3 Simple Ways to Begin Practicing Yoga
It’s no secret that yoga is healing in a multitude of ways - including improving quality and longevity of life, reducing stress and anxiety, as well as relieving overall fatigue in our bodies. Ultimately, yoga allows us to practice connecting our mind, body, and spirit and helps us to achieve our highest potential.
So, what if you’ve tried yoga and it’s just not for you? What if you're simply not flexible?
On the contrary, yoga is exactly for people who are NOT flexible. It may seem like every “yogi” you see is bending and twisting in ways you simply can’t imagine possible, but it’s more than likely those people have been practicing for years and years! When they began, they were at the same or similar level as you. Yoga is for all shapes, sizes, and ages, but it takes practice, compassion, and commitment. No matter where you are, yoga will meet you where you’re at. Similar to a therapeutic process, it’s YOUR practice and you’re in charge of your progress.
3 Simple Ways to Begin Practicing Yoga
Become an observer of your thoughts and catch yourself comparing + judging!
Similar to day-to-day life, we’re quick to be hard on ourselves even with self care-centered routines.. In regards to yoga (as well as life), it isn’t fair to compare our beginning to someone else’s 10 year+ practice. So, why do we?
Although it can be difficult to have compassion and patience for ourselves, yoga is a space to begin practicing these acts of service. Yoga’s a space to focus on yourself and your unique journey. It’s a place to begin setting intentions and mantras, like “I’m conscious,” “I’m strong,” “I’m healthy,” or whatever thought is relevant and powerful for you.
Furthermore, know that if a stretch hurts, don’t do it! If you see someone touching their toes and you cannot touch your toes - this does NOT mean you’re doing yoga incorrectly. It simply means you can’t touch your toes - which is a-okay! You are where you are. Wherever you feel a stretch, stay there! Remember, this isn’t a space to compare or judge. In time, you may find you can stretch deeper and longer. Rejoice in little progress! Nothing big ever happened over night.
2. Find a “yoga buddy”!
Especially initially, it may be beneficial to designate a partner to hold you accountable. More so, what a great opportunity for positive rapport building experiences. During quarantine, my family and I would hold group yoga FaceTimes where we’d watch a YouTube video and practice “together.” Some sessions were strictly laughing - and not much stretching at all was done - but it brings me joy that the premise of yoga allowed for healing through laughter and community (even if physically we couldn’t all be together).
If you’d rather practice alone, that’s wonderful too! The really cool thing about your practice is that you make the rules. I encourage the idea of “you time” centered around yoga. Perhaps you can create a calming space with soothing candles and “zen” or “chill” music (if you like) and be sure to check in with yourself after... How does it feel to commit to time for YOU?
3. Embrace calmness and stillness…
This one can be tough. There’s a common complaint about yoga as some HATE to sit still! Here, I encourage you to look inside where that’s coming from. What does it mean to allow calmness? What does it mean to be still? You may be thinking “I don’t know! I just like to be moving!” which may be true for your body as well as your mind! In yoga, there’s an encouraging idea of calming and connecting both body and mind. But, it’s difficult to not be thinking the thoughts that consume us… What am I going to make the kids for dinner?” “What am I going to do about the conflict happening at my workplace?” “How am I going to pay for X, Y, and Z?”... All of these worries are valid. But, what would it be like to allow yourself time without these worries? Understand that your mind deserves a break and that you’re allowed and able to hit pause. You are worthy of peace. What would it be like to begin to practice that notion?
During times of COVID, there aren’t many open yoga studios to join a community. But, there’s plenty of YouTube videos that equip you to practice in the comfort of your own home. You don’t even need a mat! Grab a blanket or try a practice on a carpeted area. I recommend https://www.youtube.com/user/yogawithadriene where you can find “yoga for beginners,” “yoga for bedtime” and “yoga for lower back pain” to name a few.
Remember, it’s your journey. You’ve got this.
Namaste. (The divine soul of mine bows to the divine soul of yours.)
