5 Lessons Yoga Has Taught Me
Written by Danika Desforges-Bell
5 Lessons Yoga Has Taught Me
I’ve been practicing yoga since I was a teenager. What began as a way to move and get fit eventually evolved into a guiding philosophy—shaping how I connect in relationships, how I moved through my studies, and now, how I serve through my work. Here are five lessons that yoga continues to teach me—simple yet profound, and ever-present in daily life.
1-The Power of Nasal Breathing
One of the first lessons I learned in yoga was the importance of breathing through the nose. Nasal breathing does more than help us feel calm—it filters, warms, and humidifies the air we take in, supporting our overall respiratory health. Research has even shown that nasal breathing can improve cardiovascular endurance and help regulate our nervous system. It’s such a simple act, but it changes the way we meet challenges both on and off the mat.
2-The Man and the Butterfly Fable
I often return to this beautiful, bittersweet story, which you can explore in more depth here—an adaptation of the classic tale. In short: a man sees a butterfly struggling to emerge from its cocoon. Intent on helping, he snips the cocoon open—but the butterfly emerges weak, with shriveled wings, and can never fly .
The lesson is clear: sometimes our greatest growth comes through the struggle, not in bypassing it. In yoga, that intuitive knowing never leaves me.
3-What We Resist Will Persist
One of yoga’s most precious teachings: resistance only strengthens what we push against. Whether it’s a tight hamstring in a forward fold, or a stubborn emotion in daily life, I’ve learned that softening—not fighting—invites healing and release. This has reshaped how I show up for myself and others.
4-Sitting in Discomfort
Not every posture is easy—and that’s okay. Staying present through discomfort, breathing through it, trusting in its changeability… these are lessons that extend far beyond the mat. They help in hard conversations, emotional upheaval, and moments I want to escape rather than endure.
5-Befriending Silence and Stillness
Stillness doesn’t come naturally—but yoga teaches me to lean in. In quiet, we begin to notice breath and thought patterns, and what truly matters rises to the surface. Lately, this lesson is deepening through parenthood—a rhythm of chaos and rare stillness that makes me cherish the silent pauses even more. (Definitely another blog post in the making…)
These lessons from yoga weave beautifully into mindfulness—another practice that helps us breathe, slow down, and show up differently in our daily lives. This October, I’ll be guiding October OM, a 31-day mindfulness program where we explore practices like these together.
If you’re craving a reset, a chance to slow down, or simply want to bring more awareness into your days, I’d love for you to join us.
Join me for October Om! More information HERE!
As mental health counsellor, I work with children, families, and adults in a non-judgemental, warm, and welcoming environment. As a key member of the C’est La Vie Wellness team, I work collaboratively with our naturopathic doctor, nutritionists, life coaches, etc. I support my clients with concrete tools and coping strategies to achieve their goals and support them through personal challenges.