Starting Your Yoga Practice: What You Need to Know

Hello yogis,

I've had a few people contact me about wanting to start a yoga practice but not knowing how. It’s fantastic if you’re interested in starting a yoga practice! With so much information out there, it can be overwhelming to know where to begin. So I’d love to guide you through what yoga  is and how to start your practice in a way that suits you.

What Yoga  Is and What it is Not
Yoga is often misunderstood as simply a physical activity. A series of postures or a workout. Not all branches of yoga involve postures.
But in reality, yoga is a state of being. It’s about raising your consciousness. Achieving happiness by reducing suffering in your life. Through yoga, we aim to balance the body, mind, and spirit to create harmony and peace.
While it involves physical movements, yoga is not a dance routine or gymnastics class!  It’s a holistic practice that can also encompass the following (and more): 
Pranayama (breathwork);
Dyana (meditation);
Asana (postures);
Kriya (cleansing practices);
Karma: and 
Self-inquiry is a necessary part of this. Through studying the ancient scriptures. This provides guidance to help learn how to study yourself. Which helps gain insight into what's stopping you from living life to its fullest. Which then helps you use the practice of Saucha to rewire the brain. Using the advantage of its neuro-plasticity.
The real yoga happens off the mat. A mat is not neccesary required to practice yoga either.

Why Yoga is Misunderstood 
It’s easy to feel intimidated by images of advanced poses. Of  hyper-flexible bodies. But yoga isn’t about how well you can perform postures. Many people think they need to be flexible or fit to start yoga, but that’s not true. This misunderstanding has come from how yoga has been marketed in the west. The fact that the majority of yoga practiced in the west is Hatha yoga. One of the 6 branches of yoga. The yoga we see on the mat.

The biggest myth of the asana is that they're all ancient. Most of the ones practiced these days are less than 100 years old. Mark Singleton's book,  Yoga Body: The Origins of Modern Posture Practice emphasises this. Despite this they canstill offer part of a powerful yoga practice. The biggest take away is that since the ancient yogis didn't need them as part of their practice, you don't either. If these poses are not accessible to you.
If you know enough, Yoga can meet you exactly where you are. Whether you’re looking to ease stress, increase mobility, or deepen your self-awareness.

How to Start Your Yoga Practice 

The first consideration should often be why. What is your intention? Why do you want to start practicing yoga? Your goals will shape the type of yoga that’s best for you. Knowing what you want from your practice is key. To creating something sustainable and enjoyable.
For example:
Mental health (pranayama and most of the time meditation is necessary). Not to mention learning how to meet you mood where it is and then balance it.
Physical flexibility or physical tension in the body. Asana and myofascial release are necessary.

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to starting yoga. Here are some other key considerations:

If you have any injuries, it’s important to start with a practice that caters to this. By working with a yoga teacher who can design a practice for you can be more efffective and accessible.

Medical conditions this need to be taken into account too. Like high blood pressure, anxiety, or chronic pain to name a few. There are contraindications for most yoga practices..
Your practice needs to be accessible. It should reflect your age and physical capabilities. 

Private Classes: Making Yoga More Accessible 
Many people feel intimidated by the idea of joining a group yoga class, and that’s normal. Group classes can often be overwhelming, especially for beginners. They may not always cater to your unique needs. Especially if you have specific physical or emotional challenges. Teachers in group settings often can’t give personalised attention. The pace may not suit everyone.

That’s where private yoga sessions come in. Private classes allow you to receive one-on-one guidance. Making yoga more accessible and less daunting. In a private session, I can tailor the practice to your individual goals, injuries, experience and medical conditions. Offering a supportive environment where you can feel confident and at ease.

If you’re interested in exploring yoga but feel uncertain about where to start, I’d be happy to help.
Send me an email and tell me what you're after. Or just stay tuned as I may just have the online package to get you started......

Yours in wellbeing

Liz