Growth Is Inevitable: Reflections on My Journey with Yoga

Dear Beautiful Souls,

Last month, I had the privilege of taking an online course with one of my dearest teachers. It was a beautiful experience, one that allowed me to dive deep into ancient teachings and share with others the vulnerability that yoga often uncovers. We discussed the Pancha Koshas (the five layers of self), the Kleshas (the mental obstacles that cloud our minds), and so much more. But beyond the theory and philosophy, we shared something even more profound—stories of how we all came to yoga.

The story is personal, layered with emotional turmoil, a search for healing, and the gradual rediscovery of self. Like many, I came to yoga in a time of deep emotional distress—feeling disconnected from myself and seeking a way to heal past wounds. If you'd like to read more about my journey, you can check out my previous blog post here: https://www.etlbalance.com.au/livingyoga-blog/blog-post-title-one-j8mts-kj74f

But here’s the thing I want to talk about today—growth is inevitable.

The Seed of Change

Growth, much like the slow but steady drip of water shaping a stone over time, is something that happens almost imperceptibly, but undeniably. It doesn’t matter if you’re just starting your yoga journey or if you've been practising for years—the act of showing up, day after day, has a transformative power that cannot be denied.

Many of us come to yoga for practical reasons. We hear that yoga is great for flexibility, and mobility and that it helps with injury recovery. And that’s a fantastic place to start. After all, the physical benefits of yoga are undeniable—whether it’s increasing your range of motion or simply helping you feel more grounded in your body.

However, yoga is so much more than that. And often, it’s only after the first few sessions—or perhaps after months or years of practice—that we start to realize this.

The True Practice of Yoga

When we first begin, we might still step off the mat and return to our everyday lives, doing the same things we’ve always done, reacting in the same ways we’ve always reacted. We may not yet recognize that Living Yoga is about how we interact with the world, how we show up for ourselves and others, and how we embody the principles we practice. It’s not just about what happens on the mat—it’s about what happens off the mat too.

To truly practice yoga is to understand that it’s a life path, it is a journey and a way of living, not just a set of postures. It takes time, patience, and willingness to dig deeper. We begin to see yoga not just as a way to stretch the body, but as a way to stretch the heart and mind, expanding our capacity to love, to forgive, and to live with more intention.

The Yamas, Niyamas, and Human Imperfection

As we deepen our practice, we inevitably encounter the teachings of the Yamas and Niyamas—the ethical guidelines that form the foundation of yoga. These guidelines include concepts such as non-violence (ahimsa), truthfulness (satya), and contentment (santosha), to name just a few. I will be running a workshop on this soon.

But here’s where the challenge lies—how do we practice these principles in our imperfect, human lives?

No matter how dedicated we are to yoga, we all fall short at times. We might not always act with the compassion we aspire to, or we might get caught up in negative thoughts and behaviours. Does that mean we are “bad” people? Does it mean we are failing as yogis?

I don’t think so.

The way I understand this practice is that it teaches me that I am human. I will make mistakes. I will fall. And that’s okay. The beauty of yoga is not in perfection but in my ability to return to the practice, to meet myself where I am, and to continue growing. This is where awareness becomes the key.

Awareness doesn’t mean perfection—it means being able to notice when we’ve strayed, without judgment, and gently guide ourselves back to our centre. It’s the awareness that allows us to forgive ourselves and others, to move forward with humility and grace, and to continue evolving.

The Power of Intention and Self-Compassion

Growth doesn’t always have to come in huge, dramatic leaps. Sometimes, it’s in the small, subtle shifts that happen day by day. It’s in the moments when we pause and choose to respond differently, to act with more kindness, or to take a breath before reacting. These seemingly small changes—when done consistently—add up over time, shaping our lives in ways we may not even realize.

One of the most powerful aspects of yoga is the opportunity to set an intention (Sankalpa) for our practice—and for our lives. When we practice yoga with intention, we are choosing to move with purpose, to live with purpose, and to do good in the world. And even when we stumble or forget our intention, the key is in returning to it, time and time again.

What if our intention was simply to be good, to do good, and to show up as our authentic selves? I believe that’s enough.

The Inevitable Change

Yoga, at its core, is a practice of transformation. Growth is inevitable when we commit to the process. It’s not about how much we achieve or how many advanced poses we master. It’s about the quiet, subtle shifts that happen within us—on the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual levels.

It’s about learning to sit with ourselves, to be vulnerable, and to accept that growth can be messy, imperfect, and unpredictable. But it’s also beautiful. It’s about learning to forgive ourselves, to learn from our mistakes, and to continue forward with a heart full of compassion.

I’m not the same person I was when I first came to yoga, and I know I won’t be the same person a year from now, or five years from now. And that’s okay. Growth is inevitable. It happens, whether we realize it or not. And when we show up with intention, awareness, and love, we allow that growth to unfold in its own time and in its own way.

So, to everyone reading this: if you’re just beginning your yoga journey, or if you’ve been practising for years, remember that you’re not just working to stretch your body. You’re working to stretch your heart, to open your mind, and to evolve into the truest version of yourself.

Keep practising, keep showing up, and trust the process. Growth is inevitable.

I hope this blog serves as a reminder that yoga is more than just a physical practice. It’s a lifelong journey of transformation, and each step, no matter how small, is a part of the process.

With love and gratitude,
Hari Om Tat Sat

Nok x

Embodied Practice and The Classic 26 - Online via Zoom

Koh Samui, Thailand