In today’s yoga class, my teacher mentioned “living in the present.” This struck a deep chord within me, so I decided to write about how, through all these years of practice, yoga has repeatedly brought me back to the present moment. What’s interesting is that this awareness isn’t confined to my yoga mat; in fact, I’ve found myself returning to the present moment often even outside of practice using techniques I’ve learned through yoga.
Yoga, as a practice that combines breath, body, and mind, offers a steady path toward releasing our attachments. Buddha’s teachings remind us that attachments are often the root of our suffering. We cling to the past, regretting missed opportunities, or we worry about the future, fearing what challenges may come. Buddha taught that “this moment is the only true reality,” a teaching I’ve come to appreciate deeply, realizing that peace and happiness can only be experienced here and now. By connecting us with our breath and body, yoga gives us the chance to experience this “presentness” firsthand.
One of the first things yoga taught me was how to use breath to stay grounded in the present. Each yoga movement, when linked with breath, naturally encourages a release of distractions. In poses that demand more balance and focus, like Headstand (Sirsasana) or Shoulder Stand (Sarvangasana) , I am required to stay fully in the moment. In these poses, if my mind wanders, I lose stability, which can lead to discomfort or even injury. So, whenever I notice my mind drifting, I simply return to my breath, letting any stress or worry go with each exhale. With this awareness, I find myself noticing areas of tension, feeling my muscles extend and relax, reconnecting with my body and the present.
This ability to focus and be aware, which yoga taught me, has proven invaluable in my daily life. When work is busy and pressures mount, it’s easy to get lost in a swirl of thoughts. But by using the techniques of breathing that yoga offers, I’m able to pause and come back to calmness whenever I need it. Just as Buddha taught, while we cannot control the world around us, we can find peace within ourselves.
The concept of “mindfulness” from Buddha’s teachings, especially his guidance on “right mindfulness” in the Noble Eightfold Path, aligns so closely with yoga’s focus on presence. Mindfulness is about noticing our thoughts and feelings without judgment or a desire to change them. During yoga practice, I’ve learned to observe my body and breath, letting thoughts come and go without grasping at them. This observation brings clarity and calm, and whenever I achieve this mindful state, emotional turbulence fades away, and even difficult emotions start to ease naturally.
Beyond breathing, yoga has also shown me how to find patience within each pose. Every posture presents its own challenges; sometimes, we can feel discouraged by the difficulty of a movement or frustrated when we don’t reach our ideal expression of it. But yoga has taught me to accept my body’s current limits, to honor where I am today, and to be patient with my progress. This patience isn’t just about the pose—it’s about embracing life as it is, in each moment. Buddha’s teachings on compassion remind me that this kindness isn’t just for others but also for myself. Each time I face a challenge on the mat, choosing to accept and be gentle with myself is an act of compassion.
On days when I’m not practicing yoga, I still use these techniques to come back to the present. When I feel restless or overwhelmed, I pause to take a few deep breaths. Focusing on my breath, my thoughts settle, and peace naturally returns. This process reminds me that many of our anxieties are self-imposed, and by focusing on breathing, I can free myself and rediscover the tranquility of the moment.
In this way, I find myself touching a calmness that Buddha called “inner peace.” We can’t always control life’s challenges, but by returning to the present and accepting ourselves as we are, we discover a safe haven within. Yoga is more than a way to strengthen the body—it’s a journey that guides us toward freedom from attachment. Through breathing, postures, and mindfulness, we find the strength that exists in the present.
Over the years of practice, I’ve come to understand deeply what Buddha meant by “the present moment is the only reality.” Each breath, each posture, is a way of reconnecting with ourselves. No matter how life changes, whenever I return to my breath and focus, I find my way back to who I really am. This is the gift of yoga and the wisdom in Buddha’s teachings: to live in the present, with awareness and peace, is the true path to happiness and tranquility.