The Unexpected Truth I Learned About Yoga and Myself

Definition of yogi

According to Merriam-Webster, the term “yogi” has three definitions:

1. A person who practices yoga
2. An adherent of Yoga philosophy (capitalized “Yogi”)
3. A markedly reflective or mystical person

Observing Western Yogis

Over the years, I’ve met several Westerners who refer to themselves as “yogis.” Many of them have studied yoga in India—an admirable and impressive pursuit. They are undoubtedly well-versed in Sanskrit, yoga principles, and particularly advanced in the physical practice of yoga. However, in my observation, many of them seem far removed from the second and third definitions of a yogi.

The true essence of a yogi, as I’ve come to understand through research and documentaries, lies in humility, compassion, kindness, and generosity of heart. These fundamental qualities often seem absent in the Western yogis I’ve encountered. As someone who has studied yoga and worked alongside these individuals—albeit as a layperson—I approached a yoga class with Yogi Aaron with hesitation.

A Surprising Shift in Perception

To my surprise, the person leading the yoga class—Yogi Aaron—was nothing like I had anticipated. The moment the practice began, my assumptions started to unravel.

Yogi Aaron opened the session with a thought-provoking question: “What is the goal of yoga?”

Each of us offered responses:

• “Connection”
• “Peace”
• “Balance”

Then Yogi Aaron said, “The goal of yoga is happiness.”

I was taken aback. Happiness? I had long believed happiness to be unattainable. Yogi Aaron continued, “We humans are meant to thrive.” This struck me deeply.

From Survival to Thriving

For years, I existed in a vacuum of victimhood—feeling invalid, worthless. Eventually, I emerged as a survivor. Yet even in that role, part of me remained a victim. The notion of thriving—of living fully and growing—felt foreign.

As I looked around the lush rainforest of Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula, it clicked. Like the plant and animal kingdoms, humans are meant to thrive when given space, sunlight, air, and nourishment. Yet we block ourselves from the very sources of life, light, love—and ultimately, happiness. Yoga brings us back to that source.

Experiencing the Practice with Yogi Aaron

In all my years of yoga practice, I don’t think I’ve encountered a more caring or conscious teacher. Yogi Aaron didn’t stand at the front of the room demonstrating his prowess. Instead, he moved among us, offering precise guidance and adjustments.

As the only non-instructor in the room, I initially felt out of place. But I soon became so immersed in the practice that I lost all awareness of the others. My focus shifted inward. I was no longer concerned about appearances—only the connection between my breath and body.

By the end of the session, I felt something profound: my body was alive, strong, grounded, and powerful. I wasn’t ready to return to the outside world. I realized then that I had grown complacent in my physical yoga practice. While some struggle with stillness, I found ease in being quiet with myself, allowing that centered energy to carry me through the day.

A Humbling Lesson in Self-Awareness

That practice taught me a vital lesson: I knew nothing about another person’s path. My previous judgments had been ego-driven and intolerant—the very traits I had criticized in others.

In truth, most of us strive to become the best versions of ourselves. We don’t intend to harm others. Yet, worldly distractions often pull us away from essential human values like humility, compassion, kindness, and generosity.

Yogi Aaron reminded me that being a yogi isn’t about mastering poses. It’s about mastering the heart.

About The Author

K. Kemah Wilson is a blogger and inspirational writer. Originally from Massachusetts in the United States, Kemah travels throughout the states for her inspiration and spiritual growth. Writing for the Blue Osa blog is her first visit outside the U.S. “People and our individual and collective experiences are where I gather information and ideas for the topics I choose to write,” states Kemah. “My writing gives voice to those experiences.”

Kemah aspires to start her own spiritual blog in the near future. Reaching out to individuals seeking rest and refuge through her writing.