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Embrace the Joy of Play in Your Yoga Practice

/ Yoga Tips / By /

This weekend, I went to a puppy yoga class. As you can imagine, it is not your typical quiet, peaceful yoga practice…

The class was split into three parts:

  1. 30 minutes of yoga with puppies sleeping peacefully nearby. The puppies were surprisingly quiet, curled up in their cozy spot away from the mats.
  2. 15 minutes of yoga with puppies running around. At this point, the puppies were full of energy, zooming around, jumping on our mats, and trying to play with our hair and toes. Everyone was laughing — the happiness was contagious.
  3. 15 minutes of pure puppy playtime. We got to snuggle, pet, and play with the puppies. The energy in the room was chaotically joyful! 

In some traditions, it’s believed that the universe was created as an act of pure joy and play. Not through effort or struggle, but from a natural overflow of wonder and creativity. I love the idea that we were born out of bliss.

There is a concept in yoga philosophy, lila, which translates to divine play. Lila teaches us that the universe — and our yoga practice — isn’t just about perfection and control. It’s about play, joy, and creativity. It’s about letting go of rigid expectations and inviting in a little lightness and curiosity.

This week, I invite you to practice lila in your yoga. Try these ideas:

✅ Wiggle, sway or dance a little between poses.

✅ Move in a way that feels freeing, not restrictive.

✅ Notice where you feel playful and joyful in your practice — and lean into it.

✅ Go upside down — whether it’s a handstand, forearm balance, or downward dog, try seeing the world from a different perspective.

Journaling Prompt:

After your playful practice (or anytime today), take a moment to reflect:

  • Where did I feel the most playful or free today?
  • When did I last laugh or smile just because I could?
  • What would it feel like to invite a little more lila into my everyday life?

No right or wrong answers — just notice what comes up. 

Yoga doesn’t have to be serious to be meaningful. Sometimes, the most profound moments come when we embrace the messiness and fun of it all. 

Let’s give ourselves the freedom to be playful, spontaneous, and full of life in our practice. Just like a puppy bounding across a yoga mat. 🐾