You’ve decided to start yoga–Hats off to you! Yoga is an adjust way of living, not just a set of exercises. However, let me break the bubble for you. You are here to find out about this new chapter in your life. The first question that may pop into your mind is whether should start right off the bat by contorting yourself into a pretzel. Don’t. You can think of practicing Yoga as lying in a sunken boat, lulled to sleep as the wind rocks it back and forth. That really is just the way it feels: tranquil. It’s about finding peace within oneself, which every one of us could do with more in our lives – important link!
Mindfulness, for example. It ‘s one of the hottest buzz words trotted out like confetti at a parade. What is its real significance in the context of Yoga? In a nutshell: being observant and attentive to the present moment.
When you practice Yoga, you are listening to both your body and mind concurrently. It is like stopping the rush of life and just staying with yourself. Give your brain an extended momentary rest at your own place of peace.
Flexibility, not just physical but mental as well, is important. What Yoga can teach us to do is to change the mental state, not just the physical. Sometimes our bodies are less cooperative than we would like.
Do you remember when you tried to learn to ride a motorcycle? Riding a bicycle, it ‘s plain sailing once you get the hang of things, the same can be said for starting on Yoga. Perhaps you’ll titter over funny asanas, or jiggle like a top as you try to balance, but soon enough it’ll dawn on you that balance can be found both in your posture and outlook.
But hey! guess what?
It’s important for your clothes to be comfortable. Your pants can’t be so binding that it’s difficult to breathe, and the top must be loose enough for movement. Stretchy leggings, a loose-fitting shirt, and any kind of stretch waistband will solve the problem without turning you into Houdini trying to escape at full length.
It’s important for your yoga mat to have grip, so you won’t find yourself unexpectedly slid halfway across the living room floor. If you can afford it, buy a little more to ensure durability later down the line — this will save pennies in future (maybe even a couple of bruised feelings).
Beginner classes are good because they gently take beginners along and gradually build up confidence. This is at least better than starting off with advanced positions, which might bring undeserved strain or injury.
Online platforms can be a godsend for people who find going to studios slightly daunting at first. Or are you in the end just looking for something more convenient than those hours rest from sweltering heats over one busy life of job, children and classes? How much longer will this crazy juggling act go on?
Last but not least remember patience pays a million times when beginning anything new especially with so many aspects connected to individual growth/self-discovery through yogic practices–whether taking place just by yourself among the peace of nature (perhaps in nearby parks/gardens or even comfortably at home without any distraction outside your own premises at all). There’s a whole new world out there waiting to be discovered every time you start a new session…