What Ten Years Of Yoga Taught Me About Progress

What does “it counts” mean in English?

You know count as “one, two, three.” But in everyday English, it counts means “it matters” or “it is real and valid.” That is the heart of this yoga video: “Some days that looks like a strong practice. Other days it’s ten minutes lying still. Both still count.” Both are real progress. There are no numbers anywhere — just the idea that something deserves to be included.

The two meanings are connected: the things that matter are the things you include when you count. Once you see it, the pattern is everywhere: “Every vote counts.” “It’s the thought that counts.” “That doesn’t count — you cheated.” And count on someone shifts the meaning again, to “depend on”: “You can count on me.”