So what do you expect to gain from yoga?
One thing I have noticed from some of the students that come to my classes, is an expectation of what yoga is. Some think they are coming for just some nice easy stretches and then a long nap at the end....if only it were that easy. After one lesson they usually realise - as with most things in life - you get out of it what you put in. But by coming to that first class you are taking the first step on the journey.
Please remember that yoga will not be learnt in 2 or 3 weeks. You will not complete a short course and suddenly 'know' yoga. Rather, yoga is a continuous journey of learning and self discovery that done with mindful awareness can enhance your life beyond belief. And another thing....it is endless.
If you approach your practice with the sole intention of reaching a predetermined goal, you run a great risk. That is of ignoring yourself, your feelings, your capabilities, your limits, just as you are. But if you set out to simply rediscover yourself, you may joyfully find out that you are something more brilliant and wonderful than anything you could have ever dreamt of. You are you!!!!
Please remember that yoga will not be learnt in 2 or 3 weeks. You will not complete a short course and suddenly 'know' yoga. Rather, yoga is a continuous journey of learning and self discovery that done with mindful awareness can enhance your life beyond belief. And another thing....it is endless.
If you approach your practice with the sole intention of reaching a predetermined goal, you run a great risk. That is of ignoring yourself, your feelings, your capabilities, your limits, just as you are. But if you set out to simply rediscover yourself, you may joyfully find out that you are something more brilliant and wonderful than anything you could have ever dreamt of. You are you!!!!
Emotional and physical Discomfort
You might experience discomfort during yoga. Physically, we are opening up our bodies and using muscles and moving bones in ways which we haven't done before. But with the focus on alignment, this is exactly what we are doing realigning ourselves to be in balance. In the west we often are not used to using our limbs in such a way and this may initially feel a little unatural as we bring the body back to its natural state.
You may be surprised to sweat. Sometimes as we move into postures (asana) we are getting the biggest stretch out of muscles with minimum movement. Some asana can be very heating (e.g twists) and some cooling. Some will make us feel vibrantly awake, and others beautifully calm.
Emotional discharge or elimination may also happen within a practice. This is usually reserved for those who have a slightly deeper exploration into yoga. But yoga can bring up sadness, anger, despair or frustration. This is a wonderful way of emotionally recharging ourselves. As we unlock stiff or previously immoveable hips, backs, shoulders etc, we release emotions from those areas and find relief and joy.
You may be surprised to sweat. Sometimes as we move into postures (asana) we are getting the biggest stretch out of muscles with minimum movement. Some asana can be very heating (e.g twists) and some cooling. Some will make us feel vibrantly awake, and others beautifully calm.
Emotional discharge or elimination may also happen within a practice. This is usually reserved for those who have a slightly deeper exploration into yoga. But yoga can bring up sadness, anger, despair or frustration. This is a wonderful way of emotionally recharging ourselves. As we unlock stiff or previously immoveable hips, backs, shoulders etc, we release emotions from those areas and find relief and joy.
Opening Up
Do not be discouraged by the feeling of not getting anywhere after a few lessons. It is common for students (or sadhaka - as you are now a practitioner of yoga)to feel that no progress is being made. Yoga is a slow satisfying journey of mind, body and spirit. It takes time and a little dedication - which you may find increasing as your path unfolds - to open up spaces in your body and realign the muscles, bones and mental attitude in order to progress. It is common to feel stuck in a posture until, learning to surrender in it one achieves the impossible and eureka, you have it!
Yoga is not simply a form of exercise. Many movements are so different from those you are used to that you must approach patiently and with care.
DO NOT RUSH
DO NOT PUSH
DO NOT FORCE THE BODY
Damage to muscles may well repair, but damaged ligaments, tendons, neck and knees may take longer. You are your own barometre in knowing how far to go....despite what a teacher may request. The key is to move to the edge of discomfort without passing into pain. I will ask you "is it pain or discomfort?"
Yoga can be done with various illnesses and injuries and practiced carefully and under the watchful eye of a qualified instructor, can actually help in healing these ailments.
I often ask my students to fill me in about any health issues on their first class, so I know what to expect and what I am dealing with.
It remains for me to say, good luck with your practice and your journey and I hope our paths cross along the way.
NAMASTE
Yoga is not simply a form of exercise. Many movements are so different from those you are used to that you must approach patiently and with care.
DO NOT RUSH
DO NOT PUSH
DO NOT FORCE THE BODY
Damage to muscles may well repair, but damaged ligaments, tendons, neck and knees may take longer. You are your own barometre in knowing how far to go....despite what a teacher may request. The key is to move to the edge of discomfort without passing into pain. I will ask you "is it pain or discomfort?"
Yoga can be done with various illnesses and injuries and practiced carefully and under the watchful eye of a qualified instructor, can actually help in healing these ailments.
I often ask my students to fill me in about any health issues on their first class, so I know what to expect and what I am dealing with.
It remains for me to say, good luck with your practice and your journey and I hope our paths cross along the way.
NAMASTE