The essence of yoga lies in creating awareness of the connection between our mind, soul, and body. When we engage with this dynamic consciously, true magic begins to unfold. Yoga is a practice that supports the mind, soul, and body in connection with each other—not separately. To fully embrace this, we recommend using a thin mat. It allows us to truly feel our body, tuning into the signals that indicate where extra support might be needed (for example, with a cushion, blanket, or bolster) and where we can lean in further.
In my experience, excessive padding can disrupt this vital connection with our body, causing us to mute its signals. Because we risk to perform an asana in a way we are not yet ready for. The goal is never to achieve "perfection." The essence of yoga lies in feeling, listening, and gently engaging in a conscious way through our breath.