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March: The Opportunity to Redefine

A couple of weeks ago, a yoga teacher friend of mine asked me, with a tone laced with guilt, "T. Rach, do you think I am a bad yogi for not practicing yoga asana? It's just not connecting with me right now."


I remember asking the same question to my own yoga teacher 7 years ago. I was so burnt out teaching 8 classes a week AND running the business. (It wasn't this efficient then. Thanks, technology.) I had come to a point where closing the studio was already an option.


My teacher then said, which I echoed to my friend, "Yoga asana is like an understanding friend: it's there when you need it, won't complain when you don't. Every time you go back to it, it's going to give you the same love, maybe even more."


Letting go of the "Perfect Yogi" image.

Let's admit it, we all have that image of what a "yogi" should be like. Whether that picture-perfect yogi in your mind is influenced by social media or inspired by another yogi you (personally) know, sometimes, this creates an unspoken pressure -- an idea that a "real yogi" must look, move, or live a certain way.


My goodness, how I was also a victim of this myself! There was a time when I belittled my own self because I couldn't hold a Bakasana, or because I wasn't vegan, or because I didn't do sun salutations every morning.


But this is the most important thing I have learned about the practice: Yoga is not a performance.


Yoga is a personal journey, and it does not have to fit into any box or someone else's definition. Your yoga doesn't have to make sense to anyone but you.


And you sure as hell do not need to explain it to anyone.


This month, we #Redefine what yoga means to each of us-- on and off the mat.


Yoga is just about anything under the sun!

The moment you pause and mindfully breathe in and out.

A steady, uneventful asana practice.

Sitting at a cafe, enjoying the notes in your coffee.

Watering your plant and noticing a new leaf about to unfurl.

Being in the moment with your furbaby or human baby.

Choosing to listening to music that makes you feel great.

Staying in the flow as you work on your art or dance.

Taking in the layers of scents from your food before the first bite.

Knowing you chose that croissant over the salad, just because.

Remembering to respond mindfully while experiencing a strong emotion.

Journaling in ways that is unique to you.

Noticing a little bird singing while you are in Savasana.

Hydrating, because you are aware you need to drink more water.

A smile shared to a Grab driver who handed you your order.

Tidying up your workspace for the day, even if it means you have to do it again tomorrow.

Saying a prayer of thanks before closing your eyes to sleep.


And the list goes on, and on, and on.


All of this. YOGA.


Recently, my yoga has been looking like this.
Recently, my yoga has been looking like this.

There is no one way to be a yogi.

Yoga teaches us that transformation comes from within. Just as we redefine what yoga looks like in our lives, we can also redefine how we see ourselves.

  • Let go of outdated labels – Are there identities, roles, or beliefs that no longer serve me? Just because you’ve been a certain way in the past doesn’t mean you have to remain the same.

  • Challenge limiting beliefs – “I’m not flexible enough for yoga.” “I’m not good enough.” “It’s too late to start.” This month, notice these thoughts and ask: Is this true, or is it just a story I’ve told myself?

  • Rewrite your own definition of what yoga is to you – What does a fulfilling, meaningful yoga practice look like for you? What is authentically yoga to you?


This March, another light that guides us on our #Roadto10Years has been lit. Let Redefine give you the freedom to be yourself.



 

 Interested to write for Treehouse Yoga? We'd love to read your stories and musings!


Sharing your insights, both on and off the mat, is a wonderful way to foster connection and remind us that we are not alone in our thoughts. In fact, it helps anchor us in our asanas and enrich our practice.


We will feature up to 5 stories aligned with our monthly theme, due on the 10th and 20th day of the month. Featured articles will be on the Treehouse Insight page and will be available to the public. By-line is optional.


Authors of published posts will be granted two (2) Treehouse Yoga Gratitude Passes as our way of saying thanks for contributing to the community.


** Deadline for submissions this month has been moved to March 25.




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