I love sharing my insights with you all as often as I can, drawing from my own experiences and learned perspective. The thoughts I offer are purely my own, but I share them in the hope that others may resonate with my journey and relationship with yoga.
Lately, I’ve noticed a lot of judgment surrounding teaching, practicing, and sharing thoughts on social media. I fully support sharing well researched information that comes from a genuine desire to help others. However, when it comes to yoga, everything is deeply personal and individual, there is no one-size-fits-all approach or quick shortcut. The practice demands dedication, effort, and what's known in Sanskrit as tapas.
Your practice is just that—your own unique journey. The mind can be tricky, leading us to compare, judge, and categorize when there is no real need to do so. You showed up, you practiced, and the day unfolded as it did, let it rest there. Having aspirations is wonderful, and working toward advanced postures can be inspiring, but ultimately, none of that defines the heart of yoga.
The true heart of yoga lies in its ability to cultivate self-awareness, presence, and a deep connection to oneself. It is a lifelong journey of self discovery, where the physical postures are merely tools to support the greater path of inner peace and balance. Yoga is not about achieving perfection in asana but about learning to listen to and honor the body as it is in the present moment. As our lifestyles evolve, with more sedentary habits and modern stresses, postures and sequencing should adapt to support the needs of today’s human body, focusing on mobility, breath, and functional movement rather than rigid traditions that may no longer serve us fully.
As a student, I’ve always held deep respect for teachers who dedicate so much to sharing a practice they love. Sometimes yoga evolves in ways we don’t expect, and that’s part of its beauty. As humanity changes, so does the practice. With advancements in our understanding of the body through science and, more people practicing yoga than ever before, it’s natural for things to look different—or to stay the same. Both are okay. What resonates with one person may not connect with another, and that’s perfectly fine. Your own personal experience is what matters most.
Sharing from a place of positivity is powerful. However, I’ve seen content where people rate or evaluate what “real” yoga should look like, and I believe this mindset undermines the true spirit of the practice. Yoga cannot be branded, monetized, or rated, it is an ancient tradition meant to be experienced, not judged. Teachers guide from a place of love, holding space and sharing for the benefit of the practitioner. The next time you feel judgment creeping in whether toward yourself, another student, or a teacher, pause. Remember that every day, every practice, every teacher, and every circumstance is influenced by countless factors, from mood to socioeconomic background.
Let’s always try to choose kindness. Let’s share more love, more acceptance, and more understanding in this space we all cherish.