What Makes Yoga, Yoga? A Look at Breath, Evolution, and the Heart of the Practice
Yoga has been evolving for thousands of years.
It’s well documented that the meditative and contemplative roots of yoga (raja yoga) go back over five thousand years. The physical aspect of yoga (hatha yoga) has been practiced for at least a thousand.
But if you flip through the original hatha yoga texts, you’ll notice something interesting:
The poses were mostly seated.
There were no handstands set to music.
There were no fancy mats.
There are no goats.
📖 A Practice That Changes with Time
Over the past hundred years—especially with yoga’s move to the West—the physical aspect of the practice has exploded in popularity.
There’s been more focus on asana (poses) and less on breathwork, concentration, and meditation.
We’ve seen new elements added—some helpful, some questionable.
Props. Playlists. Personality.
Even the sequences we teach today look very different than they did a few decades ago.
And you know what? That’s not necessarily a bad thing.
Disciplines evolve. And as many of you have probably noticed in my own classes over the last five years, so has my approach.
🔍 So What Does Make Yoga, Yoga?
This is the question I return to, over and over:
What makes this class, this practice, truly yoga?
Sure, we could say meditation is at the heart of it.
That’s true. It’s vital.
But when it comes to what makes the physical practice meaningful, here’s my take:
“A skillful use of breath is the link that calms and focuses the mind, creating an altered state of consciousness.”
And no, I’m not trying to hallucinate or access unknown psychic powers.
But a slight shift—in perception, in perspective—can be incredibly powerful.
It helps us step outside of our habitual thought patterns.
It gives us the space to see things more clearly.
That shift is what keeps me coming back.
It’s why, no matter how the sequences evolve, I’ll always return to the breath.
🌬️ Why Breath Still Matters Most
Breath is the throughline.
It’s the constant in a practice that continues to evolve.
Breath anchors you.
It energizes or calms, depending on how it’s used.
It connects mind to body in a way that’s accessible and immediate.
Without conscious breath, a class may still be exercise—but it’s not quite yoga.
For me, breath is what makes yoga... yoga.
What Do You Think?
Every teacher, every student, brings something unique to the mat.
So I’m curious—what do you think are the essential components of yoga?
📝 Leave a comment the next time you're in class.
📩 Or reach out to us through the studio—we’d love to hear your take.
🧘 Practice Your Way
Whether you're drawn to stillness, movement, or somewhere in between, your yoga is waiting.
📍 Practice with us in person at the Tejas Yoga studio and experience the power of community and guidance.
📱 Or explore yoga on your terms—anytime, anywhere—with the Tejas On Demand app, offering a wide range of classes for every length, intensity, and need.
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