If you’ve been scrolling through social media or popped into a fitness class recently, chances are you’ve come across yoga in some form – maybe someone doing an advanced pose, like the splits against an aesthetic backdrop or, more playfully, a class involving goats, puppies, or wine!
These modern twists are fun you may say…sure, but they stray far from what yoga truly is and detract from its true meaning.
For many beginners, it can feel overwhelming and confusing to know where to begin.
So, where did yoga start, and how did we end up here?
Let me take you on a little journey through my experience with yoga, how it’s evolved, and what we can do to bring it back to its roots.
Growing up in a household where yoga was part of daily life, I saw it as much more than just exercise.
It was about finding balance, inner peace, and a deeper connection to a higher power. I remember early mornings filled with mantras (sacred chants) and bhakti (devotional practice) alongside quiet reflection.
Yoga wasn’t just a routine; it was a way to set the tone for the day, grounding us in something larger than ourselves. But more than that, it was a beacon of light that was ingrained in my upbringing.
Nikita Desai, from London , who is a yoga practitioner, educator, and advocate of authentic yoga, slammed western practices saying it wasn’t designed to be a ‘trendy workout’
Pictured: Ex-Geordie Shore star Vicky Pattison at a puppy yoga class in 2019
Megan Barton Hanson from Love Island at a puppy yoga class. Organiser Paws for Thought shares photos of celebs attending their classes
My earliest memories of yoga weren’t about perfecting poses but about feeling calm and connected.
My family’s approach emphasised the meditative and philosophical aspects, like chanting mantras and understanding the purpose of having a connection to Hindu deities to bring us peace of mind. These practices taught me to live with intention, compassion, and mindfulness.
When I found yoga in the west after a skydiving injury, I was excited to see how it had become so popular. But I quickly noticed something was missing.
Now, we see yoga classes that involve goats, puppies, or wine, which are sold for the entertainment factor, missing the mark on what yoga is really about.
I mean, let’s be honest—no one is attending puppy yoga to find inner peace. It’s about the puppies, right? And while that’s okay for a bit of fun, it doesn’t reflect the deeper purpose of yoga, which is about cultivating stillness and mindfulness.
Moreover, the rise of Instagram yoga has created a culture where the emphasis is on achieving picture-perfect poses rather than inner transformation.
This focus on aesthetics over authenticity has made yoga feel exclusive, leaving many people thinking it’s only for the young, flexible, or affluent.
Most classes focused on the physical poses, with little to no mention of the spiritual or philosophical roots that I had grown up with. It felt like a different practice altogether.
Nikita insisted yoga has lost its way in western cultures and has become less about enriching the mind and soul and more about Instagramable achieving picture-perfect poses in aesthetic studios
The commercialisation of yoga has led to a loss of its deeper spiritual and philosophical roots.
In many modern studios, the focus is overwhelmingly on the physical aspects—strength, flexibility, and aesthetics—while the mental, emotional, and spiritual dimensions are often sidelined.
This shift not only dilutes yoga’s core teachings but also creates an environment where the practice is marketed as a luxury or a fitness trend rather than a holistic path to inner growth and self-discovery.
The accessibility of yoga has also become a pressing concern. Many classes, teacher trainings, and retreats are super expensive, making it difficult for those from less privileged backgrounds to access the practice.
This exclusivity contrasts severely with the original intention of yoga, which was to be a universal practice available to all, regardless of socioeconomic status.
From my experience, bringing yoga back to its roots doesn’t mean ditching modern creativity but rather being mindful of how we present and practice it.
One small but impactful change could be renaming classes that deviate from traditional yoga. Let’s call them what they are—fitness classes or movement classes with a twist—so we can preserve the true meaning of yoga.
I’ve had moments in classes where the lack of mindfulness and spirituality felt jarring.
Once, in a trendy urban studio, I realised that not once during the class did the teacher mention anything beyond the physical poses.
There was no encouragement to connect with our breath, no reminder of the ethical principles, and certainly no discussion about meditation or mindfulness.
Just applause for whoever could master the poses. It felt incomplete, as if we were only skimming the surface of what yoga could offer.
If you’re new to yoga, start by looking for classes that honour the full spectrum of the practice.
It’s not just about flexibility or strength—it’s about finding a sense of peace within yourself. Look for teachers who talk about more than just poses and help you connect with yoga’s wider teachings.
Integrate yoga into your daily life through small practices—like mindful breathing, meditation, or reflecting on ethical principles.
These small, consistent steps can make a huge difference. You won’t regret diving deeper when you find out just how profound the teachings and benefits are when yoga is practiced in its most authentic form!
In my book, A Beginner’s Guide to the Roots of Yoga, I dive deeper into these ideas, offering a roadmap for anyone curious about what yoga really is and how it can transform your life.
I also give you practical solutions and ways that you can practice yoga that go beyond your body.
Not only does this book provide you with solutions, but also ways that you can continue your journey to cultivating more authenticity in yoga, including resources and practical next steps.
Together, we can bring back the balance, mindfulness, and depth that yoga has always been about.
Nikita Desai is a highly sought-after yoga practitioner and educator who is passionate about promoting the traditions and benefits of authentic yoga to the modern yoga space. As a leading voice on this topic, Desai has worked with companies from ITV to TikTok HQ to spread her message. Desai regularly runs workshops, both online and at festivals, and she is the owner of online studio Arya Yoga.
A Beginner’s Guide to the Roots of Yoga is the essential companion for anyone who wants to practice yoga respectfully and fully.