Why the Words We Use in the Yoga and Wellness Industry Matter More Than Ever

"What do you read, my lord?"
"Words, words, words."
(Hamlet, Act 2, Scene 2)

Maybe it’s my algorithm, but lately the yoga world feels swamped with words and phrases that even I - a yoga teacher of eight years - would struggle to define.

Invitations to events promising to “illuminate your soul.”
Six-week courses called “containers,” run by “space holders,” for an “energetic exchange” of £222 or £555 - so they can teach you how to “receive downloads from the quantum field.”

Confused yet? Irritated?

I am.

Because while this kind of language might be alluring to some, it’s incredibly alienating and off-putting to others.

“But the right people will find you!” you hear them cry.

As in: if you’re confused or put off by this language, you weren’t meant to be there anyway. Not your tribe. You’re probably not ready. You just have more inner work to do so that you can open yourself to this kind of language 😉

Look - I’ve been there.

Because it is alluring.

When I was newly qualified and starting to launch classes, events, and retreats, I totally fell for it. I charged prices with an “energy of abundance” (apparently 5, in case you’re that way inclined). I said I would be “holding space.” I named my classes things like Awaken, The Inner Light, and The Soul’s Path.

And hey - I’m not saying those are bad.

It’s just… they’re a little opaque.

I’m a sucker for beautiful, poetic language (I was an English and Drama teacher for many years). These words sound mystical and elevated.

But therein lies the problem.

This subtle elevation can unconsciously reinforce the idea that “elevated” means “better.” That the more mystical something sounds, the more mystical you have to be to experience it.

And that creates a barrier.

A bigger gap between people and this work that is, at its core, meant to be for everyone.

And this isn’t new.

For centuries - if not millennia - spirituality has often been framed as something you have to rise into.

Certain Buddhist traditions suggested that only monks would reach Nirvana - not your average householder. Traditional Kundalini teachings emphasise transcending - moving up through the chakras, out of the earthly and towards the “higher realms.”

So many religions have echoed this idea: that the body - with its urges, hungers, and desires - is something to move beyond, rather than something to live fully within.

But what if we’ve got that slightly backwards?

We’ve been given this body so that we can experience being embodied.

And I think this narrative - that “higher” and more mystical is better - is now being reflected in the language we use.

No wonder people feel excluded.
No wonder people feel like they have to decode everything just to step through the door.

Let me be clear.

I am not saying that the quantum field isn’t real.
That past lives or soul experiences aren’t possible.
That meditation can’t bring profound states of bliss.
Or that working with subtle energy isn’t deeply powerful, transformational work.

I’ve experienced many of these things myself.
They’ve felt as real to me as everyday life.

But let’s make the language we use to talk about them real as well.

Because we need grounded truth now more than ever.

It’s getting harder and harder - especially in the age of AI - to discern truth from fiction.

So let our words be rooted in truth. In Satya (Saskrit word for truth and one of yoga’s ethical commandments).
Let them be clear.
Let them be human.

So that this work remains accessible to as many people as possible.

Because it is for everyone.
Not just a spiritual elite or some guru on a mountain.

What if we said:
“I’m caring for people in a supportive way,” instead of “I’m holding space”?

“I’m running a six-week course,” instead of “a container”?

And yes - I know money is an “exchange of energy”… but it’s also just the fee you need to charge to make your work sustainable.

We don’t have to make this work sound more special.

Because it already is.

Now let’s keep it real, too.

If this resonates - if you’ve ever felt confused, excluded, or quietly questioning the language used in the yoga and wellness world - you’re not alone.

I’m currently putting together something new: a monthly online meet-up for yoga teachers and wellness practitioners.

A space for honest conversations about the real side of this work.
The language we use. The pressures we feel. The things we don’t always say out loud.

It’s called Truth Talks.

If you’d like to be part of it - just reply YES to my latest email or drop me a message to say you’d like to be involved. I’ll be sharing more details over the next few days.

And if you’re looking for yoga that doesn’t require you to decode the description first… you can explore all my classes and upcoming events on the website.