What Is Yoga, and How Do I Think About It?
In the East, yoga is primarily a philosophy. The asanas, or physical exercises, were originally intended to prepare the body for meditation: to be able to sit steadily and painlessly for long periods. In the West, many people view it more as a sport, which is perfectly fine. Yoga does not expect you to be perfect immediately, but rather to strive for progress.
This is why students aged 16 to 72 come to my classes: yoga can be strong, intense, and toning, or soft and deeply relaxing. Everyone finds in it what they need according to their temperament, intention, and current state.
According to yoga traditions, only with the right mental foundation can we reach samadhi, the ultimate goal. I believe we should aim for a positive personality and a moral life—and at the same time, simply practice, because yoga will shape us anyway. I have never met an unpleasant yoga practitioner: either yoga makes them better, or good people are drawn to this path. For me, yoga is a journey: better breathing, a healthier body, a more stable and balanced mind.

