I used to get very defensive on this “yoga is not only an asana practice”, but then I educated myself and found my truth.
Like many modern yogis, I got into this practice thru the “stretches” and felt sooo guilty when the newly-enlightened yoga teacher proclaimed proudly “yoga is not only a physical practice”..
Now, if you spend some time studying and doing yoga, you may notice that it’s never an isolated practice! It's not like “I do yoga between 7-8am and then I don’t do it anymore”. No! There’s nothing wrong with students engaging in “exclusively” the asana practice, because the yoga philosophy is an actual PRACTICE, a way of living & doing things.
And so, even if you stick to the asana, but you show up consistently, are non-violent and non-attached, if you keep self-studying & cleanness of thought & ego, congratulations, YOU ARE PRACTICING YOGA
Honestly, I’ve seen people getting hella frustrated with an asana and forcing their bodies into alignments that simply HURT THE BODY. These are the same people who scream at you for no reason, they are the people who carry anger and frustration within, and just brought that package on the mat.
I know you are battling your ego every time that splits or handstand is sooo far away and I CONGRATULATE YOU FOR IT ! You are doing YOGA!