28 Signs That You’re Deep in Your Yoga Era

Yoga is a way of life. For most student, practice begins on the mat, but once you find your flow, you begin to realize that yoga touches everything you do. From exploring accompany philosophy to focusing on breath and mindfulness, the effects of entering your yoga era are a perspective-shifting experience.

Once there, though, you may find yourself immersed in yoga to the point where it’s impossible to separate your practice from everything else. And that’s kind of the point.

We asked our editors and followers to share some unmistakable signs that you’re deep in your yoga era. If you’re reading this while in an asana (pose), you may already have your first clue.

28 Signs You’re In Your Yoga Era

1. You’re suddenly following way too many yoga accounts on IG.

2. You understand the subtle differences among four almost identical pairs of black leggings.

3. You flow everyday—sometimes multiple times a day.

4. You care as much (or much more) about your vibe as your look.

5. Everything you do is an opportunity for mindfulness.

6. You do Sun Salutations randomly throughout the day.

7. You feel like so much of the noise in your head has receded. And when it comes back, you know what to do.

8. You no longer compare yourself to others in class (or in life).

9. Words like chakra, yama, and dosha are part of your standard vocabulary.

10. You know there are days that require nothing more than resting poses or yoga nidra. It’s not always flowflowflow.

11. You look around any room you enter and scan it for items that can be used in place of a yoga prop, be it block, bolster, or strap.

12. A yoga mat lives in your car.

13. You’re starting your second year of Sutras studies.

14. You absentmindedly find yourself in Tree Pose in tense conversations.

15. You’re less interested in nailing Handstand and more interested in what you learn on your way into it.

16. Every convo with your mom ends in a short sequence of box breathing.

17. You sit cross-legged at your laptop, during Zoom meetings, while watching Netflix, when on public transportation, in social situations…

18. You still look for the good, but can also see the bullshit more clearly.

19. You’ve stopped engaging in and listening to gossip.

20. Seated meditation is among your favorite parts of class.

21. You notice yoga has changed the way you view yourself.

22. You understand what it means to let yourself experience a stretch but not a strain.

23. Your flexibility has exponentially increased, particularly in your mind.

24. You aren’t bothered by other people’s opinions.

25. Your first instinct isn’t to ask what “they” will think, but rather to acknowledge what feels true to you.

26. You pause and take a long, slow breath before responding to texts, comments, Slack messages…

27. You have more compassion for everyone (including yourself).

28. You stop leaving during Savasana.