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Lessons Learnt from Yoga: A Journey of Growth, Stillness, and Connection 

Writer's picture: Charlene DrummondCharlene Drummond

 

As I lay in child’s pose during my yin class one morning, my mind wandered to the many lessons’ yoga has taught me over the years. It’s incredible to reflect on how this practice has enriched my life - not just physically, but emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. 

 

A few years ago, I made the commitment to dive deeper into yoga by beginning my teacher training. After nearly two decades as a student, I felt called to deepen my practice and share its transformative power with others. What I didn’t realise at the time was how much this journey would teach me - not only about yoga itself, but about life. 

 


 

 

The Wake-Up Call: Listening to My Body 

 

Transitioning from practicing yoga two or three times a week to a daily practice was no small feat. My body protested. Soreness became a constant companion, and some days, I dreaded getting on my mat. But I pushed through, determined to “do it right” and master the set sequences I was given. 

 

Then, as often happens when we ignore the whispers of our body, mine began to scream. An old shoulder injury flared up just before I was set to travel to Greece for an intensive training. Chaturanga was suddenly off the table, and my perfectionist tendencies were forced to take a backseat. 

 

This challenge became a gift in disguise. It pushed me to explore the deeper, less physical aspects of yoga - what the practice is truly about. I discovered Patanjali’s Eight Limbs of Yoga, a framework that revealed to me that asana (the poses) is just one small part of a much larger path. 

 


 

 

Rediscovering the Heart of Yoga 

 

Many of us are first drawn to yoga for the physical benefits - increased flexibility, strength, and balance. But over time, something shifts. We begin to notice the quieter transformations happening beneath the surface - the way we breathe more deeply, the sense of calm that lingers after class, the moments of stillness that feel just as powerful as the movement.


At its core, yoga is about stillness, self-discovery, and connection. For me, this realisation was like an emotional release. I didn’t need to push myself to perfect every pose. The postures are just tools to help us connect with something deeper - the quiet, knowing part of ourselves that exists beyond the noise of daily life. 

 

So, I began to listen. I took child’s pose when I needed it, skipped chaturangas, and let go of the idea that I had to look a certain way in triangle pose. At first, I worried about what others in the studio might think. But over time, I cared less. 


 

Three whimsical ornaments depicting serene yoga poses sit gracefully against a lush, leafy backdrop.
Three whimsical ornaments depicting serene yoga poses sit gracefully against a lush, leafy backdrop.

 

 

What Yoga Has Taught Me 

 

Here are some of the lessons yoga has instilled in me along the way, which I hope will inspire you on your yoga journey: 

 

1. Listening to My Body

Our bodies hold so much wisdom. When we quiet our minds and tune in, we can hear what we truly need - whether it’s rest, stillness, or a deeper stretch. Every day is different, and yoga has taught me to honour where I am, without judgment or comparison. 

 

2. Non-Comparison

In a world saturated with social media, it’s easy to feel like we’re not doing enough or not “good” enough - especially in the yoga world, where perfect handstands flood our feeds. Yoga has shown me the strength it takes to be authentic, to find my voice, and to teach in a way that feels true to who I am. 

 

3. Non-Attachment - Letting Go and Finding Contentment

"Through contentment, ultimate happiness is achieved." - Yoga Sutra ii.42

Letting go sounds simple, but it’s one of the hardest lessons. Yoga teaches that attachment -to things, outcomes, or even our own thoughts - creates suffering.

For me, this is an ongoing practice. I’ve learned to catch myself when I dwell on the past or worry about the future, gently bringing my focus back to the present. Non-attachment isn’t about indifference; it’s about being in harmony with what is, embracing life as it unfolds, and finding peace in acceptance.

 

4. The Power of Breath

Breathwork is the cornerstone of yoga, and it’s a tool I use both on and off the mat. Focusing on my breath has helped me calm my nervous system, regulate stress, and approach challenges with greater clarity and ease. 

 

5. The Value of Community

Yoga has connected me with a beautiful community of like-minded souls. These friendships and shared experiences have been invaluable for my mental health and sense of belonging. 

 

6. Confidence

Teaching yoga has been one of the greatest growth experiences of my life. It’s pushed me to step outside my comfort zone, embrace vulnerability, and trust in my ability to share something meaningful. 



 


A Quote to Reflect On 

 

One of my favourite quotes by Rachel Brathen, beautifully captures the essence of this journey: 

 

"The poses are not the goal. Becoming flexible or standing on your head is not the goal. The goal is to create space where you were once stuck, to unveil the layers of protection you’ve built around your heart, to appreciate your body and become aware of the mind and the noise it creates, to make peace with who you are."

 

This resonates deeply with me. Yoga is not about the perfect pose or the most advanced sequence - it’s about peeling back the layers and finding your true self beneath it all. 

 


 

 

Closing Thoughts 

 

As I continue on this path, I’m reminded daily that yoga is so much more than a physical practice. It’s a way of being, a way of connecting with myself and the world around me. And it’s a practice I’ll never stop learning from. 


The beauty of yoga is that it meets you where you are. Whether you’re drawn to the movement, the breath, or the stillness, it offers a path inward - a space to listen, to reflect, and to reconnect with yourself. There is no right or wrong way to practice; only what feels true to you in the moment.


So, I invite you to explore - whether it’s by slowing down, focusing on your breath, or simply allowing yourself to be present. What does your body, your heart, your intuition need today? Yoga gives us the space to ask, and more importantly, to listen.

 

What lessons has yoga taught you? Let’s continue the conversation - I’d love to hear your stories. 

 

Namaste, 

Charlene x

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