How do we know when yoga is “working”?

Many people wonder if their yoga practice is “working.” The Gita reminds us that the answer isn’t found in external achievements, but in subtle inner shifts - how we relate to challenge, desire, comparison, and happiness itself. These are practical signs to notice in everyday life.

Peace

You become less reactive. Life situations, even hard ones, feel like they are manageable. There will be a feeling of ease as you ride the waves of challenge with peace & evenness...life feels OK at all times

"Yoga is skill in action. Perform your duty equipoised, abandoning all attachment to success or failure. Such equanimity is called yoga" (BG 2.48)

Balance

We are not defined by praise nor are we shattered by blame. Success and failure, (and other forms of opposites) don’t impact your overall inner state - because you feel at peace. This is true wisdom

" Whose mind is not disturbed in sorrow, who does not crave pleasure, free from attachment, fear, and anger - he is called a sage of steady wisdom.” (BG 2.56)

Live with Less

Desires are not inherently bad, but as we gain wisdom through sadhana we start to see which desires are helpful and which are harmful. “Stuff” loses its appeal

“When a person abandons all desires of the mind and is satisfied in the Self alone, he is said to be of steady wisdom.” (BG 2.55)

You don’t compare

With clarity comes confidence. With practice grows inner wisdom. By knowing who we are, we don’t need to compare to others. Sadhana helps us to have a steady understanding of our purpose in life. The wise know that the grass may not be greener on the other side...

“Do your own duty, even if it is imperfect, as that is better than another’s well performed.” (BG 3.35)

Happiness Is...

Something that comes from connection deep within ourselves. We don’t need to chase after something (or someone!) to make us happy. Contentment is that deep self-sustaining feeling of peace with what is, not something to chase or acquire.

“That happiness which comes from the stillness of the mind, which is grasped by the inner faculty, transcends the senses - this is sattvic happiness.” (BG 18.37)

Learn more in my hatha yoga course

6 month long personalized study and practice program. With techniques and content from classical hatha yoga. Study in a closely guided authentic, supported online environment <3