The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali suggest the goal of yoga is to quiet the busy mind, let go of outside distractions and ego, and be present in the moment. Yoga is experiencing a moment, fully and completely, without judgment.

Modern yoga creates experiences through physical shapes with precise physical alignment. Many of these poses go past functional joint ranges. They don’t take into account individual skeletal structures. Students may struggle, thinking something is wrong because they don’t look like the ideal. Are we turning our attention inward with awareness or focused on achieving a goal that may not be healthy and achievable?

I’ve become a rogue yogi. I question the disempowering language we use as teachers. I’m challenging our compliance as students.

The conversation needs to change. Instead of modifying an unattainable ideal, let’s talk about individual shapes. Each student creates their own best version. Instead of a path of progression, let’s develop an honest awareness. Question what is working in practice and what is not working. What if we make the feet broader or shorter? Do the arms need to reach up straight, or can they stay in another shape? What if the knees bend in a way that is not harmful? Yoga should encourage exploration rather than seeking attainment.

Will you join me in this exploration? The next time you come to the mat, listen to the quiet voice inside. Ignore the ego, and decide what truly feels right. Feel free to break the mold, explore the shape, and add movement. Dare to make the practice yours.

It’s not about the shape, anyway.