Yoga is everywhere and everything with the word yoga in it seems to sell really well. But what does it truly mean to live as a yogi, to be on the yogic path? Is it all just a fad? Let me share my personal journey on the yogic path as well as what being a yogi means to me.

hello yogi!

My Personal Journey to Becoming a Yogi

Finding My Path

At some point, I realized I had become a yogi. But in no way did I set out to become a yogi. So, here’s my story.

Childhood Dreams and Self-Discovery

You know how some people know exactly what they want to be when they grow up? – Well, I didn’t and it took me lots of trial and error to get to where I am. In school, I wanted to be an actor and did lots of theater. Little did I realize that through trying out different roles, I wanted to know why people do what they do, how they tick, what they do differently in different cultural contexts, and, most importantly, what unites us as humanity.

My Work in International Health

From an early age, I wanted to do good. And see the world. For a year in high school, I lived with a Chinese family in Hong Kong. Then I went on to study in the US and China. I got a degree in international health and worked with NGOs on youth, women’s, and international health issues, and lived in Nepal and Ethiopia. I wanted so hard to change the world and spent years trying to help others. What I didn’t realize was that I could only be effective when I found my true calling.

The Beginning of My Yogic Journey

When I got back home to Austria and started taking yoga classes, something changed. I connected with myself on a much deeper level. I was already 30 years old then, so I had been through a bunch of ups and downs, relationship trouble, and life’s big lessons. I had enough ‘baggage’ with me that wanted to be dealt with. Besides the fun part of learning on the mat and connecting with others, Yoga fascinated me because it gave me tools to deepen my consciousness and spiritual connection.

Embracing the Identity as Yogi

As job titles only describe what one does – research, manage, organize – I used to shy away from them. I wanted a title that fit me. And then, one day I realized I was a yogi. boom. It felt right. Being a yogi gave me something I had longed for, an identity. And so much more. Yoga allows me to be me and to live life honoring my values and vision. In deep connection with my surroundings and the entire universe, if you will.

Yogic Values I Have Always Held Dear

Why I love being a yogi? Because I had embraced yogic values long before I knew what yoga was. Let me give you some examples:

Honoring Life:

Even as a teenager, I felt sorry for animals and decided I no longer wanted to eat them (way before vegetarianism and veganism became popular).

Truth:

I have always had a strong inner compass for what felt right or wrong, abhorring injustices and striving for fairness and truth.

Honesty:

I can’t lie, even if I tried. My face will just give it away.

Spiritual Connection and Wisdom:

I’ve been searching for deeper meaning and connection, and honoring wisdom, for as long as I can remember.

Community:

Sharing and caring in community is another of these values I hold so dear. I can’t not think of others or the group, wherever I am or whatever I do. And it’s not just “the tribe” I care for – it’s a much stronger sense of community over the individual, whether or not I know the people around me.

Nurturing:

I have always been very motherly, caring, and nurturing. Helping others along the way comes naturally to me.

The Essence of What Being a Yogi Means to Me:

Ethical Living and Personal Growth

To me, what’s really important is that yoga provides clarity and a code of conduct – one I adhere to because I want to be good and do good. Yoga honors that. No matter what Namaste traditionally translates as, yoga honors the highest version of you and me. It sees perfection within, and work too.

The Yogic Code of Ethics is clearly outlined in the Yamas and Niyamas, and they are part of yoga no matter what kind of yoga you practice. Ethical Living means making conscious decisions aligned with yogic principles. And while these may differ slightly depending on the individual’s focus and point of view, the general direction is clear.

Spiritual Practice and Self-Respect

Yogic practice is about honor and respect, treating your body as a holy temple, engaging in daily practice akin to prayer, introspection, growth, and development. This is hard and often unseen work. Tapas, like heat: we work on and constantly develop the self-discipline to commit to our practice.

In yoga, we strive for the union of body, mind, and spirit (yoga is often translated as “union”) and cultivate an awareness of the present moment in everything we do, on and off the mat. And what this does is manyfold: it helps calm the mind, strengthen the body, deepen our consciousness and, best of all, makes our relationships bloom.

And what I had to learn (after becoming a mom) is that, even if you don’t manage to stick to your ideals of practicing daily, it’s your intention and effort that count. Ahimsa – don’t beat yourself up if you don’t make it.

Community and Connection

While yoga is a personal journey, being on the path of yoga means finding companionship, like-minded people who share common values and who care. Caring is one of the ways that makes us more human. It’s about connection, inner growth, and spiritual development. Connecting with like-minded individuals provides support, inspiration, and opportunities for growth that you can’t find when you’re trying to do it all on your own. True empathy is the base for any higher spiritual development, so caring and sharing helps along the path. Yoga is this overarching do-good practice that creates win-win situations, so it being totally popular is actually a really good thing.

The Way Forward: Nurturing Others and Sharing the Path

How I Started Sharing the Yogic Path

I didn’t actually plan on teaching yoga back when I signed up for my first teacher training. I had reached a point where I felt like the yoga classes I attended were “not enough” and I wanted to deepen my practice. During the teacher training, studying yoga philosophy and learning what’s behind this ancient tradition, I felt a growing responsibility to pass on the tradition and the benefits of being a yogi.

I realized I could actually help people by sharing what I’d learned. My own experiences, including the mistakes I’d made and the insights I’d gained, could be useful to others along their path. Yoga was such a great gift; it needed to stay alive and vibrant and be passed from generation to generation.

The Ripple Effect of Teaching Yoga

Teaching yoga has shown me even more so that it’s not just about what I do on my own mat. Being part of this ever-growing community of yogis, I can contribute to the greater good. When people learn something in my classes and take that into their lives, it creates a ripple effect. It’s not only their physical health and mental well-being that improve—yoga really changes lives. It’s at the same time simple and it’s magical.

the Yogic Path

What Really Matters in Yoga

To me, being a yogi is far beyond and way outside of poses and techniques. Yoga is your personal invitation to live from your highest self and inspire others to do the same. Together, we rise.

As I continue on the yogic path, I’m deeply grateful for the community, clarity, and growth yoga has brought into my life. Yoga is more than just a practice; it’s a way of life that resonates deeply with who I am, who I aspire to be, and my purpose in the world. Through yogic and Buddhist practices, I help others connect with themselves and their deeper purpose. And while my journey is far from complete, it’s one that I am committed to for life.

your invitation

Let Me Guide You Along the Way

But yoga isn’t something to keep to oneself—it’s meant to be shared. If you feel a pull toward deeper self-awareness, connection, finding out and living in alignment with your true purpose, I invite you to connect with me. My purpose is to guide you to find your true inner voice and become the nurturing, loving, soulful person you know deep down you are.

Whether you’re curious about yoga, no matter if you’re stepping onto the mat for the first time or are seeking to deepen your practice, yoga provides a great journey to self-discovery. And you don’t have to walk the path alone: I’m your spiritual guide. My mission is to help you discover and awaken your true inner voice. So if you’re interested in exploring yoga as a way to connect with your own values, to heal, grow, and nurture yourself, I’d love to work with you.

Reach out, connect, and let me guide you on this transformational journey.