The Most Common Mistake in Yoga—and How to Avoid It

Here’s a question I often ask myself and my students:

When was the last time you truly listened to your body during a yoga class? 

I’m not talking about just following the instructor’s voice or moving into a familiar pose—I mean really listening, tuning in to what your body is telling you right now, in this moment.

One of the most common mistakes I see in yoga is that instead of being present with where we are, we compare ourselves to where we’ve been.

We say to ourselves, “I used to be able to go deeper in this pose,” or “Last week this was easier.” In those moments, we’re not practicing yoga—we’re practicing comparison. And that’s where things can go wrong.

A Lesson I Learned the Hard Way

Believe me, I’m no stranger to this mistake. In fact, I’ve been guilty of it more times than I can count. Let me share a story with you.

There was a time not too long ago when I was going through my own yoga practice, and I wasn’t feeling 100%. You know those days when you step onto your mat, but your body is just telling you, “Hey, take it easy today.” Well, that’s exactly what my body was trying to tell me, but guess what? I wasn’t listening.

I got to a pose that I normally handle with ease—something I’ve done over the decades. And in my mind, I thought, “I’ve got this. I always do.” But instead of respecting the way my body was feeling that day, I pushed myself beyond my limits. I was chasing after what I used to be able to do, not honoring where I was at that moment.

And what happened? I got hurt.

I remember the twinge in my shoulder, a sharp reminder that yoga isn’t about what I could do in the past, but about how I’m showing up today.

It wasn’t a major injury, but it was enough to make me pause and reflect. The irony was that I knew better, but I wasn’t practicing what I teach—listening to my body in the present moment.

The Trap of Comparison

We’ve all been there, right? Maybe there’s a pose you used to do effortlessly, or maybe you’re looking at the person on the mat next to you and wondering why they seem to be gliding through while you struggle.

The truth is, comparison is a thief of presence.

When you’re comparing yourself to your past abilities or to others around you, you’re no longer in tune with what your body is experiencing now.

“Comparison is the thief of joy.” – Theodore Roosevelt

The beauty of yoga is that it’s a practice—a journey, not a destination. Each time you step onto your mat, your body will be different. Some days you’ll feel strong and flexible, and other days you’ll feel tight and tired. And that’s okay. The key is to honor where you are in the moment.

We Are Our Own Best Teachers

One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned through years of practice and teaching is that we are our own best teachers. Yes, instructors can guide us, offer cues, and inspire us, but only you know what’s happening inside your body. You’re the only one who can feel the tension in your hamstrings or the tightness in your shoulders.

What I always remind my students (and myself!) is that yoga is not about hitting a particular pose or pushing yourself to meet some arbitrary standard. It’s about connecting with your body—right here, right now. It’s about being present with what your body is capable of today and listening to its signals.

The Balance: Not Too Little, Not Too Much

Now, this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t push yourself at all. There’s a balance. Some days, you might feel like you can go a little deeper, stretch a little further, and that’s great—as long as it comes from a place of awareness. But there are also days when you need to back off, to soften, to rest.

Yoga teaches us that balance is everything. It’s not about going too hard or too soft—it’s about tuning into what’s right for you in that moment. When we listen to our bodies, we find that sweet spot where we can grow, challenge ourselves, and still remain mindful.

A Call to Be Present

So the next time you find yourself on your mat, ask yourself, “Am I really listening to my body today?” Let go of what you did yesterday, last week, or even last year. Tune into how you feel right now. That’s where the real magic happens. That’s when yoga becomes more than just a physical practice—it becomes a path to deeper awareness, growth, and connection with yourself.

Remember, your body is constantly speaking to you. The question is: are you listening?

What about you?

Have you ever found yourself stuck in comparison mode on your mat?

How did you work through it? I'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences.

Love

Sumit