Getting Started
What is yoga and what can I expect?
Yoga is a practice that goes back to ancient times, but the physical practice of moving the body in certain ways has really only been a regular practice for around 100 years or so. Before that, it was particularly focused on meditation and finding “peace” within.
From its roots in meditation grew a physical practice that helps our bodies to adapt to the modern world. We move and use our bodies differently nowadays compared to how they did generations before, therefore our path to inner “peace” depends greatly on how we manage our external body. Through controlled movements and breaths, we teach our minds and bodies to work together to improve the quality of our daily lives.
If you are brand new to yoga, you will likely be hearing new words and phrases you’ve never heard before. There is nothing to feel overwhelmed about. Yoga is a gentle practice that shouldn’t involve putting your body into a position it is not meant to be in. If you ever feel a pinching, popping, or any other “red-flag” feelings, pull back from what you’re doing. If you ever question whether you’re stretching versus straining, just remember that your body wants to stretch. It does NOT want to strain. Your body should always be in a position you can handle being in while you’re able to breathe comfortably. NEVER hold your breath!!!!
What do I need to do yoga?
I’ll always say that you don’t NEED anything to practice yoga except your mind and body showing up to do it. However, items like a yoga mat and props are very useful. Your yoga mat can help you find stability when you’re holding a pose and it also helps you find proper alignment when you can compare where your body parts are in relation to the mat.
Props like blocks and straps help you to get your body into positions. Props are good for beginners just starting out and even advanced yogis looking to advance their practice. You can use any household object as you see fit. There’s no need to buy anything right away.
You should also wear comfortable, loose (but not too loose) clothing that is appropriate for the environment where you’re practicing. You want to be comfortable and not distracted.
Do I need to be flexible?
No! Yoga will likely improve your flexibility if you practice it regularly, but it is not at all required. Yoga will teach you proper alignment that will help you to become more flexible, which will help you to avoid injury.
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Do I have to balance?
Yes, but you don’t have to be good at it! And that’s a good thing! When you are asked to lift a foot, hand, or knee (depending on the pose) off the floor to make you engage certain muscles, your body is learning how to become stronger and more stable. Anytime you start to lose balance, you simply tap your body part on the floor and lift it back up. You will also be taught to find a gazing point. This is any point out in front of you that you can focus on to help you balance. Developing your ability to focus on one object will help to develop your concentration skills, preventing your mind from straying too frequently. When you’re able to focus the mind, the body becomes more stable and easier to balance.
Is there a different language you speak in yoga?
You are never going to be expected to know any word in Sanskrit, but I do pay respect to the lineage of yoga, a practice that has so many wonderful benefits, by using the Sanskrit names of poses from time to time. Sanskrit is the vibrational language that yogic practices come from. Lessons were once passed down only verbally to people deemed worthy to receive them. Sanskrit is believed to be a very pure and enlightening language because it can provide spiritual insights that aren’t easily expressed in modern tongues. Sanskrit words also have therapeutic effects on the body.
Due to the repetition of certain terms, it is easy to learn the names of many poses once you learn just a few words. Knowing the Sanskrit names of poses will never be a necessity to learning yoga from me, just an additional tool to enhance the experience.
