By Shazad
Do you have to be Hindu or a born in India to practice Yoga and derive it's benefits? Do you need to be a trained chef or food critic to enjoy a delicious meal at a fancy restaurant? How about getting healthy and strong without a Nutrition degree or certification as Personal Trainer?
It used to be that special skills and cultural practices were handed down in very strict way for a limited number of people belonging to the same culture or tribe as the teacher. Formal lines of training and years of practice were needed to advance even small amounts in a given practice...if the master thought you were worthy. Potential students from another tribe were often shunned and in some cases, even forbidden from knowing about certain skills! There were secret societies and private clubs of people who only discussed things with peers of the same social status.
Today's world allows us much more freedom and opportunity to explore all kinds of teachings belonging to other cultures and nations. We can dabble in things to see if we like it or, we can get fully immersed in foreign practices [to everyone but Chinese people] like Kung Fu despite having no Chinese ancestry and decades of training at a Shaolin temple. Modern technology, an abundance of willing teachers, sincere effort and a passion to learn new things is all we really need! It's easier than ever to grasp just about any new skill so why not try something new?
Anyone, anywhere can explore anything without "official" membership credentials. The colour of your skin, your age, the place you were born or your gender don't really matter any more. New 'tribes' of people are being created based on interest, achievement level and passion for a given skill or practice. Sometimes you don't even have to leave the comfort of your own home to learn something new but we strongly recommend you do for maximum enjoyment and experience.
So figure out what new skill or practice you want to know something about and get to work! You may find a new calling in life or just an enjoyable hobby that makes you a better human being. Doesn't matter what race you are or what your college major was...you can still learn anything! Find the experts in the field you are interested in and let the learning begin! It's that easy...and no membership required so what are you waiting for?