Yoga often gets a bad reputation. Despite the practice being in existence for thousands of years, and the many studies proving its mental and physical benefits for just about anyone, it is frequently misunderstood by those not familiar with its magical powers. Contributions that extend far beyond fancy Lululemon outfits and toting around a yoga mat, but a vital self care practice for the mind, body, and soul.
life lessons yoga has taught me
As a certified 200-hour yoga instructor and a practicing yogi for nearly a decade, I can share firsthand the enchanting wonders I’ve witnessed both on and off the mat as a result of yoga. The emotional release, mental clarity, physical openness, and spiritual awakening that the practice offers unleashed my vision to an entirely new world—and gave me a new outlook on my life during some trying times. Below are five life lessons that yoga has taught me over the years and that I instill in my students as well.
Breathe through the difficult moments
It wasn’t until my first yoga class that I grasped how important the use of our breath is for our overall wellness. It’s our most powerful tool and can manipulate our thoughts and feelings with every inhalation and exhalation. I learned to rid my anxious thoughts, and steady my mind through various breathing techniques, and could hold a challenging pose by concentrating on my breath (yes, side crow!). This became a helpful technique not just in the studio but while getting critiqued at work, on a job interview, when nerves arose before a date, and when my dog had to undergo major surgery. I learned to breathe through the difficult moments while awaiting happier outcomes, as it allowed me to stay calm in the present time.
Trust my abilities
At the beginning of my yoga journey, fear held me back from immersing myself in much of the practice. Headstands looked too dangerous for me even to attempt, and I couldn’t fathom a day when I would rise into a forearm stand with ease. But over time (and with my instructor’s much-needed guidance and leg holding), I was able to trust my abilities. I surprised myself with many of the poses that I could do without the years of training that the seasoned yogis practicing next to me had under their belts. The postures aren’t meant to be conquered, but to trust that I have the power and strength to achieve them.
Listen to my mind and body
Contrary to what my softball and tennis coaches trained me to believe growing up, pushing beyond my limits does not equal success—at least not in yoga. As a yogi, I am challenged to proceed through each posture with awareness, listening to my mind and body. The practice isn’t about accomplishing an ambitious pose, nor is anyone holding up a scorecard grading my precision and accuracy. Its purpose is to pay attention to how the movement makes me feel and not force what my body isn’t ready for. Just as in life, sometimes it’s about the journey and not about the point of completion.
The strength I need is within me
A couple of years back, I participated in a series of AcroYoga classes—a practice that combines yoga and acrobatics. It sounded highly intimidating but very intriguing at the same time, and I enlisted some friends to try it with me. We worked together in partners and group settings, lifting each other into stunts that I couldn’t imagine we were all capable of doing. It was then that I recognized that the strength I needed was within me all along. I didn’t have to possess the superhuman power to master these challenging postures. Still, I did have to believe in myself and trust in my partners that even our petite frames were adept for the task—something I’ve carried with me through many other obstacles I’ve faced.
Find the positives in every situation
Another misconception of yogis (aside from our obsession with yoga pants and Lululemon) is that we are happy all the time. That we are always walking into a room smiling and nothing seems to faze us no matter what is thrown our way. While this may seem true, it’s because yogis tend to find the positives in every situation. Our lives are not perfect where we rarely experience hardships, but we choose to search for the good events that can emerge from a complex scenario. We’re trained to dissect our misfortunes and pull apart the things that can make them seem not so bad because there is always a light to every setback.
For the yogis out there: what are some life lessons that the practice has taught you?
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