Embracing Your Authentic Self: A Journey Through Yoga

In a world that tugs us in every direction—pushing us to fit into neat boxes, meet endless expectations, and chase approval—it’s easy to lose touch with who we really are. We get caught up in stories like “I’m not good enough” or “I have to make everyone happy,” forgetting that these aren’t truths but illusions we’ve picked up along the way. Deep down, though, there’s a longing for something truer, something that feels like coming home. That’s where yoga steps in—not just as a stretch for the body, but as a quiet, powerful path to uncovering your authentic self.

At the heart of yoga lies the idea of purusa—your pure, unchanging essence. It’s not your job, your relationships, or the roles you play. It’s the steady light inside you, beyond the ego’s chatter or society’s demands. But finding it isn’t always easy. We’re tangled in false beliefs, clinging to old patterns, and weighed down by others’ expectations. Yoga offers a way through: a chance to see clearly, feel deeply, let go bravely, and live honestly. This journey isn’t about perfection—it’s about peeling back the layers to reveal what’s real.

Take those nagging thoughts we all carry: “I’m a failure,” “I’m not lovable,” or “I’ll never measure up.” In yoga, these are asmita—false identifications that blur the truth. They’re black-and-white lies that hide the messy, beautiful gray of reality. You’ve succeeded before, you’ve been loved, you’ve done good things—those moments are evidence of your worth. Yoga calls this clarity viveka, or discernment. It’s like sitting still and watching your thoughts drift by like clouds. When “I’m not enough” pops up, you can whisper, “Not me,” and let it float away. Over time, you start to see: these aren’t who you are—they’re just stories you’ve outgrown.

But seeing isn’t the whole picture—you have to feel it, too. Yoga teaches anubhava, or direct experience, because truth isn’t just a thought; it’s a sensation that settles into your bones. Think of your wins—helping a friend, earning a kind word, finishing something tough. That’s proof you’re enough. To make it real, stand tall in Mountain Pose (Tadasana), feet grounded, spine long, and breathe in the words “I am enough.” Let them sink in with each inhale, rooting deeper than the doubts. It’s not just knowing you’re worthy—it’s feeling it in your core.

Even then, letting go can feel impossible. We hold tight to old habits—fears of being selfish, guilt about saying no, worries about what others think. Yoga calls this raga, or attachment, and it traps us in dukha—suffering that comes from living out of alignment. But here’s the freeing truth: you’re not here to carry everyone else’s load. Their expectations? Their needs? That’s their path, not yours. In Child’s Pose (Balasana), fold forward, rest your forehead on the earth, and murmur, “This isn’t mine to hold.” With every exhale, release a little more of that weight. It’s not abandoning others—it’s making space for yourself.

Living your truth flows naturally from there. Self-care isn’t selfish; it’s svadharma—your sacred duty to honor who you are. Setting boundaries, choosing yourself, saying “I hold my space; they hold theirs” in the strength of Warrior II (Virabhadrasana II)—these are acts of courage, not cruelty. I learned this the hard way. I used to think fixing everyone else’s problems made me worthy. Then, one day, lying in Savasana’s stillness, a quiet voice whispered, “You’re enough just as you are.” It was simple, but it shifted everything. I started saying no, carving out time for me, and the guilt I’d carried faded into peace.

You don’t need to be a master yogi to start. Write down three things you’ve done well this week—let them remind you of your goodness. Open your heart in Camel Pose (Ustrasana) and breathe, “I am enough.” Release someone else’s expectation in Child’s Pose. Set one small boundary today—say no to what drains you. These tiny steps build a bridge to your authentic self.

The beauty of this journey is its simplicity. Yoga doesn’t demand perfection or ask you to live up to impossible standards. It invites you to embrace the gray, messy, gorgeous truth of who you are. When you let go of what’s not yours and step into your own light, you find a freedom that’s been waiting all along. Take a deep breath—you’re already on the path. Namaste.

Therapist, Meditation Coach, Combat Vet. Advocate for Peace for all inside and out. #dabears