There are 7 continents, 195 countries, tens of thousands of cities, and about 7,000 different languages in the world.

Naturally some things might get lost in translation. And most certainly this leads to some stumbling blocks along the way, because it is not always possible to communicate properly. You might not know how tipping works, buy a ridiculously overpriced stamp because you don’t quite have the exchange rate in mind, step into a cultural faux pas (like turning the bombilla—the metal straw—while drinking mate), or get on the wrong bus and end up somewhere completely different than planned. However, some things are universal and essentially the same all over the world. Besides McDonald’s and Coca-Cola, for me, that’s yoga.

Yoga is an ancient practice, thousands of years old, originating from the Indian subcontinent, and it teaches the "art of living right.” The word yoga means “union,” referring to the union between the individual and the universal consciousness, but also the union of body, mind, and soul. Techniques such as asanas (poses), pranayama (breathing techniques), and meditation intend to bring body, mind, and emotions into balance and harmony. How? Through the “cessation of the fluctuations of the mind,” allowing the mind to become still so that we can see clearly: just like we can see to the bottom of a calm, clear lake (whereas with a disturbed surface, we can’t see a single thing). Yoga connects our inner and outer reality and cannot be intellectually understood, it can only be experienced through practice.

Over the past few years, I’ve taken yoga classes in 10 different countries across 3 continents (from Hawai’i to Croatia to Bali). I've explored a wide range of styles: from classical Hatha Yoga to Vinyasa, Ashtanga, Kundalini, and Jivamukti Yoga; relaxing Yin and Restorative Yoga as well as Yoga Nidra, to more unconventional styles like Laughter or Stretching Yoga, Primal Yoga, Hot Yoga, SUP Yoga, Acro Yoga, and Aerial Yoga. I’ve had teachers from all over the world: from India, Italy, France, Spain, Germany, Thailand, the USA, Mexico, Singapore, Croatia, Russia, and Indonesia.

And even though each style, each teacher, and each setting is different, the essence has always been the same: I roll out my mat, arrive in the moment, tune into myself, connect body and mind, discover and explore, move and allow myself to be guided. Together with the other yogis. And everyone speaks the same language — and by that I don’t mean Sanskrit or the common names of the various asanas, but rather the shared philosophy: the playful curiosity, the openness, the acceptance that everyone is just right as they are — even if that might be different. We are on a shared journey, albeit at different stages, but we’re all heading in the same direction.

One of the things I love about yoga is that it teaches us so many beautiful lessons. One of these lessons is to not to compare ourselves to others — because every single one of us is different and unique. We all have different body types and practice levels, depending on when we started with yoga and how often we practice. Yoga invites us to study ourselves and our limits, to accept them, and then to work on gently and patiently expanding those limits with kindness. It teaches us to connect with ourselves. Every time we roll out the mat, it’s an invitation to check in — because every day, every moment, is different. It teaches us balance: the interplay between effort and ease. It strengthens, opens, and calms not just our bodies, but especially our minds. And today, this knowledge and the opportunity to experience yoga are accessible to anyone with internet access or the ability to attend a class (there is so much karma yoga out there—offered on a donation basis, where everyone gives what they can).

Another thing I truly appreciate about yoga — especially as a traveler — is that I basically don't need anything I cannot carry with me at all times: which is myself. Of course, having a mat is wonderful (and for the past few years, I’ve taken some kind of mat along on all my trips), but I’ve also practiced yoga on bare ground, in the desert, in a rice field, inside a tent, on a towel, and even on a surfboard. While I can only surf at the ocean, and at least need running shoes to go jogging, yoga is always accessible. All I need is a little space and comfortable clothing. Yoga is independent of the location, requires no mandatory investment or prior knowledge, makes no demands regarding size, body shape, age, or gender (at least nowadays—yoga used to be reserved for the men of the Indian royal family), and it doesn’t even have to be practiced super regularly. Yoga is everywhere in the world. It is in the truest sense of the word, universal and always there for us.

Namasté ♥