Critical Thinking: Your Mat as Your Mirror
We don't often talk about "critical thinking" as a Yoga skill; instead we often use the word "mindfulness." Yet, Sol Hot Yoga classes are an opportunity to see our mats as a mirror - not just a thing that collects our sweat equity. Our yoga mat is a feedback loop that reflects how we show up for our practice, and even how we show up in life. When we practice with mindfulness, we begin to see the poses are stimuli, and our responses reveal our deeper connection with what motivates us. This isn't just a by-product, it's the whole thing. Critical thinking is the skill we develop when we reflect on our practice in order to learn, to improve, and to ease suffering.
The "Razor Principles" serve as a sharp, yet compassionate lens through which we can refine our discipline based on authentic & intrinsic motivation.
In order to Learn from the reflections, we need to see things as they truly are. Applying the "Razor Principles" help us develop discernment. Just as Hanlon's Razor reminds us not to assume malice where there might be fatigue or confusion; our mat reminds us not to judge ourselves when we wobble or fall out of a pose. We learn to discern self-sabotage from what might be a lack of focus, hydration, or rest.
Self-discipline brings us back. Compassion invites learning. Applying the Stoic virtues of Courage, Discipline, Wisdom, and Justice can elevate your yoga practice on & off your mat.
🔥 Discipline – Your Commitment to Your Practice
Discipline is the inner fire that fuels our consistent action—even when motivation fades. It’s about showing up for what truly matters, not just what feels good in the moment. Discipline builds integrity between your intentions and your actions.
Discipline helps us practice the art balancing not going too far, and not holding back. The ego loves extremes. Sometimes it keeps us safe, and sometimes it takes self-preservation too far. One explanation of this hyper-active EGO is Expectation-Guided Otherness. It takes discipline to live in the flow with our true Self, and balance in a way that balances with others.
Gray’s Razor teaches us: don’t dismiss truth just because it comes from someone you dislike, or when you don't want to hear it. In practice, this means listening—even when it’s uncomfortable. Especially to your body. Especially to your thoughts. It takes discipline to control your own emotions, when circumstances seem out of control.
On the mat and in life, discipline helps us know when to push and when to rest. When to speak and when to listen. Discipline helps hone this skill, to honor the pauses and transitions as much as the postures.
As your mat is your mirror; discipline is the polish.
🧠 💜 Wisdom — Experience Enables Understanding
At Sol Hot Yoga, we teach that your mat is more than a place for movement — it’s a mirror. It reflects the way you think, lead, and live. Wisdom is the ability to see clearly: not just what you’re doing, but why.
Just like Hanlon’s Razor says, “never attribute to malice what could be explained by incompetence,” we apply this on the mat: not every misstep is self-sabotage. Sometimes, it’s just tired muscles, tight hips, or a distracted mind. With wisdom, we can learn from each wobble, which is challenging when the sweat is in our eyes and every muscle feels tense. Each breath is a chance to return to Presence.
Wisdom is mindfulness — true Presence, not judgement. This wisdom enables your own growth, and can inspire energy that ripples across the room. Your Intention is your Why. Why you show up ripples into How you show up. The more you practice, the more you can realize the impact your Intention has on yourself and others. It becomes obvious when you're on your mat for a workout, and when you're on your mat for a work-in.
Wisdom is formed through learning and experience.
"Understanding someone's suffering is the best gift you can give another person. Understanding is love's other name. If you don't understand, you can't love." - Thich Nhat Hanh
Wisdom is gained along the 12-inch journey between your head & your heart.
👁️ ⚖️ 🦉Discernment – Your Wisdom to See Clearly
Discernment is your inner compass—the capacity to see what’s true, separate illusion from reality, and make wise choices aligned with your deeper values. Discernment is wisdom in action. In leadership, it’s how we treat others. In yoga, it’s how we treat ourselves.
Occam’s Razor reminds us that the simplest solution is often the best. And in yoga, simplicity is sacred. A steady breath, a clear drishti (gaze), and a grounded body — these are enough. There’s no need for theatrics or over-effort. Ultimately, those might serve otherness — separation from others — disruptinging of the shared energy.
Discernment helps us separate the chaff from the wheat — quiet the chatters of the 'monkey mind.' Discernment enables us to see that the tool is not the object. In each Sol Hot Yoga class, we have numerous opportunities to wield Occam's Razor and cut away from the unnecessary noise, tension, and distractions.
💪🦁⚔️💛 Courage
Vulnerability is an act of courage, and courage is an expression of selfless love. It’s easy to show up when things feel good. It’s courageous to practice when things are hard. Whether you’re in a deep Warrior II or facing a tough conversation at work, the question is the same: Can I stay present with discomfort without flinching?
Hitchens’ Razor tells us that what can be asserted without evidence can be dismissed without evidence. In practice, that means not believing every fearful thought that surfaces. You don’t need to prove your worth. You just need to keep breathing and stay in the fire—long enough to discover what’s true.
The integration of Stoic virtues and sacred presence, refines our life one breath at a time.
Here at Sol Hot Yoga, we hold space for virtue. The transformation that discipline brings. In yoga, this is tapas — trial by fire — this applies to the fire in your heart that inspires, and the heat in the room that purifies the body. Discipline builds integrity between your intentions and your actions.In sweat, in stillness, in courage — we find clarity. Your commitment strengthens your soul, from the inside.
Let the practice sharpen you, not harden you; integrate, not separate. Make it a sacred ritual - your daily retreat - your chance to reduce, release, and reverse suffering.
Our mats reflect the energy we bring to the space, and reveal the energy we are generating — each time we choose to practice. Choose Love.
