What is Yoga really? Beyond myths, marketing and media

Today I want to share something that comes from my heart.

Every time someone tells me "I tried yoga but it wasn't for me", I feel a mixture of understanding... and sadness. Because many times what they tried was not real yoga. It was a reduced, distorted or superficial version. And that's like tasting a drop of water and believing you knew the ocean.

Authentic yoga, the one that was born in India and has been passed down for generations as a path of transformation, is much more than a stretching class with chill music in the background. And no, it's not just to relax, or to be more flexible, or to appear zen in Instagram. It is a lifestyle that can change you from within.

I want to tell you what yoga really is, demystify some very common ideas and open the door to something that can be much richer and deeper than you imagine.

☁️ Myth #1: "Yoga is just stretching and breathing"

Most people imagine that yoga is something gentle, that is done on the floor, with eyes closed and without perspiring. And yes, sometimes it can be like that! But that's only part of the whole.

🌿 Yoga is a complete life science. It is not limited to the body. It also works with the mind, emotions, breathing, energy and spirit. The postures (āsanas) are only one of the eight pillars. The goal is not to "do beautiful poses," but to create inner balance, prepare the body for silence, and allow us to look inward.

🕉️ Myth #2: "It's something spiritual, religious, or kind of mystical."

I heard this many times: "I don't know if yoga is for me because I'm Catholic/atheist/I don't like esoterics..."

And I understand you. But I tell you this with total clarity: yoga is not a religion.

It is a philosophical, ethical, and practical discipline  that you can integrate without changing your faith or adopting any strange beliefs. In fact, many practitioners do it as a path to self-knowledge or well-being. The spiritual, if present, is always free and personal. Nobody imposes anything on you.

💪 Myth #3: "It doesn't work as exercise" or "It's too gentle"

Classic mistake. Shall I tell you something? Traditional yoga works on strength, endurance, balance, coordination, and mind control. But he does not do it by competing or with demands: he does it with conscience and respect.

Sweating is not the goal, but it can happen. The challenge lies elsewhere: in internal listening, in holding postures with presence, in breathing when your mind wants to flee.

And that... that is also effort. It's just a smarter, more compassionate endeavor.

🙆 ♀️ Myth #4: "You have to be flexible to start"

Giant lie! You practice yoga to be more flexible, not the other way around. All you need to get started is a living body and an open mind.

All bodies can practice. And the most beautiful thing is that in yoga no one requires you to "do it the same as the person next to you". Each posture adapts to you. And every day is different.

😕 Myth #5: "I didn't understand anything, they talked funny and there were mantras"

Sometimes, when we come across classes where Sanskrit is mentioned or mantras are used without explanation, we can feel out of place. But yoga is not a cult or a cryptic fad.

Sanskrit is the original language of yoga and its sounds have a vibrational power, yes... but everything must be explained clearly, translated with respect, and contextualized.

Nothing is imposed. Everything is shared, from the heart.

🎵 Myth #6: "I expected music, incense, and low lights"

These elements can be, and even be pleasant... But they are not yoga. They are modern additions, often created to sell an aesthetic experience.

Traditional yoga is often practiced in silence, without adornment. Because the important thing is not outside, but inside. The sound you hear is your breath. And your guide is your conscience.

🤕 Myth #7: "My back hurt" or "I didn't feel well"

This can happen, especially if we fall into poorly guided or very "fitness" classes. But authentic yoga should never hurt.

One of its most beautiful principles is ahimsā—nonviolence. This applies to the body as well: it is not forced, it is not demanded, it is not punished. Yoga teaches you to move with respect, to build from care, to feel before achieving.

🧭 So, what is yoga really?

Yoga is a path. An art. A science of being. An internal compass. A space where the body becomes a temple, the breath becomes an anchor, and the mind becomes an ally.

And it's not just what you do on the mat. It's how you talk to yourself, how you treat others, how you breathe in the face of a problem, how you connect with your surroundings.

🪷 In short...

If you tried a class and didn't like it, that's okay. But I invite you not to close the door yet.

There are many styles, approaches, and teachers. And if you ever get to connect with authentic yoga, the one that honors the Indian tradition and accompanies you with humility... Believe me: you're never going to want to let go of it again.

Thank you for reading this far. Thank you for letting me share this passion. And if you really want to try, I'm here to join you. Namaste 🧡