In the journey of yoga, there’s often a gentle yet powerful tug-of-war. We commit to the path of sadhana, drawn by a desire to grow, be present, and live with purpose. Yet, it’s natural to encounter resistance—days when life pulls us in different directions, when purpose feels distant, or when self-doubt clouds our inner vision. Yoga, in its wisdom, offers us principles that seem to contradict, yet are essential to deepening our understanding.
Non-Attachment + Discipline
Yoga teaches us aparigraha, the principle of non-attachment, reminding us to hold our intentions loosely, free from judgment or expectation. In the same breath, it teaches tapas, the discipline and commitment that help us stay connected to our purpose. Aparigraha asks us to let go and trust, while tapas calls us to show up and hold steady. The paradox is that both are true—our dedication to practice needs both a sense of lightness and steadfastness. This dance between letting go and staying committed is where real growth happens, allowing us to accept what’s possible today, while honoring our intention to return tomorrow.
Self-Study + Truthfulness
Yoga also guides us with svadhyaya, or self-study, encouraging us to observe our inner experiences—the good, the difficult, and everything in between. But alongside this is satya, truthfulness, a call to connect with what’s real and honest within us, even when it’s hard. These two principles invite us to witness ourselves fully: svadhyaya asks us to look inward with curiosity, while satya asks us to do so without hiding from the truths we uncover. When we feel disconnected from purpose, for instance, yoga doesn’t ask us to fabricate meaning but rather to be present with that uncertainty. This is where we create space for real discovery.
Balance through Kindness + Contentment
In the midst of these opposing pulls, yoga reminds us to root ourselves in ahimsa (non-harming) and santosha (contentment). Ahimsa is the foundation of compassion, encouraging us to treat ourselves with gentleness, especially when we’re navigating difficult emotions or unmet expectations. It invites us to soften, to respect our own limits without adding unhelpful pressure. Paired with this is santosha, the practice of contentment, which asks us to accept and appreciate our current state. Santosha allows us to find peace in what is, even as we work toward what could be. Together, ahimsa and santosha create a steady ground that holds us through the push and pull of our inner work.
These concepts are not meant to frustrate us but to open us to a fuller, more adaptive experience of practice. Yoga doesn’t ask us to resolve our tensions necessarily but rather to embrace them as essential parts of the journey. When we approach sadhana with both softness and strength, kindness and discipline, we create a practice that meets us where we are each day. It’s in this balance that we find
resilience—a practice that nurtures us and reflects our lives’ changing rhythms.
If you find yourself stepping back from practice or wrestling with opposites, remember it’s all part of the practice. We are each learning to hold our commitments with a soft yet steady hand, cultivating a practice that grows with us.
