
Be open to trying new things... The very best way to start your yoga journey is to actually start it. Whether that's booking your first class, trying out a yoga flow on youtube or just chatting with an instructor you like the look of. There are plenty of ways to begin your journey and a good yoga teacher will support you as much as you like. Looking to start your yoga journey but unsure if yoga is for you? Try my free community class, the first Saturday of every month - starting October 1st. Click the link below to find out more.
Consistency is key... So you've begun your yoga journey and you like it, but maybe you're struggling to maintain this new hobby. We've all been there, over the past ten years of practicing yoga there's been months where I've not even looked at my mat let alone hopped on it and enjoyed a full flow. But consistency is key in the beginning, whether that's by booking a weekly class, committing to 10 minutes a day, or trying to fit in a flow whenever you can. The methods are varied and numerous, what works for someone else may not work for you, so find what feels doable and go for it. You got this.
Fancy starting a weekly practice? Click below to find out more about my public classes.
Do it when you want to - it's not a chore... One of the problems with trying to build a hobby and integrate it into part of your lifestyle is the danger of it becoming a chore. I've often been hard on myself when my asana practice was few and far between, but that only led to feeling frustrated at myself and viewing yoga as a chore. I wanted to be like those yogis on the internet who climb on the mat every morning with energy and excitement. Yeah that's not me. What is me is a spontaneous yoga flow in the pouring rain on a summer's evening. A relaxed morning meditation with a cup of coffee sat in my garden. Feeling inspired by the sun, moon and weather to practice. Knowing yoga is flexible (pun intended) and doesn't have to be a rigidly fixed aspect of your life does wonders in building and maintaining a practice. Now of course this may not work for you, perhaps the challenge of yoga everyday for 30 days would work far better. Or maybe somewhere in the middle is the right thing for you. Either way, finding your own approach to keep you interested and motivated is the best way to build yoga as a habit.
Get a yoga buddy...
One of the best ways to enjoy a new hobby and keep it up is to enjoy it with someone you love. Maybe going to classes with a friend or keeping track of each other's yoga practice is a great way to motivate you to keep jumping on the mat at the beginning of your journey. Perhaps you have a loved one that is well seasoned in yoga and can give you pointers and information. Perhaps you're both newcomers and looking to grow and practice together. Having a friend to share the process with can make it so much more fun, motivating and enjoyable.
For information on private group classes click below.
Start simple - don't over complicate it... Sometimes when we start something new its so exciting and we want to do everything all at once. Then when that becomes difficult it can be disheartening and lead to disinterest. Yoga is a lifestyle, meaning however much you bring it into your life, it has the potential to be life long. There is plenty of time to work towards asana that pique your interest or advanced pranayama techniques. Or even enjoying meditation for more than five minutes. Starting simple and taking your time is an incredible way to ensure you don't get disheartened. Now, you may be sitting there thinking, okay but that sounds super boring. Which I understand but sometimes sitting with the boredom can do wonders for your practice. Allowing yourself to become bored and comfortable in poses leads to discoveries about yourself and the pose that you could never have seen before. It's a quiet wonder, but it is a wonder.
Find a teacher... One of the very best things you could do to build yoga as a lifestyle is to sign up to lessons from a teacher you like and trust. Whose values reflect your own and takes the time to know you and what you'd like from your practice. Not only is this helpful in introducing you to yoga with knowledge and care, it is also the best way to prevent injury. Some asana and pranayama techniques can be dangerous if performed without proper tuition and supervision. Protecting yourself and your body is one of the best ways to honour your body - an important aspect of any yoga practice.
For more information on one to one guidance click below.
Making it to the mat is the hardest part... If you find yourself making it to the mat but exhausted from life and only have the energy for Savasana and maybe child's pose. Congratulations, that is a wonderful yoga practice full of respect and awareness for your body and your needs. Sometimes making it to the mat is the hardest part of any yoga journey, and if you struggle to do so and make it you've done an incredible job. Remember, yoga is not one size fits all, your practice is entirely for you, no one else. And if you do not make it to the mat that is more than alright, in fact it is preferable if that is what is best for you on that day.
Yoga doesn't have to be on the mat - it's a lifestyle... While the mat is a wonderful safe space it can be overwhelming at times. There's a certain expectation that comes with the mat, whether that's to practice asana or spend a certain amount of time there. If your practice does not feel centred on the mat right now that's okay, you don't need to give yoga up. There are plenty of options to extend your yoga practice off the mat. Whether thats through pranayama, meditation or philosophy. Living in accordance with Patanjali's 8 Limbs of Yoga is a transformative experience that may have a far greater effect on your practice than continued asana practice.
For information and guidance on meditation see below. To find out more about yoga philosophy click here.
Find the style of yoga that's right for you... Finding the style of yoga that is right for you is paramount. If you've been told to try yoga as a treatment for a condition or to help with your mental health you may find that one style of yoga is much more suited to you than others. Yoga is 5000 years old, there are countless styles and philosophies from which to explore. Unsure how to get started on finding the right yoga style for you? Click here to read a detailed breakdown of some of the most popular styles of yoga here in the west.
Yoga is a wonderful activity to draw fitness, mindfulness and enjoyment from for a lifetime. There is so much that can be learnt from a yoga practice and cultivating a personal practice can be incredibly rewarding. Hopefully these tips will help you start and maintain your very own yoga journey.
By Laura Carey
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