When people find out I’m a yoga teacher, the questions start flying. Is yoga right for me? Will yoga help me? Where should I start? Yoga meets you wherever you are, with forgiveness and kindness, to who you are in the present moment. Some days you will be strong and centered. Some days you may just want to sit there and breathe. Whatever is best that day is fine – no judgements. It’s your practice, and it can help you in every area of your life. Yoga is a continual reminder to live in the present. To focus on our breath and our bodies – right here – right now, as we are. Continuously redirecting ourselves back to the present moment, where 99% of the time we are fine. We have breath, we have life. Most likely our stomachs are full and we have shelter at night – so in this moment, we are more than fine. We cannot change the past or predict the future, but we can take care of ourselves in the present. Nurturing ourselves, or doing whatever it takes to bring us to a place of peace.
When doing our asana practice of physical movement, it becomes a sort of meditation in motion. Focusing again on our breath, movement and alignment, in the present moment. Noticing the rhythm of our breath, noticing the movement in our bodies, and the placement of our hands as we press them into the mat. Then finding it easier to be in stillness at the end of the physical practice. Leaving with a sense of being grounded, and centered, and at peace. Being able to see things more clearly from this place, without judgements, with what is happening around you.
At least this is what I like to think my class that I teach is like. That being said, saying you want to go to a yoga class is a lot like saying you want to go out to eat. There are so many types of foods and yoga, and then there are so many different ways to cook that food. So many different recipes, and then even with the same recipe, two chefs will cook it differently. Just as eating an ice cream cone is so different from a gourmet meal at the finest restaurant in town. So is just as large of difference from Yin yoga to Power yoga. Because yoga does meet you with where you are right now, you can take any style, and just do the best you can do that day. Just remember if that style of yoga doesn’t resonate with you, try something else. Just as you like one Italian restaurant over another, or loving sushi more than Italian food, so will it be with yoga. You need to find the right teacher and right style of yoga that suits you just right – right now. As your yoga practice progresses so may your choice of yoga style change.
My advise is to try a few different yoga styles. Find the style that suits you best with where you are right now, then always remember that it’s your practice. It’s you and your mat, always doing what feels right – you are in charge of you.
Just a thought…
Love, Goldi