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Anyone who has ever attended a yoga class knows there’s a certain sort of language that accompanies the practice—and we’re not talking Sanskrit.
When your lifestyle revolves around moving your body, connecting with your breath, and finding alignment in a spiritual sense, it’s only natural that words and descriptions get a little metaphorical. And there are specific phrases—some classic, some clear, some sort of nonsensical—that we repeat again and again in the yoga world.
Still, this school of thought results in some idioms that only make sense in the studio. Need proof? Read on for some (admittedly snarky) examples of yoga speak in normal life.
16 Ways to Use Yoga Speak in the Real World
1. Tell a toddler, mid-tantrum, to “breathe into their belly.”
2. Effectively dismiss your loved ones by urging them to “align your chakras.”
3. Wake yourself from a nap by whispering, “Start to come back to the space. Wiggle your fingers and toes…”
4. Excuse yourself from any social situation by saying you need to spend some time in Child’s Pose.
5. To the person hovering near you on public transit? “Find a comfortable seat.”
6. Tell that coughing stranger to “listen to your body.”
7. Bypass literally anything by saying “it’s not part of my practice.”
8. Do all of your nagging in that quiet, breathy yoga teacher voice.
9. Calm the barista that messed up your drink by telling them “there’s nothing to do, and nothing to undo.”
10. Tech issues? Remind yourself to “send energy out through your fingertips.”
11. Ask ChatGPT to “be mindful” when responding.
12. Remind your barking dog that they are in a “safe, grounded space.”
13. Sign all irritating work emails, “Respectfully, I’m detaching from the outcome of this conversation.”
14. Tell your grumpy neighbor that you “dedicated your practice” to them.
15. Remind your venting friend that they are “one with the Universe.”
16. End each argument with a pointed namaste.
