Imagine looking at the world through a filter—one that colors your experiences, shapes your thoughts, and distorts your view of reality. This filter is so deeply ingrained that you might not even realize it’s there. In the yogic tradition, this filter is called Maya, and it’s the veil of illusion that clouds our perception of what’s real.

Maya isn’t just about what’s “out there.” It’s about what’s “in here,” too. It’s the stories we tell ourselves, the beliefs we cling to, and the expectations that shape our lives. It’s the lens through which we see ourselves, others, and the world—and it often keeps us feeling stuck, disconnected, or searching for something more.