks for the comment. It’s great to hear your opinions!
The *Boston* Chop??? Touche, sir. You have cut me to the quick.
Also, there ain’t a whole hell of a lot of glorious nature in downtown Baltimore. Mostly just junkies and broken glass.
Yikes! This is what I get for blogging while tired. It will be rectified!
Thanks for the comment and description, Baltimore!
I’ve been on a road trip for months, doing yoga in as many public places as possible – at the top of arches in Utah, in San Francisco parks, on top of apartment buildings in rural Oregon. I haven’t been assaulted or insulted, but I don’t know what people are thinking. I’d hope that if I don’t think they’re assholes for walking funny or looking like morons in bars when drunk, they wouldn’t care (or be insecure?) when I’m regaining my balance.
It’s only fair that the drunkards extend you the same courtesy! Safe travels and keep posing!