Many people say a big part of practicing yoga is letting go of ego (and they’re right). What does this mean in concrete terms? It means letting go of our concept of self (while keeping our concept of Self open to improvement – note the difference; self is mundane, Self is not). While this isn’t the entire definition, this is part: it means shaking off the competitiveness that is so ingrained in anything remotely physical. Physicality is so often associated with ego-driven concepts.

Think about it – weight loss, there’s one gigantic reason we exercise. Weight loss is very much an idea seated in ego; we strive for weight loss sometimes because of health reasons, but more often than not it’s because we want to achieve perfection. “Yoga for weight loss” is not an uncommon advertisement in books and videos. There’s nothing inherently wrong with that, as long as the drive comes from a pure place.

And more often than not ego creeps into yoga practice with a little voice in our heads telling us to achieve perfection in our yoga experiences. Beginner? That little voice is telling you to become “intermediate”. Intermediate? That little voice says “advanced”. Doing yoga around others? That little voice says “impress”. None of us are impervious to it, and if we listen to it we can be taking a giant step backwards in our mind/body/spirit progression.

But what’s the rush? The answer is: there is no rush.

Instructor Randi Botnick was careful to introduce her videos with words of encouragement that also warned her viewers: it’s not a competition. There’s nobody judging you except yourself!

If you feel comfortable practicing yoga at a beginner’s level forever, then do it. If you feel a spiritual need to progress to the next level, and you can do so without hurting yourself physically, then go for it. But don’t force it. Do it in your own time. Listen to your body, it is your greatest guide.

Ignore the little voice that tells you more, more, more! There is no rush. You have nothing if you don’t have time.