During my time at dance school, competition was everywhere. It took a toll on my health, both physically and mentally. However, everything changed when I embarked on my yoga teacher training with Rudrani Farbman. She introduced me to a completely different way of practicing—one that rejected competition entirely, both with others and with oneself. 🌿💖
Rudrani emphasized that yoga is not about comparison or striving to be better than someone else. Instead, it is about embracing our individuality and honoring our unique bodies. In her studio, there were no mirrors. As beginners, we were even encouraged to keep our eyes closed. This practice helped us connect deeply with our bodies, minds, and spirits, free from distractions and self-judgment. With our eyes closed, we couldn’t compare ourselves to others, nor could we scrutinize our own movements. Instead, we simply felt. 🙏🌸
As I became a teacher of Rudrani’s method, I learned to give clear and detailed instructions, creating a space filled with support, love, and calmness. Her classes had a deeply meditative atmosphere, something I strive to cultivate in my own teaching. It brings me immense joy to witness students surprise themselves—touching the floor in a forward bend when they thought they couldn’t, lifting their arms higher than expected despite physical limitations. 🌟 These moments happen when people let go of preconceived notions about their bodies and focus on the process rather than the outcome.
Both yoga and Pilates emphasize concentration and mindfulness. Yet, in our modern world, we are often distracted by appearances. Many people look at others in class and think, They are so much more flexible than I am. But this external focus takes them away from their own journey. True progress in these practices isn’t about replicating what we see—it’s about tuning into what we feel. For instance, standing tall isn’t about pulling up the shoulders and straining the neck; rather, it’s about grounding ourselves, feeling connected to gravity, and allowing energy to move freely. 🌍🧘
In our daily lives, we are constantly bombarded by comparisons and competition. But to gain the most from yoga, Pilates, or any form of movement, we must first reconnect with our own bodies. This requires quietness, focus, curiosity, and a willingness to explore emotions and sensations. When we truly engage in this process, our relationship with others transforms as well. 💫
Confidence in our own practice fosters a sense of security and self-acceptance. When we are comfortable in ourselves, we no longer feel the need to compete with those around us. Instead of striving to be better than someone else, we can appreciate their strengths and allow them to inspire us. This shift in mindset removes the harshness of judgment—both of ourselves and others—and replaces it with joy, connection, and mutual growth. 💕
When we embrace the non-competitive nature of yoga and Pilates, we open ourselves to a deeper experience—one filled with self-discovery, acceptance, and shared progress. And in that space of joy and connection, we all rise together. 🌟✨
