Yoga Beyond Expectations: Embracing Curiosity & Compassion in your Practice
“Yoga is not about being 'good’ or challenging your pride or ego. It’s about doing something that’s good for you.” I found this quote in my notes from my yoga studies. I’m not sure where the quote comes from, but I love the message. It’s a helpful reminder to approach our movement practices with curiosity and self-compassion.
When teaching yoga classes and private clients, I often meet yoga students who have very specific expectations for themselves and their practice. Sometimes they end up being disappointed or frustrated when they don’t meet those expectations. They might compare themselves to others and have thoughts like “I should be able to do the most ‘advanced’ variation of the pose”, or “it doesn’t ‘count’ unless I’m dripping sweat“. But yoga isn't about “shoulds” or “musts.” It's about exploration, being present, and finding what is good for you.
One of my favorite things about yoga is that it is a flexible practice that can be adjusted to your unique needs. We all have a different anatomy and unique experiences, so of course our practice will be individual. Also, how we feel and what we need can vary a lot from day to day!
Ahimsa, translated as 'non-harming' from Sanskrit, is a core principle in yoga philosophy. It guides us to avoid causing harm through our actions, speech, or thoughts, towards ourselves and others. When practicing yoga, we can directly apply ahimsa, fostering a compassionate approach to both our bodies and minds.
So as you’re stepping on to your yoga mat, or before engaging in any kind of movement practice, you can take a moment to check in with your self. What does you mind and body need that day? Maybe your body and mind crave an energetic session. Maybe you want to try something new. Or maybe it’s a day when you need to be extra gentle with yourself, move slowly, and take modifications and breaks. Remember, yoga is not about how it looks, but how it makes you feel.
Consider this your invitation to:
❤️ Let go of expectations of what you think your practice “should” be like
❤️ Approach your movement practices with curiosity and acceptance
❤️ Embrace the principle of ahimsa and treat yourself with self-compassion
Yoga at the beach. Captured at the Yoga & Well-Being retreat I facilitated in Greece September 2023.
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