Inspirational Readings for Yoga Class (+35 Quotes)

Poems, readings, music are all excellent elements to include at a yoga class. Whether you are rolling out your yoga mat for the first time, a seasoned practitioner, or even a yoga instructor, these readings are a gentle reminder that there’s always a source of peace within reach in daily life.

Stay until the end for extra inspirational tools for yoga classes.

Inspirational Readings for Yoga Class

If you enjoy reading inspirational quotes at the end of a class or during an evening meditation practice, these words will guide you to find complete peace in yourself – they are a great way to begin your inward journey.

Close your eyes, take a breath, and enjoy each of them.

B.K.S. Iyengar: “Yoga does not just change the way we see things, it transforms the person who sees. It is a holistic practice that touches every aspect of our being, integrating body, mind, and spirit. Through consistent practice, we discover a deeper connection to ourselves and the world around us.”
Patanjali: “Yoga is the cessation of the movements of the mind. Then there is abiding in the Seer’s own form. In this stillness, we find the essence of our true nature, beyond the fluctuations and distractions of the mind. This is the ultimate goal of yoga, to experience our inner peace and clarity.”
Swami Satchidananda: “The goal of Yoga is to have a balanced mind in order to have a balanced life. When the mind is calm and centered, we can navigate the challenges of life with grace and ease. Yoga teaches us to find this inner equilibrium, enabling us to live more harmoniously with ourselves and others.”
T.K.V. Desikachar: “Yoga is the perfect opportunity to be curious about who you are. Through the practice, we peel away the layers of conditioning and false identities. We begin to uncover our authentic selves, which is both liberating and empowering. Yoga invites us to embark on a journey of self-discovery on this entire universe.”
Rolf Gates: “The depth of your effort will determine the depth of your experience. Yoga asks us to show up fully, with dedication and presence. As we commit to our practice, we unlock deeper layers of understanding and transformation. It is through this earnest effort that we truly reap the benefits of yoga.”
Eckhart Tolle: “Yoga is a way to freedom. Through constant practice, we can free ourselves from fear, anguish, and loneliness. It teaches us to live in the present moment, fully aware and connected to our inner self. In this state of presence, we find true liberation from the mind’s chatter.”
Sri K. Pattabhi Jois: “Practice, practice, practice, and all is coming. Through regular and dedicated practice, we develop patience and resilience. Yoga is not about the destination but the journey itself. Each step on this path brings us closer to our true essence.”
Judith Hanson Lasater: “Yoga is not about touching your toes; it is about what you learn on the way down. The practice of yoga is a mirror to our inner world. It reveals our strengths, weaknesses, and the areas we need to work on. Through this process, we cultivate self-awareness and compassion.”
Swami Niranjanananda: “Practicing yoga and learning about yourself is like entering a big dark room and turning the lights on one by one. People want instant transformation. Yoga is not for these people. It is for people who are patient and willing to work hard to overcome their limitations.”
Donna Farhi: “Yoga does not remove us from the reality or responsibilities of everyday life but places our feet firmly and resolutely in the practical ground of experience. We learn to approach life with a sense of mindfulness and presence. Yoga equips us with tools to handle life’s challenges with grace. It reminds us that every moment is an opportunity for practice.
Rodney Yee: “The most important pieces of equipment you need for doing yoga are your body and your mind. The practice of yoga is accessible to everyone, regardless of their circumstances. It requires no special equipment, just a willingness to explore and be present. Yoga teaches us to connect deeply with ourselves, using our breath and movement.
Gurmukh Kaur Khalsa: “Yoga is the unifying art of transforming dharma into action, be it through inspired thought, properly nurtured emotion, or simply a good deed. It encourages us to live our truth and express our highest self. Through yoga, we align our actions with our deepest values, creating a life of integrity and purpose. Each practice is an opportunity to embody our dharma.”
Patanjali: “The obstacles that distract thought are disease, apathy, doubt, carelessness, indolence, dissipation, false vision, failure to attain a firm basis in yoga, and restlessness.”
Vanda Scaravelli: “Yoga must not be practiced to control the body: it is the opposite, it must bring freedom to the body, all the freedom it needs. It is about releasing tension and finding ease in movement. By freeing the body, we also free the mind. Yoga is a practice of liberation.”
Cyndi Lee: “Yoga takes you into the present moment, the only place where life exists. It reminds us to be fully engaged with the here and now. By practicing mindfulness, we experience life more vividly and meaningfully. Yoga is a celebration of the present.”
Leslie Kaminoff: “The breath is the bridge between the mind and the body. It connects our inner and outer worlds. Through conscious breathing, we harmonize our physical and mental states. Yoga teaches us to use the breath as a tool for balance and healing.
Kino MacGregor: “The beauty of yoga is that it is a lifelong practice. It evolves with us as we grow and change. Each stage of life brings new insights and challenges. Yoga is a constant companion on our journey.”
Mary Oliver: “Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life? Yoga encourages us to pause and reflect on this profound question. Through our practice, we become more attuned to our true desires and aspirations. Yoga helps us cultivate the clarity and courage to live our lives with intention and purpose, honoring the unique gift that each moment brings.”
Bhagavad Gita: “Yoga is the journey of the self, through the self, to the self. It teaches us to look inward, discovering the divine essence within. By transcending the ego and aligning with our higher self, we achieve a state of inner peace and enlightenment. The practice of yoga guides us towards self-realization and unity with the universal consciousness.
Amit Ray: “Yoga is not just a workout, it’s about working on yourself. It is the art of listening to your body, your mind, and your spirit. Through this practice, we cultivate mindfulness and inner peace, allowing us to connect deeply with our true selves. Yoga helps us to live in harmony with the world around us, fostering compassion and understanding.”
Margaret Atwood: “In the end, we’ll all become stories. Yoga reminds us that our lives are unfolding narratives, each moment a page in our personal story. Through practice, we find the clarity to write our stories with intention and authenticity. Yoga encourages us to embrace our journey, with all its challenges and triumphs, as a unique expression of who we are.”
Eckhart Tolle: “Yoga is a way to freedom. Through constant practice, we can free ourselves from fear, anguish, and loneliness. It teaches us to live in the present moment, fully aware and connected to our inner self. In this state of presence, we find true liberation from the mind’s incessant chatter, discovering a deeper peace and clarity.”
Tara Brach: “Yoga practice is the practice of tolerance and compassion for our own bodies. It teaches us to treat ourselves with kindness and respect. Through yoga, we learn to honor our limitations and celebrate our strengths. This self-compassion extends to others, creating a more loving and accepting world.”
Lilias Folan: “Yoga is not a religion. It is a science, science of well-being, science of youthfulness, science of integrating body, mind, and soul. It is a practical tool for achieving harmony in all aspects of life. Yoga offers a holistic approach to health and happiness.”
Gabrielle Bernstein: “In every moment, you are the only one who gets to choose your attitude. Choose wisely. Yoga teaches us to be mindful of our thoughts and emotions. By cultivating a positive attitude, we can transform our experience of life.”
Mark Whitwell: “Yoga is the relationship that is built between the body, the mind, and the breath. It is a practice of connection and integration. Through yoga, we harmonize our physical, mental, and emotional selves. This unity brings a sense of wholeness and peace.”
Nischala Joy Devi: “Yoga is not just about what you do; it is about how you do it. It emphasizes the quality of our actions and intentions. By approaching each practice with mindfulness and presence, we cultivate a deeper sense of awareness. Yoga is about the journey, not the destination.”
Judith Hanson Lasater: “When you listen to yourself, everything comes naturally. It comes from inside, like a kind of will to do something. Try to be sensitive. That is Yoga. It encourages us to tune into our inner guidance. By listening to our intuition, we find our unique path in life.”
Rod Stryker: “Yoga practice can make us more and more sensitive to subtler and subtler sensations in the body. It heightens our awareness and perception. Through this heightened sensitivity, we become more attuned to our needs and desires. Yoga deepens our connection to our inner self.”
Vanda Scaravelli: “Yoga must not be practiced to control the body: it is the opposite, it must bring freedom to the body, all the freedom it needs. It is about releasing tension and finding ease in movement. By freeing the body, we also free the mind. Yoga is a practice of liberation.”
Sri Aurobindo: “True knowledge is not attained by thinking. It is what you are; it is what you become. Yoga is the path to realizing our true nature. It guides us to experience our inherent wisdom and truth.”
Mother Teresa: “We must find time to stop and thank the people who make a difference in our lives. Yoga teaches us the importance of gratitude and mindfulness. Through the practice, we develop a deeper appreciation for the connections and blessings in our lives. It reminds us to cultivate a spirit of thankfulness and compassion towards ourselves and others.”
Eckhart Tolle: “Yoga is not just a physical practice; it’s a meditation in motion, guiding us to be fully present in every moment of our lives. As we begin and end each yoga class, we are reminded of the infinite expanse of the sky within us.
Mary Oliver: “Every yoga class is a new arrival, a chance to approach our practice with a beginner’s mind. It’s in this openness that we discover new delights and insights.”
Amit Ray: “Yoga is the shape of our own way, leading us to discover the profound purpose of our existence. With each deep breath, we connect to the wisdom of ancient India, where yoga originated.”
Margaret Atwood: “Yoga is a great way to navigate through the hard times and desperate attempts of life. It’s a beacon of light that guides us through the darkest corners of our human experience.”
Eckhart Tolle: “In the present moment lies the key to our inner peace. Yoga practice guides us to tune into this moment, where we find the light of awareness shining within.
Amit Ray: “Through constant practice, yoga becomes a restorative pose for the mind and body. Each breath is a wave of breath, carrying us closer to the ultimate goal of yoga – complete peace.”
Mary Oliver: “In the shape of your body lies the shape of your life. Yoga classes are like favorite readings, offering us a fresh start and new delight with each session.”

Yoga Instructors: More Tools for Yoga Classes

As a yoga instructor, I get it.

Sometimes, we may have a “creative block” during reading time in class. It’s normal, but it’s always nice to have a fresh mind and an inspirational speech you can share with your students.

While I love reading positive affirmations and inspirational quotes like the ones mentioned earlier, I also enjoy playing frequencies as background music at the end of class – all yoga students enjoy it, too.

Frequencies in music are specific pitches or tones that sound at different rates of vibration, measured in Hertz (Hz). In the context of spiritual practice, frequencies are believed to resonate with and influence the mind and body.

Here are my favorite frequencies that I play at yoga class:

Deep Breath and Relax:

Now you have all the elements you need to fulfill your yogui self. As you step into the yogui world and begin to develop your spiritual self, tools like these readings, frequencies and other, can mantain your inspired. Remember yoga is part of the open-ended exploration of your well-being, so give it the importance it deserves in your life.