#1 - Understand your unique anatomy

Until recently, the entire yoga world was based on the tacit assumption that every body is pretty much the same. Yes, some people are taller than others. Some people are bigger than others. But besides that, we're all the same. We have the same bones, the same proportions and the same ability to build muscles, lengthen muscles and perform all the poses if only we keep trying.

Today we know better. We understand that every body is unique. Truly unique. This is actually very obvious. You just need to look at people's faces to realize that almost every body has the same parts (nose, forehead, eyes, ears, lips etc.) — but that each of us has their own unique version of how exactly the different elements are built and combined.

This is not just true for faces, but also for the rest of our bodies. We have different proportions, different bone structures, different ranges of motion in our joints, different muscle tissue, different everything.

This, of course, is not to say that practice doesn't matter. But it does mean that practice doesn't always make perfect. That there is no perfect! That instead of working harder, we should work smarter. That one-size-fits-all cues simply won't do the trick. That if you want to advance your practice, you first need to spend some time to understand your unique body. So do that. 😊

#2 - Try new styles of yoga

Humans love a good comfort zone. And that's generally a good thing. But, at the same time, comfort, routines, having settled in … those things can get reeeally boring. When that happens, we need to spice things up, add a new challenge, break the habit and try something new.

Yoga is incredibly diverse. So if you feel stuck, one great way to get unstuck is to experiment with new yoga styles. If all you do is fast-paced Vinyasa Flow, give Yin Yoga a chance. It'll blow your mind! If you're usually doing very gentle practices, challenge yourself with a Hatha class. You could of course also try Aerial yoga, Hot yoga, or some other very specific styles. But I'd recommend to start with new styles that have a low barrier to entry, aka. where you don't need a ton of equipment or drive across town to get to the one studio that offers this exact style.

4) Learn to see with the eyes of a yogi ("take your yoga off the mat" sounds so incredibly cliche ... because most people who say that never actually do the work. but if you do, I promise that it'll change your life forever. If you understand how to look at life with the eyes of a yogi, i.e. if you adopt a yogic mindset and you, it'll impact every aspect of life.

#3 - Go beyond stretching

Yoga isn't just asana. And asana isn't just about stretching. Far from it! Originally, the word "asana" just meant something like "the proper seat for meditation". It was the right way to sit still so that you could do what really matters: get in touch with your true nature.

Today, these origins have been washed away. For most people, yoga is just another workout routine like pilates or cross fit. But if you are hungry for more, if you want to level up your yoga, then dedicate some time to meditation and/or other yogic practices like breathwork or chanting mantra.

These things aren't just yogic and that's it. They have incredible beneftis for body and mind which you don't get from stretching alone. So give it a shot!

#4 - Live like a yogi

The words "take your yoga off the mat" have become a total cliché. The problem is that most people (including some who are very noisy) don't walk their talk. To live like a yogi takes practice and real effort. It's not achieved by talking about how yogic we are. And most people, unfortunately, don't put in the work to really understand the key concepts of yoga philosophy, or to put them into action as they go about their lives.

How about you? If you're genuinely interested in leveling up your yoga practice, do the work. Learn to view the world with the eyes of a true yogi. Adopt a yogic mindset. Live like a yogi. It'll take time and effort. But I promise you: It's worth it!