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What Is A Yogi Personality? 7 Surprising Qualities To Know

There comes a point in your yoga journey when you start asking: What is a yogi personality, anyway?

Does being an authentic yogi mean sporting mala beads and greeting passersby with a nod and a namaste? Does it require signing up for meditation retreats and spouting the benefits of a raw vegan diet? 

Or maybe you’re wondering if being a yogi involves bending and balancing in designer yoga attire (much like the influencers you follow on Instagram.)

There’s no denying that with the commercialization of yoga, comes a particular yoga identity to which many practitioners subscribe. That’s okay! From fashion to food, if you resonate with a style or product, then enjoy it!

There’s just one thing…

If you don’t resonate with a stereotypical yoga personality, that’s okay, too.

You’ve likely heard it said before: Yoga is for everyone

It’s not just a common yoga quote but a pillar of my yoga teachings. So, no matter your personality or preferences, know that there is a place for you in the yoga community.

Now, some internal qualities of a yogi personality are worth exploring — meaningful character traits we can all continue to develop daily. 

Let’s take a closer look at yoga and personality as we explore the top seven qualities of an aspiring yogi

What Is A Yogi Personality? 7 Surprising Qualities To Know

Yoga and Personality

Before we take a deep dive into what is a yogi personality, I want to emphasize the importance of individuality in yoga — especially if you’re considering a yoga teacher training program

Your personality is a gift. People in the yoga community are looking for your quirks and qualities, so don’t be afraid to shine! What makes you unique will attract your tribe and set you apart in a sea of other yoga teachers.

I know it’s easy to feel like all yoga teachers are “naturally” outgoing, bubbly, attractive, and well-spoken. Or maybe your yoga instructors appear stoic and serene — like they just teleported from an Ashram in India!

Well, I’m here to tell you that these stereotypes are just that…

stereotypes

Inclusivity in yoga classes matters. If you’ve ever felt less-than or unincluded in yoga, I want you to know you’re not alone, and other yoga communities are waiting with open arms to embrace you just as you are. 

Read More: How To Be More Inclusive in Your Yoga Class

inclusive yoga classes blue osa

So, with all yogi personalities warmly welcomed, let’s now review a few important characteristics of an aspiring yogi:

What does it mean to be a yogi?

If we’re going to discuss the qualities of a yogi, it makes sense to ask the question: What makes a yogi a yogi?

We can discover more about the characteristics of a yogi by turning to the Bhagavad Gita. In this ancient text, we learn that a yogi is someone with a stable mind — a person of equanimity, free of attachment to success or failure, suffering or joy. 

We dive deep into the history of yoga — and how ancient teachings can inform modern life — during our yoga teacher training programs. 

Listen…

Being a yogi isn’t about flexibility or inversions. Instead, the true meaning of yoga is to bring awareness and balance to the mind and body. This quote from The NYTimes sums it up nicely:

“The original context of yoga was spiritual development practices to train the body and mind to self observe and become aware of their own nature. The purposes of yoga were to cultivate discernment, awareness, self-regulation and higher consciousness in the individual.”

Once we realize yoga is more about inner development than physical appearance, we can start to understand the true qualities of a yogi personality. 

So what is a yogi personality?

So, what is a yogi personality? Let’s review seven important qualities of any aspiring yogi. 

1. Judgement-free

Practicing non-judgment is easier said than done — especially when it comes to judgemental thoughts about ourselves

However, it helps to remember those judgmental thoughts are just stories and harmful thought patterns that remove us from the present moment. A yogi personality recognizes that judgment does more harm than good; they strive to observe themselves and the world around them without attaching an opinion. 

As we become more non-judgemental, we become more equanimous in the mind and spirit — we discover more peace, gratitude, and love towards ourselves and others. 

What Is A Yogi Personality? 7 Surprising Qualities To Know

2. Respectful

“Respect is an acknowledgment of the inherent worth and innate rights of the individual and the collective.”

The Asana Journal

A pillar of yoga is to know your worth and honor the worth of others. I don’t need to agree with you (or you with me), but I can respect your journey and your inherent self-worth without dimming my self-respect in the process.

When we practice respect in this way, we minimize conflict and harm — and cultivate self-regulation and awareness. 

What is one easy tip to practice respect today? 

Respect where you are in your yoga practice. Release any temptation to force yourself past your boundaries. Know that you are exactly where you need to be in your practice.

3. Curious

What is a yogi personality? Someone who is curious

A sense of wonder when listening to the ocean waves. A desire to learn about the mystical elements of yoga. A yearning to explore how our bodies feel in different yoga poses. 

Curiosity is about a devotion to learning. It’s releasing arrogance and attachment to the Ego, so we can better understand ourselves emotionally and spiritually. 

How can you embrace curiosity? Don’t be afraid to play! Child-like wonder is a beautiful thing. 

Think about a youngster exploring their surroundings. They have no attachment to the outcomes of their discoveries. Instead, they are present in the moment, simply enjoying the process of being and learning.

So, try new things. Explore how your mind and body feel. Ask questions! In other words, stay curious — both on and off the mat. 

4. Humble

Humility is nothing but truth, and pride is nothing but lying.” – Saint Vincent de Paul.

The practice of yoga is exactly that — a practice. Yoga isn’t about flexibility. Just because a yoga pose is more “difficult” doesn’t mean it provides more benefits to the mind and body. 

When we come back to humility, we remember that yoga is not about proving ourselves — and it’s certainly not about getting the most likes on social media. Rather, yoga is an ever-evolving journey of self-discovery. 

It takes humility to detach from our Ego, but from this place of humility, we can sit with the fluctuations of the mind to discover greater peace and deep-rooted joy. 

How To Live In Service and Volunteer

5. Passionate about service

Another answer to the question: What is a yogi personality? Someone of selfless service, or Seva, to the world. 

You’ve likely heard your yoga teacher instruct you to “take your yoga off the mat,” but what does that really mean? 

We can’t create world peace or control the actions of those around us. However, we can choose to live peacefully and spread kindness. The key is to be of service without the expectation of gratitude or reward — to cultivate compassion and generosity simply because we know it’s the right thing to do. 

The continual practice of Seva is a pathway to self-realization — which is why we practice yoga in the first place. 

6. Generous

There’s a concept in yoga called Aparigraha: there is enough for everyone

When we view the world through a lens of abundance and non-attachment, we start to realize that we already have everything we need. Because we aren’t operating from a place of perceived scarcity, there’s always a way to be generous in spirit to those around us. 

Now, generosity doesn’t have to be with physical belongings. You can be generous with your time, your knowledge, or your attention. 

Just as with Seva, true yogis aren’t generous for a reward or acknowledgment, but simply because they know there is always enough to share with others. 

7. Compassionate

We’ve all been there…

The person on the yoga mat next to us is breathing too loudly. Or maybe the car driving in front of us is too slow. Our in-laws are too opinionated and our neighbors are too noisy. 

It’s human to get frustrated or annoyed with those around us. However, yoga teaches us that the remedy to such ill thoughts is compassion. 

Compassion doesn’t happen overnight, but it is a quality we can cultivate through awareness, intention, and meditation. 

To sum it up: what is a yogi personality?

Yoga is about practice, not perfection. So, if you’re still wondering what is a yogi personality, then remember these seven intrinsic qualities. But more importantly, embrace your journey, and know we’re all growing and evolving together!

Now, are you ready to deepen your yoga practice in one of the most beautiful, biodiverse places on earth? Then we’d love to welcome you to Blue Osa, our yoga sanctuary where all personalities and individuals are celebrated. 

We created our beachfront yoga retreat to be the perfect escape for the busy, burnt-out individual. Our lush setting promotes healing and mindful reflection, so you get the foundation you need for a healthier, more rewarding life. 

Learn more about our private yoga retreats here and start curating the custom retreat of your dreams today. 

Teaching methodology + practicum

  • Learn how to lead and market successful yoga retreats
  • Learn the principles of demonstration, observation, assisting/correcting, and instruction.

  • Learn different teaching styles.

  • You’ll learn specific techniques that will enable you to easily teach all levels

  • You’ll also learn how to sequence your asanas to create a natural, therapeutic and transformative arcs in your classes

  • Learn the qualities of effective teaching

  • Learn the business aspects of being a yoga teacher and gain the building blocks of how to build a thriving yoga career

Development of the Professional Essentials

History, Philosophy + Ethics

  • Identify your spiritual stance so you can step into it as a source of strength
  • Identify walls and develop strategies to take them down
  • Create a support network and support strategies and have them in place when you leave
  • Complete a physical and spiritual adventure challenge
  • Learn the business aspects of building a thriving yoga career
  • How to bring the practice of yoga into your everyday life and make it work for you
  • The science and application of mantra
  • An overview of the history of the yoga tradition
  • The ethical standards of teaching yoga

Yoga Humanities

Applied Yoga Anatomy + Muscle Activation™

  • Receive training in Applied Yoga Anatomy + Muscle Activation™ training for Yoga Teachers
  • Go further in your anatomy training
  • Learn how to access muscle function
  • How to sequence transformational yoga classes
  • Learn the energetic and deeper sublime effects of asana
  • The science and application of Mantra
  • Design classes based on Ayurvedic principles
  • Knowledge of both human physical anatomy and physiology (bodily systems, organs, etc.) and energy anatomy and physiology (chakras, nadis, etc.).

Anatomy & Physiology

Techniques, Training and Practice

  • A breakdown in the anatomical and energetic categories of postures
  • Develop a daily meditation practice
  • Learn pranayamas, kriyas, chanting, mantra, meditation, and other traditional yoga techniques
  • How to sequence and structure transformational 60 and 90-minute classes
  • Practical experience teaching postures, classes, and meditation
  • Learn deep relaxation techniques
  • Yoga Nidra, as taught by the Himalayan tradition and Western tradition
  • Learn how to conduct and lead fire rituals
  • Kundalini Yoga techniques
  • Learn the subtle energetic aspects of yoga like the Koshas and chakras
  • Kriya Yoga and Laya Yoga

Advance Your Own Practice in Yoga

Techniques, Training and Practice

  • A breakdown in the anatomical and energetic categories of postures
  • Develop a daily meditation practice
  • Learn techniques in pranayamas, kriyas, chanting, mantra, meditation, and other traditional yoga techniques
  • How to structure and sequence transformational classes
  • Practical experience in teaching postures, sequencing, and meditation
  • Learn deep relaxation and meditation techniques that come from the Himalayan tradition

Develop a Rock Solid Practice in Yoga

Applied Yoga Anatomy + Muscle Activation™

  • Receive training in Applied Yoga Anatomy + Muscle Activation™ training for Yoga Teachers
  • Develop an understanding of basic anatomy
  • Learn about muscle function and how to improve it (something you will not learn in any other YTT)
  • Knowledge of both human physical anatomy and physiology (bodily systems, organs, etc.) and energy anatomy and physiology (chakras, nadis, etc.)
  • The study of both the subject and application of its principles to yoga practice (benefits, contraindications, healthy movement patterns)
  • Skills to teach yoga classes suited to all levels of practice.

Anatomy & Physiology

History, Philosophy + Ethics

  • An in-depth study and application of the Yoga Sutra
  • How to bring the practice of yoga into your everyday life and make it work for you
  • The science and application of mantra
  • An overview of the history of the yoga tradition
  • The ethical standards of teaching yoga

Yoga Humanities

Teaching methodology + practicum

Get hands-on practice teaching so that you’ll be able to teach on day one after the training is finished. You will:

  • Practice teaching in small and large groups

  • Be ready to teach yoga as soon as you leave the yoga teacher training

  • Get hands-on experience teaching and give/receive feedback

  • Practice assisting students

  • Learn the principles of demonstration, observation, assisting/correcting and instruction

  • Learn different teaching styles

  • Learn qualities of effective teaching and adjust to the student’s process of learning

  • Learn the business aspects of how to build a thriving yoga career

Development of the Professional Essentials