How to Find Your Place in Today’s Yoga World

I remember back in 2005 when I first applied to teach yoga at a local gym. They hired me on the spot. Back then, yoga teachers were hard to find. Since then, the world of yoga has changed dramatically. What was once a niche practice has become a global movement. According to a 2016 study by Yoga Journal and Yoga Alliance, the number of yoga practitioners in the U.S. jumped from 20 million in 2012 to 36 million. That growth fueled a booming $16-billion-dollar industry, from classes to mats, clothing, and more.

That boom sparked a wave of innovation—especially in North America, where we now see hybrid styles like AcroYoga, aerial yoga, SUP yoga (on paddleboards), power yoga, yogalates, and even goat yoga. Modernizing yoga and blending it with hobbies or sports makes it more accessible. If doing yoga on a paddleboard gets someone on the mat, that’s a win. As long as you can tune out the noise and connect to your body, the form doesn’t matter. Each style has its own benefits.

With so many options available, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed—especially if you’re new to yoga and still trying to find your place in it. So where do you begin? Start by getting clear on why you want to practice. That clarity will help you choose the right style to suits your needs. If you want a workout, try power yoga. If you're looking for energy work and breath, maybe kundalini is for you. You can also explore traditional styles from India like ashtanga, vinyasa, hatha, or Iyengar—all rooted in authentic yogic lineage, all guiding you toward inner transformation.

Next, find a teacher who resonates with you. And here’s an important tip: don’t be swayed by picture-perfect poses on Instagram. And more importantly, don’t let them intimidate you. Great teachers aren’t necessarily the most flexible or acrobatic. A true yoga teacher is someone who understands the deeper path and can help guide you there.

Remember, the postures are just one part of yoga. In fact, Patanjali—often called the father of yoga—outlined a system for spiritual evolution made up of eight steps, with physical postures placed at step three. These eight limbs serve as a moral and ethical roadmap for living a conscious, purposeful life.

Enlightenment is the goal, but the path to divinity requires deep commitment and inner discipline. In truth, it’s a journey few complete—usually only the most devoted practitioners or realized gurus reach that state of pure being.

Slowly but surely, more and more teachers and practitioners are beginning to uncover the true purpose of yoga and philosophical roots that lie beneath the physical practice. A yoga teacher must be prepared to guide others toward self-awareness and be able to share the deeper benefits that yoga offers. A teacher must embody the philosophy and have the ability to share it from experience.

But integrating new morals and values into daily life takes patience and practice. It means changing your ways and adjusting to new habits, challenging deeply held beliefs, and showing up each day with intention.

When choosing a teacher, take the time to learn about their background. Where did they get certified? How long have they been practicing? Who is their teacher or guru? These details matter. A teacher trained under a respected lineage often brings depth, discipline, and authenticity on the mat. Of course, most teachers have good intentions—but it’s still wise to do your homework.

Once you’ve found your space in the yoga world, give yourself permission to explore. Be open, be curious, and most of all, enjoy it. Let the practice become your sanctuary. The real magic of yoga unfolds when you stop resisting, start listening, and allow yourself to simply be.

with love,

Maria xo