Remember “The Secret”? The 2006 movie and book that promised to change your life just by, you know, wishing for stuff? (But wishing in a really spiritual way.) That may have been the thing that kicked our modern spiritual materialism movement into high gear, but it looks like that chapter might be coming to a close.

We’re not talking religion here. (That would be too dogmatic.) But, really, what is spirituality? We know what it’s not. And these signs signal the End Times of a culture that’s been way over-commercialized and marginalized to the point that it’s lost all meaning.

1. Overuse of the phrases “I’m spiritual but not religious” and/or “I’m an atheist, but I’m spiritual” have become so dogmatic that you can almost pinpoint who’s going to say it, usually right after someone rolls their eyes about your expensive yoga studio membership.

2. The same goes for explaining the many reasons why splurging on Burning Man boosts ones “spirituality” year after year. But instead of spending that time to go meditate, or plant trees, or offer relief to disaster areas, or walk needy shelter puppies, thousands of people continue to spend millions of dollars every year just to go and sit in a temple in super sexy outfits before it burns to the ground all in the name of spirituality, dancing and drugs (of course).

3.Bikram Choudhury,the millionaire luxury car-collecting yogi to the stars, has been slammed with lawsuits over allegations from former students that the enlightened, bendy, and sex-deprived yogi sexually assaulted them. Why is it so believable? It’s not just the number of allegations, or the fact that the man is more often than not photographed in Speedos, but that he continues on—teaching and preaching about a spiritual lifestyle in the face of such controversy.

4. Spiritual materialism is at an all time high. Just today I saw advertisements in my Facebook feed for “Dress Pants Yoga Pants.” As in, one in the same. They go perfectly with that mala bracelet that’s supposed to be used in meditation, but rarely ever is. Except maybe when road rage cursing takes over the Prius driver after yoga class because someone almost scratched their Coexist bumper sticker and made them spill their kombucha!

5.Veganism, the ethical diet and lifestyle choice for the hippie-freak animal lovers, has hit mainstream in a big way. Mike Tyson’s a die-hard vegan now. The diet has even captured Al Gore and Bill Clinton. So what happens when the woo-woo diet of the spirituality movement becomes really popular? Well for one, vegan cuisine gets really expensive and restaurants impossible to get into. Then, those people who used to be vegan start eating meat, of course. From the flip-flop celebs to the backyard gardeners/urban Brooklyn hipsters who “used to be vegan” but now find more of a spiritual experience in slaughtering expensive breeds of rabbits because they “make a better stew.”

6. Marianne Williamson is running for Congress in California. And now that Henry Waxman is stepping down, the best-selling spiritual teacher, author and lecturer may have a realistic shot at moving from the self-help genre to the self-helpless world of elected officiating. Is it time better spent? Or just egotistic pursuits and arrogance in thinking she can bring some kind of awakening to Congress? Or another book opportunity in the works?

7. Lululemon ruined yoga clothing forever. Not that we need clothes specific designated for yoga anyway, but those pants were kinda comfy. That is, until we could see right through them to everyone’s stinky arses. Offensive comments about thighs made by the now former chairman, founder Chip Wilson, led to his ultimate retirement. The company has brought in Laurent Potdevin from TOMS shoes—another sign the spiritual movement is being overly commercialized. Instead of meditating on or working through your privileged white guilt in real, tangible ways, brands like Lululemon and TOMS tell us to just shop. With a cause, of course. Feel better?

Keep in touch with Jill on Twitter @jillettinger

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Should you try Bikram or Vinyasa? There are many different kinds of yoga, and each delivers different challenges and benefits. We’ll help you device which system of yoga is best for your body.

The world of yoga is at your fingertips, and while you’re excited to explore the various positions and stretch, align, and open your joints, muscles and heart, one major question remains: what system of yoga is best for you?

Chances are your gym or local yoga studio boasts a list of courses. You might see terms like bikram, hatha, and anusara, and wonder what they mean. The key to getting the most from yoga is by picking the practice that fits your body and its needs. The following 7 types of yoga give you a guide to the most popular courses available to you.

1. Bikram

Bikram yoga has been gaining some steam, literally, in recent years. Also known as “hot yoga,” Bikram involves 26 poses, which are performed in 105 degrees of heat and 40 percent humidity. It was developed in the 1970s by Bikram Coudhury in Los Angeles, and has risen to country-wide popularity. The poses focus on proper alignment while the heat helps to relax muscles and encourage blood flow. Because you are sweating and your heart rate is rising, you are also burning belly fat the entire time!

2. Hatha

Hatha yoga is a form of Tantra yoga that focuses on postures and breath control in order to reach subtle channels. It is a practice that helps to remove obstacles that interfere with your ability to concentrate, meditate, and balance yourself. It is a peaceful form of yoga created in the 15th century in India by Yogi Swatmarama. The word “Hatha” comes from the Sanskrit terms for “ha”, which means “sun” and “tha”, which means “moon.” In this sense, Hatha yoga aims to unite opposite forces into one. It is a relaxed, deep yoga that allows you to explore your inner mind.

3. Vinyasa

Founded in the early 20th century by K. Pattabhi Jois, Vinyasa yoga, also known as Ashtanga yoga, is a style that incorporates movement and constantly changing, flowing poses. It is less relaxed than other forms of yoga and is often referred to as “power yoga.” Prepare to reach a sweat while practicing this one!

4. Kundalini

Kundalini yoga was popularized in the 1960s by Yogi Bhajan. It is named after a term for the life force centered around the spine. It aims to strengthen and open the spine, from its base up to the brain, ultimately elevating you to higher awareness. Kundalini helps one gain mental power and control, with a focus on the core and unleashing the potential that lies within your energy center. 

5. Iyengar

For proper alignment, Iyengar is the best choice. This is a type of Hatha yoga that uses a variety of props, such as wooden blocks, harnesses, cushions, and straps. Better suited to people with specific physical problems, Iyengar can facilitate better rehabilitation.

6. Anusara

Developed in 1997 by yoga teacher John Friend, Anusara yoga emphasizes principles of alignment and opening of the heart. The term “Anusara” is said to mean “flowing with grace,” “flowing with nature,” and “following your heart.” It is divided into three parts that are meant to acknowledge the power of the heart, connect us to others, and provide us with joy and freedom. These three parts fall under the three A’s of attitude, alignment, and action. Anusara is a particularly spiritual practice.  

7. Jivamukti

Founded in NYC in 1984 by David Life and Sharon Gannon, Jivamukti  means “liberation while living.” It is a form of Vinyasa yoga and is thus an active form of yoga requiring movement. The practice is incredibly diverse in content and can involve chants, music, scriptures, and readings.

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