We make many micro-decisions every day. We decide how to prioritize our workflow, what to consume, and where to invest our energy. Yet, when it comes to our physical and mental cultivation—specifically Yoga—we often default to the path of least resistance.
We choose a class because the time slot is convenient. We pick a studio because it is close to the office. We stick with a teacher simply because we’ve formed a habit. But in doing so, we often miss the most critical component of growth: Alignment.
I have been practicing Yoga since 2008. Looking back, I realize that the teacher I needed at the start of my journey is vastly different from the teacher I need today.
In the beginning, as an introvert and a highly sensitive person, I needed psychological safety. I required a mentor who could push me out of my comfort zone without violating my boundaries—someone who used encouragement rather than harsh discipline.
However, as I evolved, my needs shifted. I began to crave structure. I needed a teacher who offered a rigorous plan rather than blind faith. I needed someone who could handle my endless questions and intellectual curiosity. If I had stayed with my first teacher out of loyalty or habit, my growth would have plateaued.
In the corporate world, we choose mentors based on specific goals. We should apply this same rigor to our Yoga practice. A teacher is not just an instructor; they are a guide for your nervous system and your mindset.
Before you book your next class, I invite you to audit your current practice against these three pillars:
1. Your Response to Pressure
How do you react when things get difficult on the mat?
Do you crumble and need support?
Do you get stubborn and need softness?
Do you power through and need a reminder to slow down?
Strategy: Choose a teacher whose teaching style counterbalances your default stress response, rather than one who aggravates it.
2. Your Motivation for Practice
Be honest about your “Why.”
If you are there for fitness, a philosophical teacher might frustrate you.
If you are there for spiritual grounding, a “workout-style” class will leave you feeling empty.
If you are there for community, look for a teacher who fosters connection, not just silence.
3. Your Feedback Style
How do you learn best? Do you need a gentle hand, or do you need a “drill sergeant”? I realized early on that I responded to logic and anatomical precision. I needed to understand the mechanics before I could trust the experience.
There is an old adage: “When the student is ready, the teacher will appear.”
This isn’t magic. It is the result of intentional visualization. When you clearly define what you need—whether it is discipline, compassion, or technical precision—you begin to recognize those qualities in others.
Don’t just “go to yoga.” Choose your guide.
I’m curious: How have your requirements for a mentor (in life or yoga) changed as you’ve gained experience?
Amman Advaita 
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