Yoga: A practice that grows and changes with you

Yoga is a set of practices and beliefs that integrate your body, mind, and energy. Its origins date back approximately 5,000 years, and countless things have changed since then. Consider the fascinating evolution of yoga practitioners: initially, women were welcome, then they were excluded, and now yoga studios are predominantly filled with women.

Traditions and beliefs constantly transform, so why do we insist on rigidity in our yoga practice? Social media has given rise to a "yogi police" who constantly declare what is and isn't "true" yoga.

But does it really matter?

Here's my perspective: While some yoga trends might seem ridiculous—like goat yoga, dog yoga, or beer yoga—What if this dog yoga is helping out rescued dogs find a new home? Can we relax for a little bit, have fun with it and take it for what it is?

Sure, during a beer yoga class, you might not deeply tap into yoga's spiritual essence. Attempting an inverted dog pose with a belly full of beer sounds horribly unpleasant! And yes, there's the whole complex conversation about cultural appropriation—but that's a discussion for another time.

What I want to emphasize is how our lives are in constant flux, and our yoga practice will naturally evolve alongside us. That capacity of being present and adapting is part of a deeper yoga practice. That includes being less judgmental—both with ourselves and others. And yes,  less policing on social media, more understanding.

My personal journey reflects this evolution. When I first started practicing yoga, I didn't understand or care about its spiritual aspects. In fact, the more someone presented it as the "ultimate and only truth," the more I pushed back. Today, meditation, pranayama, and experiencing unity are core to my practice and teaching. 

But here's the beautiful thing: sometimes, all I want is to alleviate a sore back and build strong legs—and you know what? That, too, is a spiritual practice. Because when you're experiencing even a simple headache, nothing else seems to matter.

So let's embrace change, practice compassion, and remember that yoga is a personal journey with room for everyone.