SEEKING SOMETHING BEYOND THE MAT
Many of us step onto our yoga mats seeking something profound — a breakthrough, a revelation, maybe even a moment of bliss. We look to our teachers hoping they'll guide us to that transformative experience. Yet perhaps we're putting too much weight on these fleeting moments of elevation.
Often, we see practitioners walk into their first Hatha yoga class expecting an immediate transcendent experience, a flowing practice that leaves them in a euphoric state. When they encounter something different — precise alignment, deliberate instruction, sustained attention to detail — we sometimes notice disappointment or frustration in their faces. Some don't return. It reminds me of learning pottery: the first time you sit at the wheel, you might hope to create something beautiful immediately, but the real magic reveals itself only when you give the practice time, patience, and willingness to embrace the process. This revelation comes now, years after my personal experience and after witnessing Akshey's yoga classes. My pottery teacher told me I must use the wheel to kill my ego before I would be able to make anything worthwhile. I never understood what he meant then and never went back — though now, the parallel couldn't be clearer.
The real depth of yoga reveals itself in quieter ways, through consistent practice over time. We notice how harshly we judge ourselves when struggling with a pose, or catch that flicker of comparison when glancing at a fellow practitioner. These moments become our teachers, gently showing us where we need to soften, where we need to grow.
The physical practice — the asanas — offers a unique opportunity to build a deeper connection with ourselves. As we learn to engage specific muscles, to find alignment, to breathe through challenge, we're training more than just our bodies. We're developing presence, patience, and the ability to stay with ourselves even when things get uncomfortable. This intentional focus, this conscious engagement with our practice, creates neural pathways that serve us both on and off the mat.
While we often seek teachers who can facilitate profound experiences, the most meaningful transformation comes from within. A teacher's role is fundamental — they guide us through postures, ensure our safety, and share their knowledge. But the deeper work? That's ours to do. We become our own facilitators when we show up consistently, practice patience with ourselves, and stay present through each breath and movement.
This kind of transformation doesn't arrive in a burst of euphoria. Instead, it accumulates slowly, almost imperceptibly, like water shaping stone. The discipline of maintaining a routine, the commitment to showing up — these seemingly simple acts are actually profound expressions of self-love. And over time, they yield the sweetest rewards: a steadier mind, a deeper connection with ourselves, and a more grounded way of moving through life.