4 steps to start practicing yoga
If you think Yoga is all about physical postures, it's time for us to go deeper into this conversation.
What is Yoga?
Yoga is a practice that helps us to harmonize the body, mind, and spirit through a couple of techniques, including breath work (pranayama), postures (asanas), and meditation (dhyana).
*sculpture with hands at heart center placed outside in nature.
Where did Yoga come from, and when?
Yoga's roots were first found over 5,000 years ago in Northern India and Africa. The first time the word “yoga” appeared in ancient sacred texts was in the Rig Veda, one of the four sets known as The Vedas, written in Sanskrit about 1500–1200 BCE.
Derived from the Sanskrit word "yuj,” which means "to yoke” “to unite” or “to integrate,” yoga literally means union, connection, and the main goal of the practice is to embody our human form (matter, in Sanskrit- prakriti) with love and compassion while being able to see and reconnect with our true essence (soul, in Sanskrit- purusha).
Why should I start yoga?
If you are looking for a practice that will improve not only your physical strength and flexibility but also your perception of your emotions, calm mental state, and concentration, yoga is the way to go.
Initially, it was easy for me to get lost in my mind with endless thoughts that would take me away from the present moment. Still, now, with practice, whenever I step on my mat, I’m ready to connect with the breath and let the meditation and movement burn all the distractions from the mind. As a result, I can experience the true connection with mind, body, and spirit, which, if you’ve experienced before, you know how calming and peaceful it is.
How to begin practicing yoga?
Here are the 4 steps for you to take as you start your yoga journey:
1. There is NO right body or condition to practice asana – YOGA IS FOR EVERYONE
The biggest mistake you could make is to think that you need to have a specific kind of body, state of mind, or to speak a particular language to start your journey with yoga. Do not let your ego take away from you the opportunity to reconnect with your authentic essence and lead you to the path of unconditional self and community love.
Yoga can be done seated or lying in bed. If you want a faster-paced asana flow, there are countless modifications and props to assist you, ensuring a great experience and helping you FEEL GOOD.
Quoting The New York Times by Kelly Couturier, “Whether you are young or old, overweight or fit, yoga has the power to calm the mind and strengthen the body. Don’t be intimidated by yoga terminology, fancy yoga studios, and complicated poses. Yoga is for everyone.”
*peaceful woman smiling, laying comfortably with some props in her yoga mat.
2. You do NOT need to be flexible or a headstand person to do yoga
The whole point of the practice is to lead you to your freedom within your own body and work with what you have right now; it is probably one of the most significant gifts that yoga will bring to you.
To achieve that joyful feeling after a yoga asana class, all you need to do is use your body the best you can. Focus on becoming an eternal student, learning what works best for your body.
Consistent practice will guide you on this path of discovering all layers of your power:
Where you start to see yourself stronger (physically and mentally)
Feel more focused
Have higher energy to achieve your goals
Feel More attentive
Remember the more effective way to breathe
Find it easier to express and feel gratitude
Start to know yourself better
For more benefits of daily yoga, check out this article from ekharyoga.com.
*people from all ages, genders, races and body types doing yoga at a yoga studio.
3. Be OPEN TO connectING with the breath
If you want to pick just one of the steps to focus on, this is the most important.
Prana means breath in Sanskrit, and it translates as nothing but life force. According to the Google dictionary, it means " the force or influence that gives something its vitality or strength.” It also means " the spirit or energy that animates living creatures; the soul.” Breath is a very important part of your yoga practice.
Connecting with the breath is a great skill to develop, even if you decide that yoga might not be your thing. Through breathing, we can regulate the entire functioning of our body and mind, as the breath is the vehicle that carries energy to our whole being. We can see the results of good (or bad) breathing practice reflected in our emotions, quality of thoughts, and general health.
We can use many Pranayama (breath work) techniques to instigate different mental and physical results in our bodies: warming up, cooling down, focusing, clearing, finding balance, finding strength and stamina, etc.
We will certainly explore this topic further in a future post, but breathing should be the focus of your consciousness during your yoga practice.
If you remember to breathe consciously, you can already consider it a win!
*young girl with her eyes closed connecting with the breath.
4. It is IMPORTANT TO listen to your body
Our bodies are constantly communicating with us, and we can see this by observing:
The breath: if it is short, deep, fast, slow, through the mouth, or the nose.
Physical perceptions: feeling areas of tension, pain, stiffness, relaxation, or softness.
Emotional perceptions: noticing if you are sad, happy, scared, angry, surprised, disgusted, jealous, excited, loving, compassionate, grateful, courageous, or needy.
Vital energy: observing if you are active, lazy, creative, sleepy.
With our busy lives, it is not common to take daily breaks to assess how we are feeling on all these levels, but taking the time to listen to these messages is one of the most powerful tools for self-knowledge and growth, and yoga has taught me that.
Being able to scan, listen to, and recognize what your body is saying will take you to a new level of bodily, mental, and spiritual awareness that will allow you to feel all these subtle energies at some point without any judgment.
While studying for my degree in Thetahealing, I remember my teacher always saying, “Just notice what you notice,” and with yoga, I understood what she meant.
Realizing all the sensations and feelings, sitting with them, respecting them, and going from there is an act of self-love. One way to apply that to your yoga asana practice might be to take as many breaks or child’s poses as you like and know it is okay to do that. The main goal is to listen and connect to your body.
Closing
As we practice, we learn that more important than developing our flexibility or exercising the body is surrendering to the present moment by connecting mind, body, and soul through the breath.
Like me at the beginning of my yoga journey, if you still have any doubts, fears, and insecurities regarding Yoga, keep in mind that it is completely normal.
The more we practice, the more its benefits start to unfold, and with time, consistency, and patience, you will find yourself letting go of all thoughts and finding peace and stillness on your journey.
If you already have a steady yoga practice, I would love to hear what other tips were helpful at the beginning of your journey 😊
Love,
Fernanda Santos
