Twenty-five years. A quarter of a century. That’s how long I’ve been stepping onto my yoga mat. For the past 15 years, this very mat has been my constant companion, absorbing my tears and my triumphs. It’s been my sacred space, my sanctuary, the most healing place I’ve ever been.
I’m not someone who typically gets sentimental, but for this June 21st, in honor of International Yoga Day, I couldn’t help but spend some time on this mat and reflect on my own journey. International Yoga Day, recognized by the United Nations, celebrates the profound physical, mental, and spiritual benefits of yoga.
Yoga is so much more than a series of poses. It is breath, balance, and a bridge back to myself when life feels unsteady.
The Evolution of My Practice
Over the years, my practice has evolved. In my twenties, yoga was about the physical—the deeper stretch, the harder pose, the physical challenge. In my thirties, it became a balm—something to soothe the chaos of motherhood, career, and a schedule that never seemed to slow down. Now, in my forties, yoga is my mirror. It reflects back to me exactly what I need to see—whether it’s patience, persistence, or the power in simply showing up.
Yoga has taught me that growth isn’t always linear. Some days, I feel strong and steady. Other days, I wobble, barely able to keep my balance. No matter what, I return. I return to my practice because that’s the magic of yoga—it meets you exactly where you are, without judgment, without expectation.
The Core of Yoga: Breath, Balance, and Benefits
Breath
This year’s theme is mindfulness and meditation. Neither is possible without the breath, and yet, for me at least, breathing is tougher than any part of the practice. The mind races, the body tenses, and suddenly, something as simple as an inhale feels like a battle. But when I focus, when I truly allow myself to breathe, everything shifts. Breath is the foundation. It’s the rhythm of life, the anchor in the storm, the reset button we always have at our disposal.
Balance
Balance, in yoga and in life, is elusive. It’s not something we achieve and hold onto forever—it’s something we practice daily. In yoga, balance poses teach us patience and resilience. One day, we hold tree pose effortlessly; the next, we topple over. Off the mat, balance is about knowing when to push forward and when to rest. It’s about making space for both effort and ease, movement and stillness.
A little balance tip: If you struggle in balancing poses, find a fixed point to gaze at (called a drishti). Off the mat? Do the same. Focus on what grounds you, and you’ll find your equilibrium more easily.
Benefits
The benefits of yoga are innumerable and undeniable. Some of the most profound include:
- Physical health: Increased flexibility, strength, and improved posture
- Mental clarity: Reduced stress, anxiety, and enhanced focus
- Emotional well-being: A deeper sense of peace, resilience, and self-acceptance
- Spiritual connection: A sense of oneness with yourself and the world around you
Science backs it up—numerous studies confirm that yoga reduces cortisol levels, improves heart health, and even enhances sleep quality. But beyond the research, the most compelling proof lies in how we feel after stepping off the mat.
Honoring the Journey
So on this International Yoga Day, whether you’ve been practicing for years or are just rolling out a mat for the first time, I hope you take a deep breath and honor the journey. Yoga isn’t about perfection; it’s about presence. It’s about coming home to yourself, one inhale, one exhale at a time.
Namaste—the light in me sees the light in you, friends.
