Embarking on a yoga journey is a transformative experience, one that goes far beyond mastering poses and sequences. As someone who has been on this path for a while, I’ve discovered that yoga isn’t just about the physical—it’s a holistic practice that touches many aspects of life. Here are eight key lessons that yoga has taught me:
1. Yoga Becomes More Than Just Poses
There comes a point in your yoga journey where the poses themselves become secondary. You start to realize that yoga isn’t just about nailing a perfect handstand or mastering an advanced posture. For a long time, I was fixated on achieving specific poses, but over time, I’ve learned to appreciate the deeper aspects of the practice. If you’re at the stage where the poses are all that interest you, that’s perfectly okay—enjoy it. But know that as you progress, yoga will become much more about the mind, the breath, and the spirit.
2. It’s Okay If Your Yoga Practice is Mostly Physical
Yoga is often seen as a spiritual practice, but it’s also okay if your focus is primarily on the physical aspect—yoga asana. Yoga is in fact a sport in some countries, like India. Yoga is what you make of it, whether it’s a workout, a meditative practice, or a spiritual journey.
3. Your Practice is Unique to You
One of the most beautiful aspects of yoga is that it is deeply personal. Your practice is whatever you choose it to be. It doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s, and it doesn’t have to fit into any particular mold. Whether you practice every day or once a week, whether you focus on flexibility, strength, or mindfulness—your yoga is your own.
4. Yoga is About Boldness and Advocacy
When I think of yoga, I think of change agents—people who are bold, strong, and compassionate. Yoga is often associated with tranquility and peace, but it’s also about standing up for what’s right. It’s about how you treat others, especially those who have less than you, and how you advocate for yourself and others. This is why we work on opening the throat chakra, which challenges us to speak up and take action. True peace requires hard work, including calling out injustices and sometimes even calling ourselves out. This is a side of yoga that isn’t talked about enough, but it’s crucial to the practice.
5. You Don’t Have to Fit the “Yogi” Stereotype
There’s a common stereotype of what a yogi should look like—vegan, always in yoga pants, and living a minimalist lifestyle. But the truth is, none of that matters if it doesn’t resonate with you. What truly matters is your inner peace and how you feel about yourself. You don’t have to conform to anyone else’s idea of what a yogi should be. Yoga is about embracing who you are, not about fitting into a specific image.
6. Embracing My Authentic Self
Being my authentic self has been one of the most healing aspects of my yoga journey. Every day, I’m learning to let go of the layers that no longer serve me and to embrace the parts of myself that feel most true. There’s so much power and peace in being okay with who you are, at all times. Yoga has helped me find that authenticity, and it’s a gift I’m deeply grateful for.
7. Reconnecting With My Inner Child
Yoga has a way of bringing out your inner child. Whether it’s attempting a playful cartwheel, balancing on your hands, or simply getting into a pose that challenges you, yoga reminds us not to take ourselves too seriously. These moments of playfulness bring me back to my younger self and teach me to enjoy the practice for what it is—a joyful exploration of the body and mind.
8. The Gift of Self-Awareness
If there’s one thing I’m most grateful for in my yoga journey, it’s the self-awareness it has cultivated within me. Being aware of my thoughts, habits, and feelings has improved not only my relationship with myself but also with others. I’ve let go of people-pleasing tendencies, learned to recognize when someone is projecting their issues onto me, and become more mindful of my own thoughts. This awareness has allowed me to reconnect with activities I love, like writing, simply because I’m more in tune with who I am. That, to me, is golden.
In conclusion, my yoga journey has been so much more than just a physical practice; it has been a path of self-discovery, growth, and transformation. These eight lessons have shaped not only how I approach my time on the mat but also how I live my life off of it. Yoga has taught me to be more present, more authentic, and more connected with myself and the world around me. Whether you are just beginning your yoga practice or have been on this path for years, I hope these insights inspire you to explore the deeper layers of your own journey. Remember, yoga is a personal and evolving experience, and the lessons you learn along the way are unique to you. Embrace the process, stay curious, and let yoga guide you to new levels of understanding and peace.
