Yoga
a deeper look.
My philosophy on Yoga Asana
The practice in which I engage and share emerges from my ongoing journey to deeply understand and embody yoga philosophy presented and influenced predominantly by the teachings of Krishnamacharya, B.K.S. Iyengar, T.K.V. Desikachar, Bryan Kest, and Eddie Stern. Krishnamacharya, the heart and foundation of my understanding, integrated yoga both for his time and for today, and his teachings are carried forward through the work of his students, Iyengar and Desikachar. Later, Bryan Kest brought a new perspective, reshaping traditional yoga philosophy, while still staying connected to the essence of Krishnamacharya’s wisdom. Finally, Eddie Stern has simplified these teachings, making them accessible and deeply relevant to our present-day world.
Yoga, at its core, is about honoring the body, breath, and mind in their most natural state—free from force or expectation. It’s not about striving to reach a physical ideal, but about engaging with the body in a way that feels true and right in this moment. The practice is not about pushing through discomfort or forcing progression, but about moving with mindfulness and softness. This “gentle touch” doesn’t imply a lack of effort, but rather a conscious effort to remain present, aware, and connected to each movement. In this way, every pose becomes limitless—it’s not confined to a single shape or outcome. Each posture can be adapted to your body’s needs, inviting freedom and ease into your practice.
At the heart of yoga lies the belief that strength comes from ease and connection—not from force or struggle. The physical practice itself is a blend of various styles—Hatha, Power/Vinyasa, Ashtanga, Yin, and meditation—each offering its own unique contribution to create a balanced, holistic experience. Ashtanga and Vinyasa build strength and flexibility through dynamic flow, while Yin provides space to slow down and deeply listen to the body, fostering release and surrender. Together, these elements create a practice that’s both challenging and restorative, offering a balance of movement and stillness, breath and devotion.
This blending of styles makes yoga feel limitless. The practice isn’t about rigidity or perfection; it’s about honoring where you are in each moment and letting go of any idea of comparison. There are no external standards to meet, and the only true measure of success is your ability to remain present, to breathe freely, and to connect with your truest self. Yoga is not just something we do on the mat—it’s a way of being. It teaches us to approach life with gentleness, humility, and a sense of peace, no matter what challenges arise. Through yoga, we create space to meet ourselves exactly where we are, with love, compassion, and understanding.
Through this practice, we come to learn that our greatest strength is not about pushing through our limits, but about embracing them with grace. It’s a continuous journey of self-discovery, where the goal is not mastery over poses, but mastery over how we show up for ourselves and others. In doing so, we cultivate a deep sense of inner peace, resilience, and connection that extends far beyond the mat.
Yoga draws its name from the Sanskrit word “yuj,” meaning to unite. This union speaks to the deep connection of mind, body, and spirit, where the mind becomes absorbed in the present moment, ultimately realizing its true nature and gaining the wisdom of our inner being/self. This practice isn’t just about physical technique—it’s about a holistic power that guides us through life’s challenges with humility, love, and presence. Yoga encourages us to embrace our inner strength with grace and wisdom.
When we engage in asana, yoga is not about forcing the body into shapes or achieving external goals. It’s about cultivating an inner power that stems from compassion and connection to ourselves. Through this practice, we learn to trust our bodies, respect our limits, and develop resilience and understanding. True strength, yoga teaches us, is not about rigid control, but about flowing through life with calmness and ease.
-Hari Aum Tat Sat-