Reflections on 30 Years of Yoga Practice: Lessons, Growth, and Inner Transformation

Embarking on a journey through three decades of yoga practice has been a profound and transformative experience. What started as a simple curiosity evolved into a lifelong exploration of self-discovery, mindfulness, and holistic well-being. As I reflect on these 30 years, I’m humbled by the invaluable lessons that yoga has imparted, shaping my physical, mental, social, and spiritual landscape.

30 years ago, my mother and I went into a used books store, where we found an old copy of the Mahabharata and the Ramayana. We made monthly trips to the next town, armed with empty sacks of rice, we spent hours scourging mountains of books. Oh how I loved the smell of old books, I can still remember the owner of the shop, an old man with his glasses perched at the edge of his nose, he would offer me different titles for kids and teens. I was 14 and was reading Nabokov, Rushdie, Orwell, Solzhenitsyn, and the like. He didn’t approve and decided it was his job to protect me from inappropriate content. My mother on the other hand wanted me to read as much as possible, and always gave me the resources and support that have sustained my love for reading until now (my accountant was not amused when I sent her bills for 142 books that last year!)

Back to yoga, when we got home I opened the Mahabharata and immediately I was hooked. It took me 4 years to eventually finish the book. The next day I began my asana practice.

What have I learned in these 30 years? A difficult question to answer, because just like the many phases in my life, my yoga practice also has changed, evolved, and adapted to the situation in my life. My practice extends far beyond the confines of a physical mat. While postures and sequences are essential and have been indispensable tools, the true essence of my yoga lies in integrating its principles into my daily life. From mindful breathing during traffic jams to practicing compassion in interactions with the infamous unfriendliness of the Viennese, to deciding what I listen to, what I read, and what I consume, the yoga philosophy encourages me to live purposefully and harmoniously with my surroundings and all beings in it.

Yoga taught me that progress is a gradual journey. Just as some postures require time and patience to master, personal growth and self-awareness also unfold over time. Celebrating small victories and embracing setbacks as opportunities for growth became part of my yoga mindset.

My decades of practice emphasized the importance of conscious breathing, not only during asanas but also during moments of stress, anxiety, and contemplation. Mindful breathing anchors us to the present, offering solace and clarity amidst life’s storms. It has heightened my body awareness, enabling me to recognize how emotions, stress, and experiences manifest physically. Tensions in my body often mirrored unresolved emotions. Viewing my body as a messenger helped me delve deeper into self-exploration, fostering healing and emotional release.

Practicing and teaching alongside people from various backgrounds taught me that our common human experiences far outweigh our differences. Yoga transcends cultural and geographic boundaries, left and right, black and white, this and that, uniting diverse individuals on a shared journey. Embracing my imperfections and limitations taught me humility and self-compassion. Asanas taught me to find grace in my uniqueness and appreciate the journey without fixating on a picture-perfect destination. Flowing through postures with intention and presence deepened my mindfulness practice. It taught me that every moment, whether on the mat or in life, is an opportunity to be fully awake and alive.

In the quiet spaces between poses, I discovered the profound wisdom of stillness. Meditation and Savasana became moments of introspection, connection with the self, and an invitation to listen to the whispers of my heart. Amid life’s demands, yoga emerged as a sanctuary of self-care. It provided a space to recharge, rejuvenate, and connect with my innermost needs. Prioritizing self-care through yoga became a vital aspect of maintaining balance and well-being.

These three decades of practice have instilled in me, that I will remain a lifelong student of yoga. Every practice, every encounter, and every insight is a chance to learn anew. This humbling reminder keeps my curiosity alive and my heart open to the ever-evolving path of yoga.

Now 30 years after I first opened the Mahabharata and a few years after I have opened my yoga studio, wherein together with my wonderful team, we hope to share whatever knowledge we have learned, however tiny. I hope that Manas Yoga became a sanctuary of unity and acceptance of one’s self and others.