What Is Yoga Really? Why Yoga Is More Than Asana

I wish people understood that Yoga is much more than what happens on a yoga mat. Yoga is a science, a way of living, and there are so many different branches and practices within Yoga. But somewhere along the way, we’ve come to associate it as asana. And while asana, the physical practice, is an important part of Yoga, it is only one part of something much bigger.

Yoga Isn’t Exercise.

Here’s what I think is good: Yoga is being taught in schools, in prisons and suggested as a practice to people for its mental health and wellbeing benefits. I’m glad more people are discovering that.

I love that people of all ages can access a class to stretch their body, build strength and support their mental wellbeing.

But what bothers me is that most people don’t understand the depth of the practice. They think asana is all Yoga is.

What we see on Instagram frustrates me. Vinyasa flows that generally only a very low percentage of people could ‘perform.’ Yes, it looks gorgeous. But for the average person, the average body? It’s not accessible and it becomes performance.

If you’re new to Yoga and that’s all you see, you think “I’m not flexible enough. I’m not young enough. I’m not that type of person. Yoga isn’t for me.” Or worse still, you think that that is Yoga.

Movement without awareness isn’t Yoga. It’s exercise.

And sadly, you may never discover how much more this ancient practice has to offer. You miss out on the practices that could be useful for you and your wellbeing.

The other issue is teachers.  Real teachers. Teachers who’ve trained and lived Yoga.

We don’t want to pay for that anymore. Yoga asana practices are profound, they shift energy, they can bring up emotions and memories. That needs a properly trained teacher to guide you through. This is not something you can learn on a 200-hour online course.

My own journey with Yoga.

I came to Yoga through asana. I love practising it.

Just like my students, attending weekly classes allowed me to switch off, everything that was going on in my life stayed outside the door. I was able to disconnect. It helped me to manage my work stress and anxiety. And I always felt amazing after class, calm and relaxed.

Seeing this transformation in my students is the reason I teach. I know that post-yoga-class feeling very well. I also know the deeper transformation happening.

Over time, I noticed I wasn’t quite so much in my head with my thoughts. I wasn’t reacting to things in quite the same way. Things that might previously have upset me didn’t seem to have quite the same response from me. I was building awareness.

I was happier in myself. And my friends noticed this too.

My curiosity grew. Why were these practices having such a profound impact on me?

For me, it was a natural progression to start to explore other branches of yoga. In the Bihar Yoga and Satyananda tradition that I teach and practice, Yoga is understood as an integrated system, with different branches working together to support the development of the whole personality and the expansion of awareness.

Sri Swami Satyananda developed what is known as the Yoga Chakra, bringing together six yogas: Hatha Yoga, Raja Yoga, Kriya Yoga, Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga and Jnana Yoga.

I wasn’t into kirtan or mantra at first. But after attending kirtan at the yoga centre, I loved being in the community, the sangha. I’d leave with this warm, fuzzy feeling inside. It took me out of my head and connected me to my heart in a way I hadn’t experienced before.

Through my curiosity, I went on to Yoga Studies and teacher training. Delving into the philosophy and psychology of Yoga and Yoga’s sister science of Ayurveda. Now I regularly visit India and stay in ashrams, continuing to deepen my knowledge and offer my service.

Why this matters for you.

So many of my students and the women who read my newsletter Balance and Breath tell me the same thing: their minds are constantly busy, they want to be more present in their daily lives, and they’re juggling the demands of home, work and family.

If that sounds like you, I want you to know: Yoga has something to offer.

The practices I’ve just shared with you – Hatha Yoga, Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Meditation – they all develop one thing: awareness.

Through regular practice you will develop awareness of yourself and your environment. You start to understand yourself a little better.

Here’s what happens over time. Someone says something that annoys you. Your plans change. Your first reaction might be anger, frustration or disappointment. It doesn’t mean you will never have those reactions. It means you become aware of them. And perhaps you pause or change how you respond.

Imagine being present for the person you’re actually talking to – your partner, your kids, your colleagues – rather than thinking about the ten other things you need to do.

To sleep a little better at night. To feel calmer and more able to cope with what’s thrown at you on a daily basis. To notice that you don’t react quite so quickly.

These are the benefits that actually matter.

This is why I share a free 10-minute Yoga Nidra practice. It’s a deep relaxation restorative practice.

And if you’re interested in exploring this more regularly, I share practices and insights every Sunday in my Balance and Breath newsletter. It’s specifically for women like you who want the real practice, Learning to be present moment to moment, not the Instagram version.

You don’t have to go to the extent that I have, where Yoga becomes your lifestyle. You might just go to one class a week or two. But if you stick with it, you’ll notice changes.

Where To Start

I’m not interested in telling people that the way they’re practising Yoga is wrong.

If you love a strong Vinyasa or Ashtanga practice, that’s great. Or you prefer Yin or Restorative Yoga, wonderful. If you enjoy going to a class once a week because it gives you some time to yourself, awesome.

But I do think it’s worth knowing that there is more.

Because if we only ever see Yoga as physical exercise, we miss the opportunity to discover everything else it has to offer.

if you have tried a yoga class and didn’t enjoy it, try another one. Try a different teacher. Try a different style. Find the thing that works for you.

You might discover Hatha Yoga is your thing – grounding, strengthening, building resilience. Or you might be drawn to Karma Yoga, especially if your mind is restless and you need to channel that energy into service. Or mantra and Bhakti Yoga, if you want to connect to your heart.

There’s a path for everyone. Just be curious.

Ready To Explore?

Start with the free 10-minute Yoga Nidra practice and experience what deep relaxation actually feels like. [Download here.]

If you live in the Tarragona area, join my weekly Yoga and Meditation classes or book a 1-1 session.

And subscribe to my Balance and Breath newsletter every Sunday. That’s where I share the practices, insights, and stories that will deepen your understanding of what real Yoga and Ayurveda lifestyle is.

Yoga is a journey of discovery. I’d love to share it with you.

If this resonated, you might like my Sunday emails.

Balance and Breath is a weekly pause for women with busy lives and busy minds who want to feel more present, more balanced and more like themselves.

Every Sunday, I share honest reflections and simple practices from Traditional Yoga, meditation and Ayurveda to help you find a little more calm and space in everyday life.

And when you join, I’ll send you my free 10-minute Yoga Nap to help you pause, deeply relax and feel like yourself again.