Vocal Verified—Yoga

Yoga is personified by measured breathing, long-held stretches, and the practitioner's calm, peaceful expression. It's the antithesis of the fast-paced lifestyle so many of us have gotten used to. Outside of rush hour traffic and work desks, the idea of sitting in one place for so long can seem alien. The idea of doing so peacefully is nearly incomprehensible.

Yet thousands of people all over the world have integrated yoga into their lives. Here at Vocal, I've read dozens of stories about how yoga has changed people's lives. From its calming effects to its physical benefits to its welcoming community, this practice has been a source of wellbeing for many of our creators. I've gathered their experiences and the advice they've shared here for anyone interested in taking up a more peaceful approach to their everyday life.

Give them a read, leave your favorite stories a tip, or share a bit of fitness advice of your own.

If you're not already a creator, you can sign up here to get started.

For more stories on yoga, explore Longevity, our community for health and wellness.

"The aim of Yoga is self-realization, to overcome suffering, in turn leading to 'the state of liberation'."—Johanna Godinez, Life and Style Coaches

"What yoga has also taught me is how to listen to oneself and how to adapt."—Milena Vasak

"Yoga isn’t just for the flexible, fit and environmentally aware."—E McNeal

"Feeling peaceful centres me."—Alicia Brunskill

"I never thought that yoga would be the answer to my problems."—Aliex Anne

"Imagine a journey that has a beginning like all others, a middle like all others, but has no end, unlike others! This is the beauty of yoga."—Yasmine Shaban

"It helps us to unite all the facets of our body, our emotions, and our spirituality. But above all, it allows us to stop time and stop our thinking while we recharge our batteries."—Caroline Brazeau

"I chose the name Big Yoga Life since it’s not just about being big, and it’s not just about yoga. It’s about having a BIG LIFE."—Angela Fisher

"You are going to change; nothing stays the same. How you change is up to you."—Kim Stetz

"Are you truly going to commit to the wholesomeness of this practice?"—Tabitha Peairs

"Change your view of yoga sadhana as a form of traditional exercise to a full spiritual practice that extends beyond the mat."—Devi Jiya Nicole Badra

"Ultimately when we do our practice, we can find a sense of calm if we bring our heart to the matter."—Agamjot Singh

"I feel that yoga is very under-appreciated as a viable form of exercise."—Saphira Night

"As a yoga teacher, I cannot tell you how many excuses I hear as to why people don't do yoga."—Sonia R.

"According to the tradition and scripts, the “Amrit Vela” or the time just before dawn is the best to practice yoga and meditation."—Jilian Woods

"I like to imagine that if I ever make it to India or Bali, I will be able to practice yoga without speaking the language."—Amanda Fleites

"Even those in good shape will benefit because yoga fine-tunes the body, opening up new levels of health and physical fitness."—Izzy Erlich

"Many will find the benefits of having a quieter body and mind will serve as a perfect counterpart to the hecticness of their lives."—Candace Elizabeth

"After taking 3 yoga sculpt classes in a row, I was looking forward to breaking it down and just focusing on the yoga."—Little Caviar

"Yoga is a very special practice that heals both mental and physical ills."—Samantha Bentley

"Yoga is one of the most effective and non-invasive techniques everyone can use on a daily basis and achieve great progress."—Karla Ilicic

"Humor aside, all of the poses we’ve featured are here to help aid you in whatever stressful time you’re currently facing."—Aaliyah Williams

"Since I do use yoga to relieve chronic pain and stay flexible, I take every chance I can to stretch. Including my Netflix time!"—Kylie Jane

"If tight hamstrings are plaguing you, be it hindering your yoga practice or just causing you discomfort, these simple exercises can begin to help by stretching them out."—Sophie George

"The Chaturanga pose is deceptively challenging, and there are a lot of people (a lot of people) that hold the pose incorrectly."—Annie Kiely