Why You Should Practice Advanced Asanas

"Life is a journey, not a destination." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

You may have heard this quote before - but do you apply it to your yoga practice?

I sometimes build my classes towards a more advanced asana with the hopes of bringing students out of their comfort zones and to witness them discover a level of strength and flexibility they never knew they had.

Of course, every body is different and not everyone is going to ace the asana on the first try. Some students laugh, thinking I am crazy for including such a challenging asana; some fall but pick themselves up and keep trying; some look absolutely defeated and bring their attention to others in the room - in admiration and/or jealousy.

During a recent class, very few people looked confident attempting the peak pose and I felt defeated as a teacher. Should I not have included this arm balance? Did I not do enough to prepare the body? I took a moment to close my eyes and suddenly remembered: yoga is not about the shape you make with your body, it is about how you feel on the inside.

I opened my eyes and shared this knowledge with the class, and the energy in the room quickly shifted. Students' doubtful glares turned into smiles of hope and I concluded that I'm not such a bad teacher after all.

The next time you're in class and a more advanced asana is presented to you, remain open to possibility. Safely attempt the asana, while remaining connected to your emotional and mental state.

Become aware of how you react to different challenges on your mat and bring this awareness with you as you leave practice.

May you see challenges as lessons, as opportunities. Opportunities to grow into a better yogi, into a better person.

xx