4 Valuable Pieces of Advice from Yoga Teachers
Ever wondered how a simple shift in perspective can transform your yoga practice? In this insightful Q&A, a Holistic Life, Wellness, Spiritual Coach & Yoga Teacher shares the wisdom of moving with the body of the day, while a Career Expert & Community Manager emphasizes letting the breath be the guide. Readers will discover a total of four transformative pieces of advice from experts. Find out what these experts have to say and how it can elevate your practice to new heights.
- Move With the Body of the Day
- Focus on Progress, Not Perfection
- Integrate Mindfulness Into Daily Activities
- Let Your Breath Be Your Guide
Move With the Body of the Day
My yoga teacher always said, 'Move with the body of the day,' which I interpreted as accepting and allowing the natural fluctuations in bodily flexibility, endurance, balance, etc., as well as the mind, rather than having expectations or judgments. A mindful yogi shows up to the mat with the intention to be present and to move with breath, free from a competitive mindset.
Focus on Progress, Not Perfection
"Focus on progress, not perfection."
It's a simple message, but it really shifted how I approached both my practice and life off the mat.
In yoga, it's easy to get caught up in trying to perfect each pose or compare yourself to others in the class, which can be frustrating. But when my teacher reminded me that yoga is a personal journey and that every little improvement counts, it took the pressure off. It helped me understand that showing up consistently and being present with where my body is right now is more important than hitting a perfect pose.
This advice not only changed how I practiced yoga by allowing me to appreciate small gains and be kinder to myself, but it also spilled over into my daily life. I stopped striving for unattainable perfection and started celebrating progress, whether that was in my work, relationships, or personal goals. It made everything feel more sustainable and rewarding.
Integrate Mindfulness Into Daily Activities
A yoga teacher once advised me to focus on mindfulness, not just during yoga but throughout all daily activities. This shifted my perspective beyond the yoga mat to my entire approach to health and wellness. When developing GYAT Gummies, I applied this by ensuring our products not only serve immediate nutritional needs but also contribute to a mindful approach to health.
This approach led to the creation of our best-selling, mindfulness-supporting gummies. These combine natural ingredients known for their cognitive and mood-enhancing properties. By fostering a holistic state of mind, they mirror the balanced, intentional mindset I've cultivated in my daily practice.
The consumer feedback we've received—citing increased mental clarity and reduced stress—supports the impact of this mindfulness integration. It shows the importance of aligning product development with principles that promote overall well-being.
Let Your Breath Be Your Guide
My yoga teacher once said, "Let your breath be your guide," and it changed my approach to yoga and posing, but it also had an impact on other aspects of my life.
Breathing often seems secondary, as mastering poses comes first. That's a misconception, as breathing and movement go hand-in-hand and are effective only when combined. Learning to prioritize my breath and move with it helped me flow through practice with greater ease and intention. By synchronizing my breath with movement, I achieved a deeper state of concentration and relaxation. Intentional and controlled breathing allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of my body and better control over it. This way, my practice became not just a physical effort but also a form of meditation that fosters inner calm and balance.
Furthermore, I began to apply controlled breathing in my daily life. On difficult days or when facing challenges, stress, or anger, I use mindful breathing to restore stability and peace, calming my mind and nervous system. Breathing is an anchor for me, bringing me back to clarity.