The Sign of an Intelligent Yoga Student

In yoga, the true journey begins the day you start asking why you're practicing. It’s not about mastering the next asana or impressing anyone, but about finding joy in the process itself. The role of learning doesn’t rest entirely on the teacher. A student of yoga must take charge of their own growth. From the very beginning, it’s important to be independent and consistent, just as we brush our teeth every morning. Practice isn’t something you force yourself to do out of guilt—it’s like medicine for the body and mind. Without it, life can feel heavier. But that doesn’t mean we need to push ourselves to the limit every day.

In fact, the intelligent student knows that not every practice session should be intense or long. Some days, simply standing on the mat and taking a few mindful breaths is enough. This consistency is what brings exponential benefits, slowly transforming our lives. It’s not about doing the most every day—it’s about doing what’s right for your well-being on that day, as the body and mental state can change daily. What matters is practicing regularly and with intention.

I've often found that teaching group classes can make this simple truth harder to grasp. Sometimes, I don’t enjoy teaching in a group setting because there’s too much comparison. One student might find a pose easy, while another struggles, and it’s difficult to resist that instinct to compare. Doubt creeps in, and students can lose motivation. I’ve watched students get discouraged when they see others attaining poses with ease, making them question their own abilities.

But I’ve also taught students who rise to the challenge. They see what consistency can do and are inspired by others, not weighed down. I remember being in their shoes during my first yoga class. It wasn’t just the asanas that captivated me—it was how regular practitioners breathed so calmly and deeply in the midst of contortion like shapes. How were they able to maintain that breath? I made a promise to myself then to practice consistently and see what happens. Here we are today, and I’m still going strong with practice.

It’s important to question your practice, to ask why we do certain things. An intelligent student doesn’t follow blindly but is curious, seeking to understand the deeper reasons behind postures, breathing techniques, and the flow of the practice. This questioning fosters growth, provided it’s done with respect for the tradition.

One key lesson I’ve learned is that, like elite athletes, we’re not meant to push ourselves to 100% every day. Consistency is more powerful than intensity. The intelligent student knows yoga is about long-term commitment, not one-off efforts. Doing too much too fast can feel overwhelming, and it’s easy to burn out if we approach yoga with a "more is better" mindset.

Another sign of an intelligent student is their attention to detail in the setup for each asana. Take Pincha Mayurasana, for example. A student who is only focused on the final shape will fling themselves into the air and hope to balance. But a sophisticated student will care more about the foundation—are they pushing into their shoulders, are their hips stacked over the upper body, is the core engaged, and what is their mental space as they enter the pose? This mindful approach leads to lasting progress, especially if you’re in it for the long run.

This is why I enjoy teaching one-on-one sessions. In these settings, students aren’t distracted by the progress of others. They can focus purely on their own growth, comparing themselves only with their past practice. The journey becomes uniquely theirs, allowing for a deeper connection to the practice and to themselves. This personal approach makes yoga not only more sustainable but also more meaningful.

The intelligent student knows that the practice isn't static—it’s not something to achieve and then be done with. It’s a relationship you build over time, layer by layer. In the end, the greatest lesson isn’t found in the perfect pose, but in how deeply you are willing to listen to yourself. Keep showing up, stay curious, and remember that the practice will always meet you where you are, if you are willing to meet it.

Upcoming Trainings:

Intermediate Level Online Group Classes:

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Additionally, the dates for the Bali retreat have been updated to December 1st to 6th to better accommodate the attendees' schedules.

Please go through this link for more details:

If you have any questions regarding the retreat, do not hesitate to contact or email me at ✨[email protected]✨

Keep practicing 🙏