New to Yoga?

Yoga is an incredible gift you give yourself. It is beneficial for all ages, body types, and personalities. In Yoga, anyone and every body is welcome.

It is courageous to come to Yoga for the first time.  Its like a whole new world with many different postures, sanskrit words, maybe chanting or an invocation. But don't worry, every one is new to yoga at some point in time and in yoga, there is no where to go, nothing to achieve; it is a practice to more fully embrace yourself, exactly how and where you are.

Here are some common questions when beginning to explore Yoga.

Q. Why doYoga?

A. Yoga provides a multitude of benefits that Western Science is only beginning to understand. I think perhaps every great health benefit could be on this list, but in particular, you can expect:

• A greater sense of ease and wellbeing 
• Enhanced clarity and concentration 
• Increased vitality, strength, and flexibility 
• More body awareness, which can influence eating patterns and habits 
• Better posture and increased confidence 
• Compassion for yourself and others, creating more meaningful relationships 
• Improved respiration, circulation, and metabolism. 
• Improved cardiovascular, immune, and gastrointestinal systems. 

Q. Is Yoga for Me?

A. If you are a living breathing human, Yoga is for You. Yoga is a practice for bringing more happiness, health and harmony to your life. If you have made it to this page, you have some interest in Yoga and I encourage you to jump in! You'll be so glad you did.

Q. I see all these different types of Yoga, what makes them different? which one is right for me? and how do I choose?

A. There are many different types of Yoga because there are many different types of people. Finding what you like can be a process of trial and error. See if a studio has an "introductory pass" where you can check out several class for a good deal. Often, the teacher is more important than the "style". Find a teacher who makes you feel safe, empowered, and inspired. As you explore more yoga, you will begin to understand the different styles and what they mean. When you're new to yoga, beginner's classes or "basics" are also a good place to start.

Q. What if I'm not flexible?

A. Great. If you are stiff and inflexible, you're going to recieve extraordinary results from Yoga and you'll notice improvement quickly. Flexibility is a benefit of Yoga, not a prerequisite. Yoga is more about cultivating a loving relationship with yourself, developing awareness for a compassionate interaction with the world, and enhancing the joy you feel in everyday life. The physical yoga postures, called "asana", which you do in class, provide tools and "practice" for developing the emotional, mental, and social benefits of yoga.

Q. What if I have an injury or illness?

A. Yoga is excellent for healing injuries, chronic pain, trauma, and treating illness. As a mind/body practice, Yoga provides techniques and empowerment for you to heal yourself. Let your teacher know of your injury or illness so they can help with your process.  I also provide Movement Therapy sessions where you can receive more personal attention, modifications for postures and classes, and hands-on adjustments for increased understanding of proper alignment.

Q. What if I'm not spiritual? Or I'm Christian? or another faith?

A. No Problem. Yoga is considered the science of spirituality. It isn't a spiritual practice in and of itself, but it is a way of perceiving, interacting, and experiencing life. All faiths, belief systems or lack thereof are welcome. Everyone is welcome because every one can feel better and more connected with Yoga.

Q.Do I have to chant in Yoga?

A.  No. You can listen and join in when you feel comfortable. You chant "Aum" (Om) and invocations in yoga because it opens your ears, your capacity to listen, to be sensitive and spacious. It is also a way to harmonize and "sync up" with everyone in the room. The chanting or invocations bless your practice.

Here are a few things to increase your confidence in attending your first yoga class or event:

Yoga 101

-Arrive a few minutes early and introduce yourself to the teacher.  Let them know you are new to Yoga, and if you have any injuries or phsycal concerns. The teacher will be really excited that you've decided to come to their class and they will be sure to keep an eye on you.

-Leave your shoes outside the studio and turn your cell phone off.The yoga studio is a sanctuary, be respectful of your community and your practice by turning electronic devices off and removing your shoes.

-Wear comfortable clothing that allows for range of motion. Something that you can stretch, bend over and maybe even go upside down in. Most gym clothes are appropriate.

-Come to class with an empty stomach. At least 2 hours after a full meal and 1hour after a light snack. On an empty stomach, your body feels lighter and many of the postures are more comfortable. You have more energy to devote to the practice, instead of digesting food. If you must eat something before class, try to do so at least 30 minutes before and choose fruit, juice, or a smoothie. 

-Be patient with yourself and your learning process. There is a lot to learn, and you won't learn it in the first five minutes or even the first five classes. Be patient, and enjoy the novelty of the practice and engaging in a totally new experience.

-Honor yourself and do what feels good.  Never push or strain or do something that feels uncomfortable. No pain, no gain is not a Yoga principle. If you are in pain, cannot breathe, or a posture doesn't feel right, come out of the pose and/or let the teacher know. Even if chanting or a breathing exercise doesn't feel good for you, sit and listen or breath normally. Always honor yourself and what feels right for you.

-Child's Pose is your friend. If you're losing your breath, feeling light headed, shaking or wiped out, take Childs Pose. I call it "universal yoga resting pose", its your sancutary on your mat and you can go there whenever you need.

-Notice the difference your practice makes. In the postures, after class, in your work, with family and loved ones, notice what changes, how you feel, how you are relating to the world. Recognizing the benefits of the practice will enhance your sensitivity. It will give you an appreciation of your Yoga practice and keep you coming back to the mat.

Want to leap ahead in the learning curve? Private sessions for new students are an excellent way to find more comfort and confidence in your practice. Click here for more information.