“Yoga is not for the flexible. It’s for the willing.” —Anonymous

In our fast-paced world, where we’re constantly pulled in a thousand directions, finding a moment of peace can feel impossible. Many people are curious about yoga, yet hesitate to give it a try. The reasons vary—some think they’re too inflexible, too restless, or simply not the “yoga type.” But the truth is, yoga is for everyone. It’s not about how flexible you are, how long you can hold a pose, or whether you can clear your mind completely. Yoga is about meeting yourself exactly where you are and being open to the journey ahead.

Yoga is More Then Just Breathing

When people find out that I practice and teach yoga, I often hear comments such as, “I can’t do yoga, I’m not flexible enough.” “Oh, I tried yoga and I can’t do it. It’s just too slow for me.”

The truth is, everyone can do yoga. Those that say they can’t either don’t like yoga and want to be polite, don’t realize yoga is not about touching your toes, or are uncomfortable with what comes up when they slow down and listen to the wisdom of the body, so they avoid it altogether.

Yoga is more than just stretching, it’s more than just breathing, it’s more than just being able to relax. Yoga is the willingness to show up and explore your body and mind relationship. Within the body is the story of your life. All experiences have been recorded and stored in your tissues, muscles, and bones. When you engage in yoga, you allow the wisdom of your true nature to surface.

Yoga invites us to embrace our imperfections and limitations, not as obstacles, but as gateways to self-discovery. It’s not about nailing the perfect pose or flowing effortlessly from one asana to the next. Instead, it’s about cultivating a deep sense of awareness and compassion towards ourselves.

In yoga, the real practice begins when we confront our edges—both physical and mental. It’s in these moments of challenge and discomfort that we grow. We learn to breathe through the tension, to soften around the resistance, and to find stillness in the chaos. Yoga teaches us that it’s okay to not be perfect, to not have it all figured out.

The beauty of yoga lies in its ability to meet us exactly where we are, whether we’re touching our toes or barely reaching our knees. It encourages us to honor our bodies, to listen to our inner voice, and to trust the process, no matter how slow or uncertain it may seem.

So, the next time you think, ‘I can’t do yoga,’ remember that yoga isn’t something you need to be good at. It’s something you practice, something you experience, something you live. It’s a journey of coming home to yourself, of finding peace within your own skin, and of embracing the wholeness of who you are.

5 Reasons You Should Try Yoga:

Still not convinced that yoga is for you? Here are five reasons to give it a try, even if you think you can’t do it:

1. Yoga Meets You Where You Are: No matter your level of flexibility, strength, or experience, yoga is adaptable to suit your needs. It’s about starting where you are and progressing at your own pace.
2. Mental Clarity and Stress Relief: Yoga helps calm the mind and reduce stress, offering tools to manage the pressures of daily life. It’s a practice of mindfulness that brings a sense of peace and clarity.
3. Improved Flexibility and Strength: Regular practice gently increases your flexibility and builds strength. Over time, you’ll notice improvements in your body’s ability to move with ease.
4. Increased Self-Awareness: Yoga encourages introspection and a deeper connection to your body and mind. It helps you understand and appreciate your body’s unique needs and limitations.
5. Community and Support: Yoga fosters a sense of community, whether you practice in a studio or online. Being part of a supportive environment can enhance your experience and keep you motivated.

Remember, yoga is not about perfection—it’s about progress and self-compassion. So, step onto the mat with an open mind and see where the journey takes you. You might just surprise yourself

Paula Ribotto

Get Your Ultimate Guide to the Yamas & Niyamas

Willingness to Unite:

In the realm of yoga, Ishvara Pranidhana involves entrusting oneself to the divine essence. The term “Ishvara” signifies the divine, while “Pranidhana” translates to surrender. Contrary to the common misconception of surrender as weakness or failure, in yoga, it signifies the willingness to unite with the cosmic order. Yoga, fundamentally meaning union, requires the relinquishment of control—a willingness to trust that one is precisely where they need to be, even in discomfort. Unfortunately, societal teachings often equate surrendering control with weakness, instilling fear about the potential consequences of losing it. However, holding onto an illusion of control restricts the natural, creative flow of the universe, hindering personal growth and happiness. (more…)

Embarking on the journey of self-discovery often prompts us to ponder the profound question, “WHO AM I?” Within the realm of yogic philosophy, the 4th Niyama, known as Svadhayaya or the Study of the Self, emerges as a guiding beacon on this soul-searching path. In this exploration, individuals may find themselves questioning how one goes about studying the intricacies of their own being. This process, like any scholarly pursuit, demands curiosity, focus, and a deep-seated desire to understand and integrate acquired knowledge into daily life. (more…)

In the realm of yoga philosophy, Tapas is a concept that holds profound significance. Derived from the Sanskrit root “tap,” meaning “to burn,” Tapas is often translated as “discipline,” “austerity,” or “burning enthusiasm.” It is a powerful concept that encourages individuals to cultivate self-discipline and passion in their pursuits, ultimately leading to personal transformation and growth. In the context of yoga, Tapas is considered one of the Niyamas, which are ethical principles guiding personal conduct and self-discipline. (more…)

Santosha, the second Niyama from the Yoga Sutras, encourages us to cultivate a profound sense of contentment and joy in our lives, relationships, and possessions. It urges us to embrace the mantra, “I am happy, I am grateful for all that I have.” Santosha compels us to become mindful of thoughts and emotions that misalign with our core belief in happiness. Even if we generally feel content, there are moments when we catch ourselves wishing for something more, saying, “I wish I had ______,” “If only I could ______,” or “When I get ______, then I will be happy.” These desires can take countless forms, but they all divert the mind away from true contentment.  No matter how much we possess, if we cannot tap into that inner wellspring of happiness, we remain in a ceaseless quest to fill an insatiable void. (more…)

The Niyamas, the second limb of Patanjali’s Eightfold Path, offer profound insights into the art of self-care and self-discovery within the yogic philosophy. They are about cultivating a better relationship with ourselves. I like to think of them as a way to measure how we treat ourselves when no one is watching. Among these five guiding principles is Saucha, which centers around the concept of purity, both inside and outside of our beings. In this exploration, we delve into the ways in which Saucha encourages us to cleanse our physical and mental spaces to facilitate inner clarity and harmony. (more…)

Aparigraha, the final among the five Yamas, is a fundamental principle in the realm of yoga philosophy, encompassing the concepts of non-grasping, non-hoarding, and non-greed. While I may humorously reference my proficiency in adhering to this Yama by virtue of my frequent decluttering and willingness to part with possessions, the reality is that each of us grapples with certain possessions and attachments that prove challenging to relinquish. An examination of our personal attachments can lead to profound self-discovery, uncovering hidden resistances to the act of letting go. (more…)

Tame Our Overindulgences

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Exploring Asteya, the Yogic Principle of Non-Stealing

In the profound realm of yoga philosophy, the Yamas serve as ethical guidelines, offering us a profound understanding of how to navigate life with intention, compassion, and mindfulness. Asteya, the third Yama, stands as a beacon of simplicity: don’t steal. At its surface, Asteya calls upon us to refrain from taking what doesn’t rightfully belong to us. While few of us would readily label ourselves as thieves, this yogic principle delves deep into the subtler, often overlooked ways we inadvertently pilfer not just from others but from our own well-being, both on and off the yoga mat. Asteya invites us to illuminate the quiet acts of theft that can impact our self-perception and, consequently, our actions in the world. (more…)

In the realm of yoga and its ethical guidelines, there exists a concept known as Satya, the second of the five Yamas. At its core, Satya translates to Truthfulness, but its significance runs deeper than mere honesty. Let’s embark on a journey through this profound principle and discover how it can transform your life. (more…)