Chapter 1: Recognizing Our Limits

Do you find yourself pushing hard in yoga because you feel obligated? Are you striving for what others seem to effortlessly achieve? Do you feel disheartened by your perceived shortcomings?

Many of us do. Society has ingrained in us the idea that relentless effort leads to success, but this often leads to disappointment and setbacks.

In yoga and fitness classes, I frequently notice students, myself included (especially those with Type A personalities), striving to master challenging poses like arm balances, splits, and backbends.

The desire to achieve these poses often leads to frustration. What’s overlooked is that excessive pushing can result in injury and strain, not just physically but mentally as well. It’s not a question of “if” but “when” injuries will occur, especially as we grow older.

In Ashtanga yoga, we’re encouraged to practice asanas to cleanse our energy and address our intrinsic karmas or mental impressions. Each pose has its own history and significance that warrants careful attention, patience, and understanding. This deep introspection can lead to genuine tranquility.

Ashtanga yoga is a profound practice that shouldn’t be taken lightly. While I appreciate Power Yoga, Ashtanga offers a unique depth.

Within the Ashtanga practice, we can find breath to soothe our minds, dristi (focused gaze) to enhance our internal concentration, and bandhas (core locks) to ignite heat and redirect our focus inward.

This aspect of Ashtanga is why it resonates with me so deeply.

However, to an outsider, Ashtanga practitioners might seem extraordinarily skilled, even beginners can appear to possess abilities that most will never attain. The allure of this proficiency is undeniable.

This phenomenon mirrors our experiences on social media, where we’re bombarded with stunning images and videos of remarkable yoga poses—showcasing immense strength and flexibility. We desire that level of capability.

Many fitness enthusiasts aspire to embody the Ashtanga spirit, often unaware of the dedication and effort required to reach such heights. Upon realizing the hard work involved, we either retreat or push ourselves to the brink to achieve our goals.

Nonetheless, our bodies have inherent limitations. Expecting rapid transformations or setting rigid weekly goals can lead to injuries. Our bodies weren’t designed for constant strain, nor should we attempt complex shapes without adequate preparation.

Rather, we should focus on gradual progress, which involves patience and dedication to learn the nuances of movement. This approach fosters a sustainable practice that prioritizes safety and well-being—ensuring we remain strong, mobile, and stable both physically and mentally.

Our approach to yoga (and fitness overall) reflects our internal state. Competitive individuals may overextend themselves in their practice, seeking validation through comparison, while those harboring negative emotions may force themselves into poses, unaware that yoga can help them confront these feelings.

Yet, the push to excel is not entirely our fault. We live in an instant gratification culture, expecting quick results in all aspects of life—whether it’s ordering food for immediate delivery or securing online shopping at our convenience.

This mindset can be detrimental to a yoga practice, where cultivating a habit requires time and mindfulness. But who has that kind of time?

How many will truly achieve their goals when patience is required? We can train for speed and efficiency, but mastering complex poses like backbends cannot be rushed.

Many approach their practice with the hope of nailing challenging poses immediately—setting unrealistic expectations, often leading to disappointment.

As we age, forcing our bodies into unnatural positions becomes counterproductive. The journey should be about gradual improvement and self-care.

While some individuals may naturally possess strength and flexibility, they too can face challenges if they don’t balance these attributes with stability.

Personally, I’ve had to work diligently on both strength and flexibility, exploring various aspects of my practice. I’ve shifted my focus from achieving impressive poses to understanding how each transition feels.

If I can’t find calm in my breath, that’s my signal to step back.

After experiencing a recurring shoulder injury, I’ve learned the hard way that pushing too hard can lead to setbacks.

Yet, many still adhere to the belief that sheer effort will yield success. Yes, we can achieve, but the goal should be sustainability and kindness to ourselves throughout the process.

So, I pose this question: why is it deemed successful to perform a full backbend despite existing back issues? Why is it celebrated when injuries occur during attempts at extreme poses?

The lesson often goes unheeded, with our bodies retaining the consequences of our actions.

My answer lies in my relationship with my adult self. As adults, we must respond to our bodies wisely, setting boundaries to prevent injury and ensure longevity in our practices.

Instead of seeking validation through impressive feats, we should focus on connecting with ourselves and nurturing our spiritual journeys.

Imagine a scenario where you wake up eager for a yoga class—not comparing yourself to others but immersing yourself in your own experience.

You cultivate mindfulness and appreciate your unique journey.

As we age, we naturally slow down, realizing our bodies have their limits, and we begin to prioritize wisdom over competitiveness.

We come to understand that expecting to achieve complex poses after years of neglecting our physical health is unrealistic.

Nonetheless, with patience and insight, it’s possible to honor our bodies and their needs.

The goal is to redefine our practice as one of growth rather than mere physical achievement.

One of my students, recovering from a shoulder injury, expressed it perfectly: “I’m adult enough to recognize my limits, which is why I chose to skip them.”

Well said, wise yogini. Thank you for your time and consideration. If you enjoy this, I would appreciate your support, and I’ll be sure to reciprocate!