Today, let’s talk about something that’s been bugging me for a while: the whole “levels” thing in yoga. You know, “beginner”, “intermediate”, “advanced” – it feels a bit like we’re sorting gym socks, not embarking on a profound exploration of our mind-body connection. Don’t get me wrong, there’s definitely a learning curve – no one waltzes into their first class and casually busts out pārśva-bakāsana (unless they’re secretly a yoga prodigy, in which case, colour me impressed!). But here’s the key difference: yoga isn’t a rigid system with levels to unlock, like some kind of fitness video game. It’s a personal odyssey, a chance to connect with your breath, your body, and maybe even unearth your inner zen master.
Sure, there’s progression in yoga; you wouldn’t try a headstand on day one (unless you’re a fearless adventurer with a healthy dose of recklessness – but even then, a little foundation work is wise!). The beautiful thing about yoga is that it’s not a competition to see who can master the most complicated āsana. It’s a journey of self-discovery, a chance to connect with your breath, your body, and maybe even your inner self. Perhaps today you’re feeling strong and inspired, ready to conquer that challenging arm balance; but tomorrow your body could be craving gentle stretches and restorative postures. Yoga allows us to honour wherever we are in the moment, to celebrate every twist, bend, and wobble along the way, as well as the times we choose something different for ourselves. After all, isn’t that what life’s all about – embracing the full spectrum of experiences, the sunshine and the rain, the mountaintops and the valleys?
Think about it: even the most seasoned practitioner will sometimes show up to class feeling stiff and out of sorts. Maybe they have a nagging injury that day, or perhaps life just threw them a curveball, and their mind is swirling with stress and worry. Does that suddenly mean they’re a beginner again? Of course not! Yoga is about showing up on your mat, about acknowledging where you’re at in the present moment, and meeting your body with kindness and compassion. Some days, that might mean powering through a challenging flow, and other days, it might mean opting for a more gentle, restorative practice focused on breath and introspection. The beauty of yoga is that it’s infinitely adaptable, and there’s always a practice that can serve you exactly where you are.
As a yoga teacher, my goal is to build a community, not a hierarchy. Realising that not every class will be suitable for every person, I will never offer an “all levels” class – although I will do my best to keep my mat-based classes accessible for the majority of practitioners (which is one of the joys of teaching FLY vinyāsa), while also offering other options – such as individual lessons so I can work with an individual on options for their practice, or chair yoga classes where they’d be more suitable.
That way, whether you’re a seasoned practitioner or a complete beginner, you’ll find your class challenging yet achievable, in a space where you can explore your practice without judgment. I believe that yoga is for everyone, and I’m passionate about guiding you on your journey, however that looks and wherever it may take you. So come as you are, be yourself, and let’s move, breathe, and flow together. After all, yoga is a practice, not a competition, and the only person you’re ever trying to impress is yourself.
So let’s ditch the levels, ditch the pressure, and embrace the fact that your yoga practice is yours and yours alone. It’s a playground for exploration, a canvas for self-discovery, and a safe space to laugh at yourself when you inevitably wobble or take a tumble (because let’s be real, it happens to all of us!).
Here’s the thing: yoga isn’t about achieving some picture-perfect pose – it’s about the journey itself, the way your breath connects you to your movement, and the incredible sense of accomplishment you feel when you find a new edge in your practice. It’s about the mind-body connection that deepens with each practice, the sense of calm that washes over you after a śavasāna, and the way you begin to carry that newfound peace and strength off the mat and into your daily life.
So ditch the labels, forget about fitting into some mould of what a “good” practitioner looks like, and embrace the beautiful, messy, entirely unique journey that is your yoga practice. After all, you’ve got this!