It's Not About the Sequence: What Yoga Actually is
- Poornamidam Wellbeing
- Apr 21
- 3 min read
Walk into any yoga class and you’ll see bodies moving through similar shapes as Pilates, calisthenics, or stretching routines. So what makes it yoga?
We might begin our practice with conventional intentions—strength, flexibility, stretch, mobility, stamina, calming, restoration. But we can also shift our approach: What if the practice is really about becoming aware of the state of our body? A tightness here, heaviness there, tension holding somewhere. Can we get a sense of what is needed to bring relief, lightness, a sense of aliveness into those parts of the body? Can we move in ways that facilitate that opening?
When Practice Becomes Personal
When I got onto my mat today to explore Janu Sirsasana, this distinction became clear. I could focus on perfection or range of motion, on what flexibility I lack and catalogue it away. Or I could tune in and yield into what wants to open up—meeting myself where I am, not where I think I should be.
As a physical practice, I could label it: hip opener, leg extension, rotation, arm strength, core stabilizer, forward bend. But I tried something different—listening, with these elements as a framework rather than goals.
This is yoga practice: presence meeting what is, and moving from that space. It’s not about the sequence we follow, the challenge we chase, or even our limitations. It’s about attention and intention shifting our physical practice into something integrated—a practice that brings comfort to the whole self.
What Patanjali Teaches About Asana
According to Patanjali, asana is a state where our presence is felt in a comfortable, spacious, and stable manner. Our effort yields into awareness that spreads and surrounds us, giving us a feeling of unending expansion. With this expanded awareness and identity, our ability to meet life’s situations with resilience and patience naturally develops. I thought readers might benefit reading the sutras directly.
Sutra 2.46 – “Sthira Sukham Asanam”
“The posture should be steady and comfortable.”
Sthira: Steadiness, firmness, stability, strength
Sukham: Comfort, ease, relaxation, a “good space”
Asanam: Posture or seat
Sutra 2.47 – “Prayatna Shaithilya Ananta Samapattibhyam”
“Perfection in asana comes from the relaxation of effort and merging with the infinite.”
Prayatna: Effort, exertion, tension
Shaithilya: Relaxation, letting go, loosening
Ananta: The infinite, endless, boundless, eternal
Samapattibhyam: Merging with, becoming absorbed in
When we connect to something bigger and vast, our viewpoint and vision expands. The restlessness ceases.
Sutra 2.48 – “Tato Dvandva Anabhighatah”
“From mastery of asana, the dualities no longer trouble the practitioner.”
Physical and mental conflicts—heat and cold, fear and desire, pleasure and pain—diminish. The practitioner develops resilience and is able to withstand the ups and downs of life.
So the next time you step onto your mat, try this: Before you move into your first pose, pause. Ask your body what it needs today. Listen for the answer. Let that listening guide your practice. You might be surprised how different yoga feels when you practice with yourself rather than at yourself.
After the practice reflect as to how close you got to Patanjali’s vision of Asana.
Do you feel comfortable , easeful, relaxed, more aware and more tolerant of the situations, moods as you go through the day.
Also know that anytime you are reflecting these attitudes and behaviors in your day, know that you are doing yoga. :)
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