10 Lessons I Learned Through My 7 Years of Yoga Practice

Yoga was a very fancy word for me till I didn’t come into this practice. I used to take YOGA as a boring form of exercise, as many people think. I was suffering from marital stress but nothing was working out for me. So I gave try to yoga.

After my job, I used to go to yoga class, with the hope that soon I would get an attractive figure so that my partner would accept me.

My initial goal was to lose fat and get zero figure. I was stretching more than my limit in the class to get faster results. Gradually I realized that I was not seeing any result in my physical body.

But I didn’t give up because I was enjoying the yoga session and most importantly the teaching style of my yoga teacher. She was full of compassion and a very kind woman not just for me but for each and every student. Somehow I felt blessed to get her as my first yoga teacher.

After 2 years of learning, one day she declared that she was planning to shut down her yoga teaching as she had some other plans in her life. But it was a heart attack for me. I just started practicing self-love and if she left I would soon be at the same stage I used to be.

This was my first and most important lesson in life, I learned from her, that different people and situations come into your life, and it’s your mindful duty not to get attached to any of them. Attachment is the root cause of your stress and detachment is the key to getting libration. Since then I decided to go deeper into my yoga learning, I took a break from my corporate job and went to the Yoga capital of India — Rishikesh to learn more about this subject.

Now after 7 years of learning, I can say that yoga has been an integral part of my life, and the journey has been nothing short of transformative. It’s not just about perfecting poses but embracing a lifestyle that has taught me valuable lessons beyond the mat.

Here are 10 insights I’ve gained from my yoga practice:

Less expectations:

Through the practice of yoga, I’ve come to understand that true happiness and peace are found when I cultivate self-awareness and work on self-improvement. By letting go of expectations from external sources and focusing on my own growth, I’ve found a path to inner harmony and a more fulfilling life.

Patience:

Yoga has shown me that true progress is a gradual and steady journey, and impatience only leads to unnecessary stress. By embracing patience, I have found a calmer, more resilient approach to life’s ups and downs, allowing me to navigate them with grace and a sense of inner peace.

Self-Acceptance:

Through yoga, I’ve come to appreciate my body, imperfections and all. It’s not about comparing myself to others but embracing who I am in the present moment.

Breathing is Everything:

Focusing on my breath in yoga has shown me the power of mindfulness. It’s a reminder that staying present and breathing through life’s challenges can make all the difference.

Balance is Key:

Balancing poses in yoga reflect the need for equilibrium in life. I’ve realized that work, play, rest, and relationships all need balance to thrive.

Resilience:

Falling into yoga is part of the process. It’s a reminder that setbacks are opportunities for growth. Just as I get up from a fall in a pose, I can rise from life’s challenges.

Letting Go:

In yoga, I’ve learned to release tension, both physically and mentally. This practice has shown me the power of letting go of what no longer serves me in life.

Gratitude:

Each practice reminds me to be grateful for my body’s abilities and the time I have to practice. It’s a daily reminder to appreciate life’s blessings.

Non-Judgment:

Yoga is a judgment-free zone, and I’ve extended this non-judgment to my everyday life. It’s essential to be compassionate, both to others and myself.

Continuous Learning:

Yoga is a lifelong journey. It’s a reminder that growth never stops. In life, I must continue to learn, adapt, and evolve.

My yoga practice has not only enhanced my physical health but has also enriched my perspective on life. It’s a constant reminder that the lessons we learn on the mat can be applied to the broader canvas of our existence. Yoga has become my sanctuary, my teacher, and my guide to living a more mindful and fulfilling life.