I will never say it enough and I think my friends and colleagues can confirm that there is not a conversation in which I bring in the word yoga or make a demo of yoga posture 😅. Yoga has been a transformative journey for me — one that goes beyond just stretching on a mat. And it makes me feel great !
For me, yoga is about healing, rediscovering my inner strength, and navigating life’s uncertainties with more inner peace. But if you've ever wondered, What really is yoga? Yoga? A sport ? A religion ? A trend? A lifestyle ? Where does it come from, and how did it evolve into the trendy practice we see today? — you're not alone. For a long time, I myself considered as a physical activity to relax and gain in flexibility. Yoga is much more than this!
In this article, we’ll explore:
✅ Yoga’s origins & evolution
✅ Top 10 yoga terms (because, yes, the lingo can be confusing!)
✅ How yoga differs from Pilates
✅ What to wear to a yoga class
✅ What is Flow Yoga, Yoga Therapy, and Yoga Alliance?
✅ The role of meditation in yoga
By the end, I hope you’ll see that yoga isn’t just for “flexible” people — it’s for anyone looking to connect with themselves in a deeper way. As someone who has navigated life after hip surgery due to hip dysplasia as well as a severe accident that significantly affected my joints, I can attest to its impact. Regardless of physical limitations, yoga adapts to you, not the other way around.
The Origins of Yoga: How It All Started
Yoga isn’t just a fitness trend (don't fall for it) — it’s a 5,000-year-old practice with deep spiritual roots. Originating in ancient India, yoga originally emerged as a philosophical and meditative discipline, and it remains so for those who seek to deepen their understanding and practice beyond the physical aspects. The word yoga comes from Sanskrit, meaning “to yoke” or “to unite”, reflecting its purpose of connecting the self with a deeper consciousness.
The earliest records of yoga appear in the Vedas, sacred texts that spoke of meditation, rituals, and spiritual philosophy. Later, Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras laid out the Eight Limbs of Yoga, a framework guiding ethical living, breath control, meditation, and movement.
Patanjali, often regarded as the father of classical yoga, was an Indian sage and philosopher who lived around the 2nd century BCE. His Yoga Sutras are a collection of 196 aphorisms (short verses) that systematized the existing knowledge of yoga into a structured path toward spiritual liberation and self-discipline. This text remains one of the most influential writings on yoga, shaping modern practices and teachings.
His Eight Limbs of Yoga include ethical principles (yamas & niyamas), physical postures (asanas), breath control (pranayama), and meditative absorption (samadhi) — all essential to achieving inner peace and self-awareness. While many today associate yoga primarily with physical exercise, Patanjali’s vision of yoga was holistic, emphasizing a deep connection between mind, body, and spirit.
But here’s something surprising — yoga wasn’t originally about striking a pose like downward dog or headstands. In its earliest form, yoga was more about inner discipline and self-mastery than physical movement. The foundational texts, such as the Vedas and Upanishads, emphasized breath control (pranayama), meditation (dhyana), and ethical principles for living a balanced life.
Rather than being a fitness practice, yoga was a spiritual and philosophical system designed to harmonize the mind, body, and soul.
✨ Top 10 Yoga Terms You Should Know
If you’ve ever been in a class and felt lost in the terminology, don’t worry! Here are some key yoga words to know:
Yoga’s Evolution & How It Became a Global Movement
Fast forward to the late 19th century, yoga started making its way to the West through teachers like Swami Vivekananda. But it was in the 1960s and 70s that yoga exploded in the U.S., embraced by celebrities, musicians, and wellness seekers.
With its popularity came modern adaptations — new styles, hybrid practices, and even confusion with Pilates.
Pilates vs. Yoga: What’s the Difference?
Many people wonder: Should I do yoga or Pilates? While both improve flexibility and strength, they have key differences:
➡ If you’re looking for mindfulness, go for yoga. If you want core toning, try Pilates. 😊
Flow Yoga, Meditation & the Healing Side of YogaWhat Is Flow Yoga?
You might have heard the term "flow yoga" or Vinyasa yoga. This style focuses on seamless movement, linking breath with poses. Unlike static poses, Flow Yoga feels almost dance-like and can be as gentle or intense as you like.
The Role of Meditation in Yoga
✔ Reduce stress & anxiety
✔ Improve focus & clarity
✔ Increase emotional resilience
Even one minute of sitting in stillness can transform your day.
Yoga Therapy, Yoga Alliance & The State of Yoga Today
What Is Yoga Therapy?
Unlike regular yoga classes, yoga therapy is designed to address specific health issues — like chronic pain, anxiety, or injury recovery. A certified yoga instructor tailors practices to individual needs, blending postures, breathwork, and mindfulness techniques.
What Is Yoga Alliance?
If you’ve ever looked into yoga teacher training, you’ve probably seen Yoga Alliance mentioned. It’s a U.S.-based credentialing organization that sets standards for yoga teacher certification. While not a governing body, it ensures that teachers meet a consistent level of training.
Yoga Today: Its Global Evolution & Where It's Heading
Yoga has transformed from an ancient spiritual discipline into a diverse, global practice embraced for physical, mental, and emotional well-being. While its core principles remain rooted in self-discovery and balance, yoga has evolved to meet the needs of modern practitioners across the world. Today, it exists in countless forms — ranging from traditional Hatha and Kundalini to innovative hybrid styles and digital wellness solutions.
As yoga continues to adapt and expand, several key trends are shaping its present and future:
🔹 Tech-Integrated Yoga – Virtual classes, AI-assisted coaching, and even VR meditation experiences are making yoga more accessible than ever. Online platforms allow people to practice from anywhere, at any time, with experienced teachers from all around the world, offering a diverse range of styles and expertise to suit every individual's needs and goals. This accessibility makes it easier than ever to find the right teacher, whether for personalized guidance, deepening a practice, or exploring new yoga traditions—all from the comfort of home.
🔹 Trauma-Informed Yoga – More instructors are being trained to create safe, inclusive spaces for individuals recovering from physical injuries, emotional trauma, or PTSD, ensuring that yoga is accessible to all.
🔹 Sustainability & Eco-Yoga – The yoga community is embracing ethical fashion, eco-friendly mats, and mindful consumption, aligning the practice with environmental consciousness.
🔹 Yoga for Corporate Wellness – Workplaces worldwide are integrating mindfulness and yoga to reduce stress, enhance productivity, and support employee well-being.
🔹 Fusion Practices – Yoga is blending with strength training, dance, martial arts, and sound healing, offering innovative ways to engage diverse audiences and deepen the mind-body connection.
As yoga continues to evolve across cultures and industries, one thing remains constant: its power to heal, transform, and unite people from all walks of life.
My Yoga Journey: From Healing to Self-Exploration
For me, yoga wasn’t just about getting fit—it was about finding my way back to myself.
Following my hip surgery for hip dysplasia (read more in my blog post XXXX) and a life-altering accident, I initially turned to yoga as a way to regain physical strength and mobility. However, it quickly became much more than just recovery—it evolved into a profound journey of healing, self-discovery, and transformation. But it became so much more:
✔ A way to process emotions
✔ A tool for calming anxiety
✔ A journey of self-acceptance
I used to believe yoga had to look a certain way—like perfect poses and ultimate flexibility. But I’ve learned that yoga is for everybody. Whether you practice in a studio, at home, or outdoors, the real magic happens when you show up for yourself.
Final Thoughts: Yoga Is for Everyone
Yoga isn’t just for the flexible or the spiritual—it’s for anyone looking to heal, grow, and reconnect with themselves. Whether you’re drawn to it for movement, stress relief, or personal growth, there’s no wrong way to start.
So if you ever find yourself thinking, "I'm not flexible enough for yoga," remember this:
Yoga isn't about how far you can stretch—it's about the growth, awareness, and self-discovery you experience along the way.
TIPS FROM SAB: What to Expect at Your First Yoga Class
Walking into a yoga studio for the first time can feel intimidating, especially if you’re unsure what to wear or bring.
What to Wear?
✔ Comfortable, stretchy clothing – Think leggings, a fitted tank top, or a T-shirt. Avoid anything too loose that might get in the way of movement. And no, you don’t need the latest trendy Lululemon outfit—it won’t make you more flexible, trust me! 😉
✔ Bare feet – Yoga is traditionally practiced barefoot to improve grip and stability. However, if you prefer more support, special yoga socks with grip can help prevent slipping on the mat.
✔ Layers – A light sweater, hoodie, or shawl can be nice for Savasana (final relaxation) at the end of class when your body cools down.
What to Bring?
✔ A yoga mat (some studios provide them, but having your own is more hygienic).
✔ A water bottle – Hydration is key, especially in more intense classes like Vinyasa or Hot Yoga.
✔ A small towel – If you tend to sweat, this can help keep your mat dry.
Yoga Props for Online Practice
If you’re attending an online class, consider having a few props to enhance your practice:
✔ Yoga blocks – Opt for heavy blocks for better stability; lightweight foam blocks can shift and make balancing harder.
✔ A yoga strap – Great for improving flexibility and deepening stretches.
✔ Knee pads – Ideal for cushioning during poses that put pressure on the knees.
✔ A bolster – Especially useful for Yin Yoga, where it helps support the body in longer-held poses for relaxation and deep release.
💡 Having these simple tools can make a big difference in your comfort and alignment, whether you’re in a studio or practicing from home!
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Enjoyed this article? If you're curious about yoga but don’t feel quite ready to join a class, I offer personalized online sessions to guide you at your own pace. Let’s chat! You can book a free online consultation (CLICK HERE) to explore how yoga can fit into your journey.
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Namaste!
Sab