Is Yoga Supposed To Be Hard?

Everyone is the perfect candidate for yoga.

There tends to be a misunderstanding in the yoga community that the best students and teachers are those to whom the practice has come "easily"—the naturally flexible or strong—as if some people are more "perfect" for yoga than others.

First of all, I don't believe that the practice is easy for anyone.

But more than that, I think the greater the challenges a practitioner has faced, the deeper their understanding of the practice will be.

Or maybe I'm just telling myself that because nothing about yoga has come easily for me.

But I don't think I'm just telling myself that.

“You should never view your challenges as a disadvantage. Instead, it’s important for you to understand that your experience facing and overcoming adversity is actually one of your biggest advantages.”

— Michelle Obama

I think I understand forward folds because I spent months struggling just to touch my toes.

I think I comprehend the subtleties of Downward Facing Dog because my teacher relentlessly adjusted and prodded my arms into proper alignment, until my shoulders finally found a healthy position.

I think that yoga's capacity to heal feels so profoundly real to me because I came to yoga with a broken body and heart, and I practice yoga now, happy and healthy.

Nothing just "happened" for me—and it still doesn't.

I have had to figure every little movement out, and work hard to get there.

You can do yoga, even if you can’t touch your toes.

There is nothing wrong with "ease."

Effortless inversions and arm-balances, and smooth-sailing splits are something admirable to aspire to—and hats off to you if they come naturally.

But it would be irresponsible of me not to let you know that it’s ok if yoga feels hard for you.

There is nothing wrong with you if you can't do a handstand, or bend your back, or touch your toes right now.

It doesn't mean you shouldn't be doing yoga. In fact, it doesn't mean anything at all.

Don’t worry about what anyone else’s yoga practice looks like.

If yoga is challenging for you today, count your blessings.

It means you're learning. And that’s how we grow.