Did you know that according to a 2024 CDC study, one in six adults in the US practices yoga? One market research estimate puts the global yoga market at about $127 billion in 2025, with projected growth to $269 billion by 2033.
It is ironic that yoga, mindfulness meditation, and other contemplative practices are more popular and accessible than ever as society seems to keep limping along, getting in more wars, draining resources, stuck in endless disillusionment and consumerism.
The revolution I’m hoping I’m alive to see is when all these practitioners realize that yoga isn’t just about what happens on the mat…it flourishes and sends ripples out into their whole life. I end every class I teach with a simple prayer: May this practice benefit all beings, everywhere.
Because what happens on our mat isn’t personal. It’s about everyone.
One of my favorite teachings from Swami Kripalu speaks to this truth.
Seekers who believe they must practice yoga only in the meditation room are under a great illusion. They must practice yoga in society as well. Practicing yoga in the meditation room is easy because there are no external disturbances. But one encounters many disturbances while practicing yoga in society, which makes it very difficult. The true yogi is one who can successfully protect their mental steadiness while in society.
Swami Kripalu
For paid subscribers (thank you! 😉), I’ll leave you with this yoga poem I wrote after a recent day in court called “Testifyasana.”
Wait in stillness for an undetermined amount of time
33 steps to the Hot Seat
All eyes on me
Raise right hand, solemnly swear
Take a big breath, fix my hair
Have a seat in the great big chair
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