It’s something I hear often from my students – the frustration of feeling like you’re not progressing in your yoga practice. Perhaps you’ve been working hard towards a specific pose, but your body says, “Not yet.” It can be discouraging, but I want to remind you that just because you don’t see immediate physical results doesn’t mean you aren’t progressing.
For me, yoga is more than just the physical practice. Yes, I honor my body through movement, but yoga is also a mindfulness practice that calms the mind and emotions. It’s a spiritual journey that helps me connect to the most Divine version of myself.
I honor my body through movement, but yoga is also a mindfulness practice that calms the mind and emotions. It’s a spiritual journey that helps me connect to the most Divine version of myself.
And just like life, yoga brings emotions to the surface. We may feel frustration, sadness, or anger during our practice, and that’s okay. These emotions are part of our human experience. It’s impossible to avoid feeling them at some point in our lives, but what matters is how we handle them.
Am I going to let these emotions take control, or will I acknowledge and navigate them, gently taming them instead of letting them drive the bus? I love the phrase, “Name it to tame it.” It’s such a powerful reminder that instead of denying or resisting our feelings, we can give them a name, fully embrace them, and let them guide us.
So, next time you find yourself feeling stuck, frustrated, or even angry on your mat, take a moment to pause and reflect: What is this emotion here to teach me? Ask yourself, How can I grow from this? In other words, how can I stretch without stressing?
What is this emotion here to teach me?
Ask yourself:
How can I grow from this?
In other words, how can I stretch without stressing?
Yoga is not just about achieving the perfect pose. It’s about learning from the practice itself – physically, mentally, and emotionally. Progress may not always look like what we expect, but every step on the mat counts.
Progress may not always look like what we expect, but every step on the mat counts.
I hope this post offers you some perspective as you continue on your yoga journey. If you’ve had similar experiences or have any thoughts to share, I’d love to hear from you. Leave a comment below, and I’ll be happy to respond.
If you’re feeling tightness or discomfort in your lower back and hips, I invite you to try a beginner-friendly yoga practice specifically designed to release tension in these areas. A mindful, gentle flow can help you ease into deeper stretches and build more mobility over time.
Namaste,
Monica
