Recently, I attended an online training with the British Wheel of Yoga called Dharma Delights, led by Bram Williams. The day was all about storytelling—exploring the myths and meanings behind some of the yoga poses we practise. I love weaving a little dharma talk into my classes, and this training reminded me why. Stories add depth to the practice, making it about more than just movement.
I also love bringing poetry into my classes. Just like mythology, poetry has a way of connecting us to something deeper. Whether it’s a single line that lingers or an image that sparks reflection, words—like yoga—can guide us towards stillness, strength, or surrender.
The Stories Behind the Poses
So many of the poses we do in yoga have stories behind them, and when we know those stories, the poses start to take on new meaning. Here are a few we explored:
🐟 Matsyandrasana (Seated Twist) – Named after Matsyendra, a fish who overheard sacred teachings and was transformed into a wise sage. Twists, like this story, invite us to turn inward and reflect.
🌳 Vrksasana (Tree Pose) – The tree is rooted and strong but still sways with the wind. This pose is all about finding balance—both physically and in life.
🚣♀️ Navasana (Boat Pose) – Just like a boat navigating waves, this pose teaches us steadiness in the face of change.
🦁 Simhasana (Lion’s Breath) – The lion’s roar releases tension and frustration. It’s a reminder to let go of stress and step into courage.
🐶 Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward Dog) – Inspired by the loyal and playful nature of a dog. It’s a pose that invites us to stretch, breathe, and stay present.
🔺 Trikonasana (Triangle Pose) – A shape that represents balance—body, mind, and spirit. It encourages us to find strength and openness at the same time.
🙏 Forward Bends – Bowing forward is a symbol of surrender, of softening, of letting go. These poses remind us to pause and allow.
Themes for Yoga Classes
We also explored different themes that can add depth to a class. Some of my favourites were:
🍂 Seasons – How our practice shifts with the changing energy of Autumn, Winter, Spring, and Summer.
🐢 Slowing Down – Taking time to pause, breathe, and rest.
🎭 Play – Bringing curiosity and lightness into the practice.
🌊 Seaside & Waves – Moving like water, flowing through change.
🌀 Spine – Exploring the way our spine moves and supports us.
💚 Heart-Based Practices – Tapping into emotions and connection, inspired by Anahata meditation from Tias Little’s Yoga of the Subtle Body.
☀️ Solstices – Honouring the cycles of light and dark.
⚖️ Sthira & Sukha – The balance of effort and ease, strength and softness.
Why Do We Practise Yoga?
One of the questions we explored was: Why do you practise yoga?
For me, yoga is about connection—physically, mentally, emotionally. Some people come to class for strength and flexibility, some for peace of mind, and others just for the joy of movement. There’s no right or wrong reason—just the practice itself.
One of my favourite Yoga Sutras is Sutra 1.14:
“Practice becomes firmly grounded when well attended to for a long time, without break, and with sincere devotion.”
It’s a reminder that yoga isn’t about perfecting a pose but about showing up—again and again—with patience, curiosity, and heart.
Bringing Meaning to the Mat
Yoga is more than just a series of shapes. It’s movement, breath, awareness. It’s stories, poetry, and themes that help us connect to something bigger.
I’ll leave you with these lines from Rainer Maria Rilke:
“Let everything happen to you: beauty and terror.
Just keep going. No feeling is final.”
So much of yoga is about this—being present for whatever comes, knowing that nothing lasts forever.
Do you have a favourite yoga story, theme, or poem? I’d love to hear in the comments!
Photo Credit: Annie Sprat – thank you!