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Yoga F.A.Q: what you've been wondering, or maybe what never occured to you, answered

There’s a lot of yoga info out there… but many of the elements that make yoga a complete, time-tested practice often get lost or watered down.


That’s why I created this Yoga FAQ—a simple way to answer common questions and bring clarity to this vast, powerful practice. This is just a glimpse, but even the basics can shift the way you understand yoga.


There are many different lineages of yoga, each with its own philosophy and disciplines.

What I share here comes from my lineage, my teachers, and years of training and practice.


You can learn more about my background at freespiritedwanderer.com → Our Story.




1) What is yoga?


Yoga is both a means and a state. As a means, it’s a system or  method, of practical tools and timeless teachings that guide us through life with greater clarity, steadiness, and compassion. As a state — it’s a way of being rooted in presence, awareness, and connection to something greater.

At the center of these is self-knowledge. Yoga invites us to turn inward, to see clearly, and to remember who we truly are beneath the noise. This process of remembering, smarana, is how we align our thoughts, choices, and actions with our soul’s truth.

Yoga is not just something we do — it’s how we live. It’s a path of returning to ourselves, again and again.



2) Do I have to be flexible to practice yoga? 


Nope! This is a yoga teacher’s least favorite statement: “I’m not flexible, I can’t practice yoga. 


This is where misinformation or a narrow view of yoga comes in. The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, a foundational text with 196 sutras, mention asana only four times—and even then, they never say you need to be flexible or have a certain body type. Instead, they teach that the physical practice is about steadiness, ease, and awareness, creating a stable and comfortable posture that supports focus, presence, and preparation for breathwork and meditation.


In short, yoga is not about touching your toes — it’s about cultivating a steady body, a calm mind, and an open, aware presence. Anyone can practice, no matter their shape, size, or flexibility.



3) I thought yoga was just yoga. I didn’t realize there were different styles. How do I know what to practice?


Trial and error! Explore different studios, teachers, and styles, and notice what resonates with you—physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.


Remember, even within the same style, classes can vary widely. A Vinyasa class at one studio or with one teacher can feel completely different somewhere else. Over time, you’ll learn what truly connects with you—it may not happen right away, and that’s completely normal.



4) Is it important to have a teacher? 


In short, yes—I firmly believe having a teacher is important. That said, I didn’t start that way. I taught myself yoga in my college dorm using Yoga Journal sequences (not even online!), until I discovered a Bikram studio 30 minutes away and started driving there four days a week.


I tried different styles—power yoga, hot yoga, Vinyasa—but while they worked (some) for a time, I never felt deeply connected to the teachers, and my life didn’t shift in meaningful ways. It wasn’t until I found my teacher, and through them Ashtanga yoga, that everything began to fall into place.


A teacher is valuable because they have walked the path you aspire to, offering guidance, corrections, and insight that you can’t get from a book or video. But it’s equally important to remember that teachers are human. Build a relationship based on trust and respect, not pedestalization. Once you see them as human—just like you—you can fully benefit from their guidance without unrealistic expectations.


Yoga tradition emphasizes the guru-shishya (teacher-student) relationship, where wisdom is passed experientially, not just intellectually. Having a teacher helps anchor your practice, provides clarity, and supports your growth both on and off the mat.



5) My life has shifted a lot—should my practice change with it too?


Yes! Yoga is meant to evolve alongside your life. As we grow, what once felt challenging or transformative may become familiar, and sometimes changes in our job, relationships, or daily routine can prompt us to seek a new direction—just like injury, aging, or illness can.


Sometimes this means letting go of postures, styles, or practices that no longer serve you. You might even feel called to explore new teachers or approaches.


Staying open to the process and observing your experience helps you move with change rather than resist it. Studying concepts like the Kleshas can offer insight into why shifts arise and how your practice can support your growth—physically, mentally, and spiritually.



6) Should my eyes be open or closed during practice?


Many students find it easier to focus with their eyes closed and assume that’s the “correct” way. However, yoga also uses a focused gaze, known as Drishti (especially in Ashtanga yoga). Drishti is a specific point to gaze at during postures, helping to direct attention inward, cultivate presence, and sharpen concentration.


While closing your eyes can make focus easier, practicing with your eyes open teaches you to maintain concentration even amidst distractions. In class, this could be a water bottle falling or someone fidgeting nearby. In daily life, obligations and interruptions constantly pull us in different directions. Drishti helps us stay grounded in the present moment, keeping our attention on what’s right in front of us rather than just what’s ahead.


🧠 Special Note – The Science Behind Focused Gaze:

When we fix our gaze on a single point, our brain enters a state of calm alertness, reducing mental chatter and promoting a sense of ease. This focused attention can activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for relaxation and recovery. By training our eyes and mind to focus, we can enhance our ability to remain calm and centered, both on and off the mat.



 7) What is Ujjayi—the ocean-sounding breath—and why is it important in yoga?


It is a subtle, controlled breathing technique used in many yoga traditions. The name comes from Sanskrit: “ujjayi” can be translated as “victorious” or “triumphant.”


While it’s sometimes interpreted literally as “breath of victory,” its deeper meaning connects to victory over the mind and mastery of thoughts. By focusing on the breath, creating gentle resistance in the throat, and maintaining awareness, we cultivate:


  • Mental clarity and focus: calming the wandering mind

  • Inner strength and steadiness: building resilience in both body and mind

  • Connection to the present moment: making the breath a tool to guide awareness


Simply put: it’s a breath that helps you take charge of your mind, find calm in the present, and move with more control and presence — on and off the mat.



8)  Is yoga for everyone?


No — but it is for anyone. There’s an important difference. Yoga requires willingness: a desire to understand yourself, grow, and do the inner work. It takes commitment and effort  that not everyone is ready for. So yes, anyone can practice, but it’s not for everyone.



9) What are three books to help me deepen my understanding of yoga as a complete practice?

  • The Heart of Yoga: T. K. V. Desikachar – This book is a great guide to understanding yoga as a personal practice. It shows how to adapt yoga to your life and your body, emphasizing that yoga is more than just postures — it’s a full system for growth and self-awareness.


  • One Simple Thing: Eddie Stern – Eddie Stern makes the wisdom of yoga accessible and practical for modern life. It’s full of insights that connect breath, movement, and meditation to the mind and nervous system—helpful whether you’re just starting or want to deepen your understanding.


  • Hatha Yoga Pradipika: Swami Muktibodhananda – This is a classic text that covers the full spectrum of yoga: postures, breath control, and meditation. It’s a foundational guide for anyone who wants to explore traditional yoga in its complete form.


These books are great whether you’re new to yoga, refining your practice, or want to revisit what this practice is really about — on and off the mat.



10) What is one piece of wisdom you would offer all practitioners?


 Practice, practice, practice. Yoga is something that only grows through consistent effort—even just a few minutes a day. This isn’t just about showing up on your mat; it applies to meditation, pranayama, mantra, or studying philosophy.


Patanjali reminds us in the Yoga Sutras (1.12–1.14) that the mind becomes steady through abhyasa (consistent practice) and vairagya (detachment). Transformation comes from regular, ongoing effort, not occasional bursts. The more we practice, the more our understanding deepens—and the more yoga naturally moves from the mat into our daily life.



Yoga is more than movement — it’s a lifelong practice that teaches clarity, presence, and self-understanding. Whether you’re stepping onto the mat for the first time or revisiting a lifelong practice, the path of yoga invites you to explore, evolve, and grow—physically, mentally, and spiritually. Each breath, posture, and moment of focus is an opportunity to connect with yourself and carry that awareness into your daily life. 



If you’re ready to dive deeper, join us in Stowe, Vermont, Dec. 11–14, 2025, for my h{OM}e Yoga & Wellness Retreat, where we explore yoga on and off the mat, creating space for insight, presence, and lasting connection. 

Early bird pricing ends Sept. 11 // register by then to save $300!

 
 
 

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