International Yoga Day 2025

I joined a yoga class this month.

And no, I can’t touch my toes.

In fact, I can’t even see them some days.

But I went.

On Day 1, someone casually flipped into a Sirsasana like it was a warm-up.

Meanwhile, I was still figuring out how to sit Sukhasana without triggering a muscle cramp and a midlife health crisis.

The instructor said, “Breathe into your spine.”

Sir, I’m just trying not to pass out in public.

Yoga in your 40s hits different, especially if you are on the healthier side:

⇢ My back has its own background score now, crack, pop, groan.

⇢ My knees complain louder than my family WhatsApp group.

⇢ And flexibility? If I sit on the floor, I need a recovery plan to get up.

But slowly, something shifted.

Not in my spine (thank God).

In my mindset.

I used to think yoga was about doing it right.

Now I think it’s about just showing up.

Even when everything inside you says, “Boss, skip it. Today’s not the day. (happens every day)”

Some days I last 15 minutes.

Other days, I lie in Shavasana, staring at the ceiling, wondering what life decisions brought me here.

But I keep showing up.

And here’s what I’ve learnt:

Discipline > Motivation

Routine > Perfection

Listening to your body > Pushing through pain (and pride)

As Supriya said on my podcast this week:

“Rituals aren’t rules. They’re reminders.”

Reminders to pause.

To breathe with intention.

To be okay with not being okay.

And right in the middle of one particularly awkward pose, I remembered Tom Hanks' simple advice:

“Show up on time. Know your text. Have an idea.”

Turns out, that applies to yoga too.

⇢ Show up -- even if your knees sound like percussion.

⇢ Know your text -- your body, your limits, and when to not pretend you're 25.

⇢ Have an idea -- of why you’re doing this. Even if it’s just to survive till final relaxation.

This Yoga Day, I’m not celebrating flexibility.

I’m celebrating this photo.

Athrv and I, on a mat, on a beach, trying to sit still and meditate.

Both figuring it out.

That’s yoga. That’s life. And right now, that’s enough.

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