Photo by @the_lost_coast.

Last night I taught a 'basics' class at my yoga studio.

As I was driving home, I realized something about what I had said throughout the class. The two things I focused on... weren't physical postures.

What are the basics of yoga?

Ahimsa, non-harming. And breath.

Photo by Cait Loper.

I reminded the students over and over of these two important pillars of the yoga practice.

Compassion. Toward your self and others.

And pranayama. Letting the breath move freely in the body.

Photo by Lucid Reflections.

Of course, you can make all sorts of themes for basics classes that center around the physical poses, asana, and the postures themselves are a great focus for beginners. It's important to set habits of good alignment...

And yet, there's a deeper side to yoga that has less to do with the shape your body is in, and more so the way your heart and your mind are working.

How awesome that you can define your yoga practice in a way that isn't limited by what poses you can or can't do.

So, a friendly reminder -- to all you new yogis, and all you seasoned practitioners too-- yoga is about kindness. And remembering to breathe.

Namaste.