The world of yoga is not just a practice; it’s a way of life that encompasses mindfulness, peace, and spiritual growth. Over centuries, yogis from all around the globe have shared their wisdom, teaching us lessons that transcend the mat and penetrate into everyday life. Below, we have curated some of the most profound yogi quotes that have resonated with practitioners, teachers, and students across different cultures. These words of wisdom inspire us to cultivate stillness, focus on inner peace, and live with intention.
The Power of Presence: Living in the Now
One of the core principles of yoga is the importance of being present. The act of mindfulness and centering yourself in the moment allows for deeper clarity and understanding. Below are some quotes that highlight the importance of living in the present moment.
“Yoga is the journey of the self, through the self, to the self.” – The Bhagavad Gita
This quote from the ancient scripture Bhagavad Gita reflects the timeless wisdom of yoga. It emphasizes that the practice of yoga is not just a physical exercise, but a deep spiritual journey that allows us to explore who we truly are. It’s about learning from ourselves and developing an inner connection.
“Be Happy With Now” – Jennifer Keller
Jennifer Keller is a passionate yogi, functional juiceaholic, love enthusiast who’s dancing through her forties. A former cheerleader, elementary school teacher, yoga and dance instructor, she has travelled the world to explore ‘living yoga’ in different countries, cultures and contexts. Her journey has taken her from psychiatric treatment centers in Tampa, to homeless shelters in Atlanta, the salons of Paris, ashrams of Delhi, lofts of Manhattan, and pre-school and elementary classrooms of San Francisco. Follow Jennifer on Instagram
“Wherever Life Plants You, Grow With Grace”- 420moonchild
We thank @420_moonchild for sharing this quote on her Instagram account, which also features the Colorado native’s handmade jewelry, outdoor adventures and more.
“Breathe, Stretch and Release Yesterday to Make Room For Today” – Yogabuff
This pearl of wisdom is brought to us by yogi @yogabuff, a RYT200 instructor who uses Instagram to share her journey. Follow her now!
“I’m Exactly Where I’m Supposed to Be. Right Now.” – Sam Gach
“You cannot always control what goes on outside. But you can always control what goes on inside.” – Wayne Dyer
Wayne Dyer, a well-known spiritual teacher, reminds us that external events are often out of our hands, but our internal reactions and mindset are entirely within our control. Yoga teaches us to cultivate inner peace and control over our thoughts, regardless of the external chaos.
“Where Love is Planted, It Grows and Blossoms Like a Rose.” – Kim Jimenez
“Open Your Heart And Love Will Flow.” – Nikki
Samudra is a Sanskrit word for ocean. A mermaid at heart, Nikki has always been drawn to the ocean, so much so that she made a career out of it. From 9 to 5 she is a marine scientist.She’s been practicing yoga for two decades but it wasn’t until a couple years ago that her yoga practice really developed. Since then she has deepened her understanding of yoga and has gained a more meaningful life, on and off her mat.
On Patience and Persistence: The Yoga Journey
Yoga is a practice of patience and persistence. It’s not about instant gratification or quick results, but a lifelong journey of growth and progress. These quotes remind us that yoga is as much about the process as it is about the end goal.
“Yoga is not about touching your toes, it’s about what you learn on the way down.” – Judith Hanson Lasater
Judith Hanson Lasater, an influential figure in restorative yoga, perfectly captures the essence of practice. It’s easy to get caught up in the idea of achieving poses, but yoga is more about self-discovery and the lessons we learn throughout our journey, no matter how long it takes.
“If You Want to Make Your Dreams Come True, The First Thing You Have to Do is Wake Up.” – Cara Monster
“Let the Universe Hear Your Dreams.” – Neyu
Neyu is a former gymnast whose current passion is Yoga. When she was 16 an injury ended her gymnastic dreams. At first she felt lost; she had focused all of her energy on gymnastics and it was all she knew. She decided to continue her commitment to this sport in a different way, as a coach, and at the age of 18 she went to Barcelona to study the Sciences of the Physical Education and Sport. From that point on, she’s been involved with physical exercises and health. Learn more about Neyu on Instagram.
“A photographer gets people to pose for him. A yoga instructor gets people to pose for themselves.” – T. Guillemets
This thought-provoking quote by T. Guillemets encourages us to understand that yoga is a deeply personal practice. While we may look to instructors for guidance, the ultimate purpose is to learn more about ourselves and connect with our own bodies and minds.
“Sometimes we fall down because there is something down there we’re supposed to find.” – Amy Barletta Johnson
Amy Barletta Johnson is a world traveler, adventure seeker and yoga student. You can follow her inspiring life story on Instagram.
Yoga as a Way to Inner Peace
Inner peace is a core objective in yoga practice. By focusing inward, we learn to quiet our minds, reduce stress, and foster a sense of serenity and calm. These quotes about inner peace remind us of the deeper purpose of yoga.
“Peace is the foundation of yoga. One cannot have success in yoga without calmness of mind.” – B.K.S. Iyengar
B.K.S. Iyengar, one of the most prominent figures in the modern world of yoga, emphasizes the connection between peace and practice. Yoga is as much about cultivating a calm and balanced mind as it is about physical postures.
“In an age of distraction, nothing is so luxurious as paying attention.” – Pico Iyer
Yoga teaches us the importance of focus and awareness. Pico Iyer highlights the value of paying attention to the present moment in a world filled with distractions. This is one of the key elements of yoga — learning to direct your focus inward and finding peace through awareness.
“Whenever you find yourself doubting how far you can go, just remember how far you have come.” – Nick Zogg
The Spiritual Aspect of Yoga: Finding Connection
While yoga is often seen as a form of exercise, its roots are deeply spiritual. Through breathwork, meditation, and movement, yoga allows us to connect with something greater than ourselves.
“Do Things From Your Soul” – Hannah
Yogi Instagrammer @gypsyon_ create gorgeous images – associated with stunning messages – that help us all understand the true essence of yoga nature. We often see Hannah (who operates the profile) partake in partnership poses with other people, emphasizing how yoga helps us connect with the world around us.
“When you listen to yourself, everything comes naturally. It comes from inside, like a kind of will to do something. Try to be sensitive. That is yoga.” – Petri Räisänen
Petri Räisänen, a celebrated Ashtanga yoga teacher, expresses the importance of listening to your inner voice. Yoga is not about forcing yourself into a pose or position but about following your natural instincts and aligning with your body’s rhythm.
“Yoga is the perfect opportunity to be curious about who you are.” – Jason Crandell
Jason Crandell’s words remind us that yoga is a tool for self-exploration. When we practice yoga, we peel away the layers and discover parts of ourselves we didn’t know existed, leading to a deeper spiritual connection.
“Beauty Inside Equals Beauty Outside.” – Becca Pati
Here’s a little bit about @luvmyyogaandlife, aka Becca Pati: “As much as I love the practice of yoga, I am simply a human being who enjoys yoga. My dharma is deeper and more inspired than the message of movement and mental therapy. My truth is to speak of self love and worthiness on a scale that gives us freedom to be ourselves, especially when we’ve struggled to allow our authentic self to be present. My desire to teach yoga has been in my blood for as long as I can remember. Even when I didn’t know about yoga or understand it; I still knew that somehow I needed to connect with people on a physical, emotional and spiritual level. I have a diverse background in Therapeutic Massage Therapy (13 years), Ayurvedic Nutrition (5 years) and am considered an advanced yoga teacher (E-RYT200 and RYT500). I founded Divine Health Studio in St. Albert. Alberta, Canada where we have an amazing group of health practitioners, yoga teachers and massage therapists that support us every day.”
Yoga and the Power of Breath
The breath is an essential part of any yoga practice. It connects us to our inner selves, calms the mind, and creates a sense of balance. Below are quotes that emphasize the importance of breathwork in yoga.
“Yoga is the dance of every cell with the music of every breath that creates inner serenity and harmony.” – Debasish Mridha
Debasish Mridha beautifully articulates the significance of breath in yoga. Every breath is a movement, and through this dance, we can achieve tranquility and harmony within ourselves.
“The breath is the link between the mind and body.” – Dan Brule
Dan Brule, a world-renowned breathwork expert, highlights the crucial role that breath plays in connecting the mind and body. Yoga, at its core, teaches us to sync our breath with our movements, creating a sense of unity and balance.
The Balance of Strength and Flexibility
Yoga requires a balance of strength and flexibility — both physically and mentally. The following quotes speak to the importance of maintaining equilibrium in life and on the mat.
“Move, Move, Move and Observe that Refreshing Feeling that Occurs Right After Exercise.” – Katarina Simoncicova
“The body benefits from movement, and the mind benefits from stillness.” – Sakyong Mipham
Sakyong Mipham, a respected Buddhist teacher, underscores the need for balance in yoga. Just as we challenge our bodies with movement, we must also nourish our minds with stillness. This balance leads to a more harmonious existence.
“Inhale, and God approaches you. Hold the inhalation, and God remains with you. Exhale, and you approach God. Hold the exhalation, and surrender to God.” – T. Krishnamacharya
T. Krishnamacharya, one of the founding fathers of modern yoga, emphasizes the spiritual nature of breath. This quote illustrates the profound connection between breath and spirituality, reminding us that through yoga, we are capable of connecting with the divine.
Final Thoughts on Yogi Wisdom
The wisdom shared by yogis across the globe transcends cultural boundaries and time. It speaks to the universal truths of inner peace, patience, mindfulness, and connection. Whether you are a seasoned practitioner or a beginner, these quotes offer guidance on your journey, both on and off the mat.
By reflecting on these profound words, we are reminded that yoga is not merely a physical practice but a way of life that enhances our mind, body, and spirit. We hope these quotes resonate with you and inspire you to deepen your practice.
