I practiced yoga for several years on a very regular basis. Although I personally did not experience any significant injury, I can really understand how people

I practiced yoga for several years on a very regular basis. Although I personally did not experience any significant injury, I can really understand how people can get caught up in pushing their body beyond its means, even through pain. Despite the fact that teachers often emphasize staying within your ability and focusing on your own practice, the ego often creeps in. Either between students or even w/i yourself, struggling to further 'perfect' a pose or match what you did last week, is too easy to fall into. I think it is probably similar to other pursuits, whether it be running, weight lifting, or swimming. It's easy to over do it, and you have to keep your ego in check. Yoga is an amazing practice with a lot of benefits. The take away that I get from this is to not assume that yoga is always harmless, and to check your ego at the door and really pay attention to your body. Sometimes easier said than done (especially as I currently nurse a knee injury from a long run last week, which I really knew I shouldn't have done, but badly wanted).