It’s your first class in a while — maybe your first class ever — and you look around as everyone seems to follow the instructor’s directions perfectly and effortlessly.
In reality, they were all just like you at one point.
Feeling comfortable with the physicality of yoga comes with time and commitment, but the emotional and spiritual benefits of yoga are what makes it so uniquely beneficial.
We will discuss some of the tools that can help you on your journey and some of the benefits you may come to realize as your practice continues over the years.
Yoga is not just for the experts. Getting out of your comfort zone to challenge yourself to focus and be present can be achieved by anybody, regardless of your experience.
It is very natural to want to do a “good job” when you are beginning any practice, or to feel you must have some sort of talent in order to experience the benefits. This is not the case with yoga.
Your ability to memorize all of the terminology or execute each movement perfectly is not what determines your benefits. Showing up — with intention — can bring a heightened sense of physical well-being, emotional calm, and an improved mind-body awareness over time, for anyone who seeks them.
Entering your yoga practice journey with a clear purpose — knowing your motivation — can help you translate your efforts into increasing benefits over time.
Focusing on your intention and committing to consistent practice is most important. Earnestly practicing yoga can result in , regardless of your current fitness level or capabilities.
Getting “good” at yoga doesn’t have to be a challenge. Body & Brain Yoga and Tai Chi instructors provide an encouraging environment where everyone can find a home, regardless of their ability and experience level.
Preparing yourself mentally is often the first step with any new endeavor, and creating an intentional yoga practice can be a challenge. Be ready to learn about yoga — and yourself.
Keep an open mind and heart as you learn from those who began their journey before you.
As you start, you may find there is a lot of new information to take in - for example, you may hear references to traditional terminology like chakra (energy center, in Sanskrit) or dahnjon (energy center, in Korean). Don’t feel like you need to “get it” all at once. Embrace the challenge of learning something new and experiencing the growth that follows.
Beginning any new practice takes a certain amount of courage. You are challenging yourself, and as you push beyond your comfort zone, it may feel awkward at times.
You may feel like you’re not “doing it right” and everyone can see. What’s more likely is that everyone is focusing on their own practice and digging deep just like you are.
Yoga practice can also be an emotional journey. As you focus on connecting your thoughts and feelings to the movement of your body, you may sense those emotions coming to the surface. This is all part of being truly open to the experience as your practice continues.
Your yoga practice is your personal journey. It’s not about executing every movement as perfectly as the instructor does. What is more important is that you are fully expressing yourself.
Commit yourself to your practice and put your focus and emotion into each breath and each movement. Be confident as you invest in yourself through your yoga practice.
As you have prepared yourself to be open and vulnerable, having an instructor you can trust and connect with can make an amazing difference on your journey.
An instructor who is encouraging and attentive can help bring the most out of you while helping you to listen to your body during your practice, so you can achieve greater results.
Be okay with not committing to the first instructor you come across.
Remember that this is a personal experience. You may be looking for someone you can connect with, who will help you remain committed and fruitful in your practice. But keep in mind that experiencing yoga from a variety of different instructors can also be helpful in developing your ability to focus on your own mind-body connection.
If you’re learning yoga at a Body & Brain center, you’ll find that our signature Korean-style yoga can be easily adapted to your current condition. Body & Brain Yoga and Tai Chi also offers personal coaching that can help you overcome any obstacles you’re experiencing in class.
You don’t need to practice every day. However, as with many other things in life, if you practice only once per week then progress may be slow and discouraging. Consider practicing yoga to feel more tangible benefits.
Don’t overdo it, though. If you have overscheduled yourself to the point of stress, you probably won’t get the full benefit of your yoga practice. Be realistic as you incorporate yoga into your lifestyle, and create a routine that works for you.
There are many people just like you who are on an individual yoga journey, and connecting with some of them can really help. This can be as simple as finding a local yoga studio or joining an online community of practitioners.
Connecting with others and sharing your intentions can be a rewarding experience and can also increase your sense of responsibility and accountability, helping encourage your continued commitment.
Body & Brain Yoga and Tai Chi is offered at over 70 locations across the USA, so finding yoga classes and a community near you shouldn’t be a problem.
“Good” is a relative term, especially when it comes to your personal yoga practice. Generally speaking, you may notice some physical benefits If you aspire to achieve the deeper physical, emotional, and spiritual benefits that proficient yoga practice can bring, then you can look forward to a multi-year journey.
Of course, the amount of time it takes for you to feel truly proficient in your practice depends on the consistency of your commitment and the amount of yourself you invest. Here is an example of a typical progression over roughly three years:
The physical aspect of your practice is of course where it all starts. Every aspect of it may feel uncomfortable at first, but over time this will change.
Be comfortable on your mat and in the space you practice in, focusing on your movements regardless of your surroundings. Don’t let the people around you or the sounds of your environment distract you from your practice.
As you are able to maintain your focus and awareness of your body through each movement, you will be better prepared to be attentive to the details. By paying attention to how your body feels, you may be able to get more benefit from yoga classes without overdoing it.
Some of the deeper emotional aspects of yoga practice tend to rise to the surface once you’ve been practicing long enough to improve your mind-body awareness.
There is a connection — a cause-and-effect relationship — between our physical body and our emotions. The release of physical tightness can sometimes help relieve emotional tension as well. In fact, it’s not uncommon to feel a true emotional release during your practice.
Yoga also often has a and can be a major reliever of stress. This calming can help you focus your thoughts inward, turning toward feelings that may be hidden under the stress of day-to-day life.
As months go by of repeatedly being present, vulnerable, and expressive, you may find yourself increasingly realizing deep emotional benefits from your yoga practice.
At its heart, yoga is a spiritual practice. Ancient practitioners sought to calm their bodies and minds to achieve an of their spiritual selves.
Reading and group study are great ways to gain insights into the deep wisdom and spiritual implications of yoga and mind-body practices. Ask your about book studies, workshops or meditation circles where you can gain a deeper understanding of spiritual wellness, and where you can share your awakenings with others who are on the same journey.
Being part of a community is a great way to begin, or strengthen, your yoga practice. Learn from Body & Brain Yoga and Tai Chi instructors who can help you along your journey.
Take the bold step to commit to a practice that can give you a wide range of benefits and help you achieve a healthier and happier life. Join a yoga class near you and invest in your mind, body, and soul.