More Than Poses: 13 Lessons from 13 Years of Teaching Yoga

I love birthdays and anniversaries—not so much for the celebration, but as a time to reflect (yup, that Capricorn Sun in me… I can be quite serious, haha!). That’s why the 1st of April is a meaningful date for me. It was the very first day I opened my yoga class at Rimba Baca in Jakarta.

The class was held on the second floor of a children’s library, and it became my home base from 2013 until the pandemic forced everything to close in 2020.

This year marks my 13th year of teaching, and I’ve found myself feeling extra reflective—especially since returning to teaching offline again last year. So here are 13 things that came up from that reflection.

1. Practicing yoga is something worth trying. And if it resonates with you, it can become a powerful tool for navigating daily life—making it feel lighter and more enjoyable.

2. Out of all the uncertainties in life, one thing is certain: we cannot control time. So we might as well go with the flow and make the best of it.

3. Be less judgmental—you’re not walking in other people’s shoes. And you never truly know what tomorrow will bring.

4. Make friends with yourself, so you always have a place to come back to.

5. If your mind gives you a question, breathe and make space for it. Be curious. Step back and observe whether it comes from your intuition or your ego.

6. Set aside time to meditate every day, even if it’s just 3 minutes. Or take several short pauses throughout the day. This helps you connect more deeply with your intuition. Meditation is the heart of yoga—it’s a practice of cultivation, so consistency matters. Trust me, it’s worth the time and energy.

7. Be in awe of everything happening in your life. See things as magical, and they will begin to feel magical.

8. Don’t take everything personally. People make decisions based on their own priorities—often themselves. Make yourself your number one priority, so you won’t be easily disappointed.

9. Move your body every day, but don’t be overly ambitious—especially when you’re busy. Break it into small moments: do hip rolls while waiting for your coffee, or take a few grounding breaths in Mountain Pose before brushing your teeth.

10. Don’t be a perfectionist about your practice. Some days call for a strong asana class, while other days your practice is simply to rest. Both are equally valid.

11. Set aside half a day each week (or even a full day) to do nothing related to work. Don’t make plans—and if you end up just sleeping, be grateful that you have the time and space to do so.

12. Every day is special. Wear those nice clothes to meet your best friend for lunch, use that pretty mug for your morning coffee, and wear that red lipstick whenever you feel like it. As long as it brings you joy, other people’s opinions don’t matter.

13. Your yoga practice will mirror your life. So, bring what you learn on the mat into your everyday life: pause and breathe when you need to, observe your mind when you feel scattered, and remember that rest and integration are essential—especially after big life experiences.

"Still learning, still practicing—on and off the mat."