The myth that yoga requires flexibility has long been denounced -- yoga creates flexibility. There is no requirement to how long you have practiced to take advantage of its benefits. Each day is new, and each day teaches new lessons. Here are just a few lessons learned from practicing yoga:

1. Progress is a product of patience.

You don't wake up one day expecting to be able to do the splits, or to be able to play the violin without ever having touched a string instrument, or to run a marathon without prior training. You set your mind to an end goal and appreciate each baby step made along the way. Patience is more than just waiting -- it's enjoying the process.

2. Mental health and physical health are inextricably intertwined.

There can be little to no debate here. Allowing yourself the time at any point in your day to breathe, treat your body kindly, and to simply exist, makes a world of difference.

3. If you feel good, you look good.

Often the phrase "look good, feel good" is thrown around, and I heartily agree. However, if you dedicate time to your mental and physical well beings through activities like yoga, it translates into how you carry yourself. This is much more than just a wardrobe.

4. Everybody is different, every body is different, and every day is different.

No two yoga practices are the same. Period.

5. Each breath is a blessing -- use it for good.

There is no way to tell which breath will be your last -- it is your duty to make the most of each one.

6. Be fully present in each moment.

7. Use the light in you to honor and recognize the light others.

Or, more succinctly, "namaste."

8. Progress is progress, no matter how small.

9. There is power in consistency.

Consistent practice in anything will always elicit not only progress, but something to fall back on.

10. Appreciate the body you have been given.

11. In every ending, there is a a new beginning.