Here we’ll explore 7 things that everyone should know about yoga! Whether you’re completely new to yoga or are a seasoned yogi, this post will help offer deeper insight into what yoga is really about. Even for those who have been practicing for a while, I think you will find this to be a meaningful reminder of the depth and beauty of this timeless practice.
7 Things Everyone Should Know About Yoga
To Better Understand What Yoga Is Really About
1. Yoga is not just a physical practice.
If you’re truly trying to understand what yoga is really about, this is one of the most important points to note.
There are many forms of yoga that don’t involve any physical postures. In fact, if you look back at some of the ancient forms of yoga, they didn’t include a physical practice at all. While I do believe that movement is beautiful and powerful, it’s important to remember that this is just one part of a much deeper path.
The way yoga is often presented in modern day is as a way to get in a workout or to stretch and improve flexibility. I’m not against this thought; I think it brings a lot of people to the practice which is wonderful. But I also think it’s important to highlight the fact that yoga is so much more than this. I too enjoy a more physical practice, but even when I am practicing a physical flow, I’m always trying to go deeper and working to be present and intentional while I move. This is true for my own personal practice and for when I’m teaching.
Being on the mat is so different from a regular workout because it really is a body, mind, soul experience. You’re connected with your breath in such an intentional way and are fully present with your movements, which takes this form of ‘exercise’ to an entirely different level. When you’re on your mat practicing power yoga or vinyasa yoga, remember that this is a practice that is nurturing your entire being: body, mind, and soul.
There’s also another benefit of movement that reminds us that yoga is more than just a physical practice. This is that movement can be a great way to prepare us for stillness. It can make it easier to relax in savasana and to find a sense of quiet in the mind. It’s so important to take this time for stillness at the end of a physical practice even if it’s just for a short duration. Stillness creates the space for transformation to occur.
To sum this up, physical yoga practices can definitely be wonderful, but they are by no means required to become a yoga practitioner!
2. It's important to remember the roots of yoga.
It is so very important for us to remember and honor where yoga comes from.
I live in the Western part of the world and I’m incredibly grateful that this practice has made its way to me. I believe it’s so important to pause and offer gratitude to the people, the cultures, and the communities who have carried and preserved this tradition for thousands of years.
Even simple things, like using Sanskrit names for yoga poses, can help us to stay more closely connected to yoga’s roots. But more than anything, I think it’s important to take moments to offer genuine gratitude for those who came before us and kept this practice alive.
Here are some words of thanks that you may like to use in your practice:
Thank you to India, the birthplace of yoga, and to the teachers who have shared and preserved this knowledge and wisdom for generations. I offer my gratitude to you. Namaste.
3. Yoga is for everyone, even the physical kind.
Remember, yoga is not just a physical practice, but if you choose to explore the physical side, there are so many ways to modify and make it work for your body. There’s no one ‘right’ way to move or one ‘perfect’ way to do a pose. This practice is adaptable.
With my private clients, this can be easier to convey since we’re working one on one. But even in my group classes, I try to remind you of this and offer variations. The physical side of yoga can be adapted to work for you.
The important thing is to remember to honor your body and to modify as needed! This is so important in your physical yoga practice.
4. Yoga is a spiritual practice, not a religious one.
It’s impossible to truly understand what yoga is really about without acknowledging the spiritual aspects of the practice.
The word yoga translates to union, which means if you never do a warrior pose, it doesn’t matter.
The goal of practicing yoga is to “unite” ourselves with something greater than us. Yoga doesn’t specify exactly ‘what’ this something greater is, which is why yoga can be practiced by everyone. Whatever you associate this connection with is up to you. And really, if there’s one aspect to sum up what yoga is about, this is it.
Yoga = Union
This is why yoga is a spiritual practice and not a religious one. You can be of any religion or of no religion and practice yoga.
That’s what makes this practice so universal.
5. In a physical practice, your breath is the most important part.
Your breath is so important to your practice when you are moving through a flow.
I’d rather you have smooth, steady breathing in utkatasana (chair pose) with your knees barely bent, than be in a deep chair pose with crappy breathing.
Our breath bridges the connection to our energy (our prana) and is what makes a physical yoga practice more than just a workout.
6. Short practices count.
I know I’ve found myself guilty of this mindset where I’ll feel inadequate if I only meditate for five minutes. But you know what? Five minutes is better than zero minutes.
Any time you dedicate to your yoga practice is amazing. And yes, a meditation practice equals a yoga practice!
7. Yoga is a lifelong journey.
Yoga is a continual journey. It’s not like you sit and meditate for an hour or complete 108 sun salutations and then you’re done. No, it’s a practice that you need to keep coming back to and it will evolve throughout your life.
What brings you closer to a state of union with something greater, with your soul, with your Self?
That answer will look different at different times in your life. And whatever it is, that’s the yoga practice that’s best serving you right now.
And even when you do feel that connection, that’s amazing for sure but it’s not like you walk away after that. You keep practicing so that connection can deepen and carry over into more and more of your everyday life.
I hope these seven points have given you a deeper understanding of what yoga is really about. Of course, there’s much more to this beautiful practice and as you continue on your yoga journey, I encourage you to stay open to learning and growing.
If you’re interested in exploring yoga beyond the mat, I think you’d love my Patreon. Each month, we dive into a new theme to help deepen your connection with your body, mind, and soul. You’ll receive a dharma talk, a guided meditation, and a full length physical yoga practice, all designed to support you in a holistic manner.
You can learn more here: Check Out My Patreon!
Thank you for learning more about yoga with me here today.
Namaste