Why Swear?

About This Class

In this brief Q&A segment, Bryan Kest responds to a student's question about his frequent use of swear words during class. He offers several interconnected reasons: first, it is simply how he naturally speaks — passionate and expressive — and sanitizing his language makes him feel less able to communicate fully. Second, he frames his swearing as an intentional invitation for students to practice non-judgment, drawing a parallel to both Christian teachings (specifically Jesus's example) and core yoga philosophy. Third, he explains that his unfiltered personality is a deliberate signal that yoga does not require practitioners to become someone else — a message he felt was especially important when he began teaching in the 1970s, when yoga was often perceived as a cult or fringe activity. The session contains no physical postures, props, or movement cues; it is purely a philosophical and personal monologue designed to demystify yoga culture and encourage authenticity and non-judgment.