When I work with new students, I am often amazed at the contrast between the students I have been working with for years, in so many ways. Often when you see someone regularly, you don't notice gradual changes.
Does that mean that all of my long-time students are able to do so much more physically than they did at the beginning? Often yes; sometimes no. Life happens: we have injuries, get sick, and also get older. Sometimes we regress physically.
What constitutes progress really depends on the goal, right? Of course it's great when we notice that we are stronger, have calmer minds, better balance, or have become more flexible. But we shouldn't feel like failures if these don't happen, or we have an off day/week/month/year.
Here are some worthy goals in yoga (and life), in my opinion:
* Awareness of what your body can and can't do, which changes daily
* Mindfulness of your breath and mental attitude
* Willingness to explore and try new ways of doing things
* Commitment to stay present when coming to your chair or mat
* Regularly expressing gratitude for what is good
By working toward these goals, we can build confidence in how we move our bodies, and in our judgment. I am more impressed by a student who knows when to stop, or modify, a pose, than one who pushes through pain to achieve what they think they "should" look like or be able to do.
We are all a work in progress, after all, and life is a journey!