Is Yoga for you?

To really get to the bottom of that simple question for you, some introspection and reflection may be required.

Yoga is for anyone, regardless of age, size or how ‘un-yogic’ you may think your body is. There is a level of flexibility in every pose, but it does require a degree of commitment, especially in the beginning.

Once you start to experience the benefits in your body, it becomes easier and almost addictive in a positive way!

 

During our daily lives of taking care of others, rushing from place to place and task to task, with little time left to feel and respond to our bodies and beings as a whole, we often operate out of reflex conditioning or feelings of duty and responsibility.

This may present itself as feelings of resentment and frustration which lead us away from who we really are in the core of our beings. Without regularly nurturing and taking time to acknowledge the true self we become a stranger to ourselves and others.

It also impacts on our ability to fully care for those that depend and rely on us. It, therefore, becomes important that we move to a quiet place within to generate healing and nurturing.

So, can yoga be what helps you get to your place of quiet nurturing and self-care?

 

To answer that, you need to understand why you want to practice yoga. Your goal may be unique to you such as stress reduction, heightened awareness of your own body and wellbeing, gaining or maintaining flexibility and strength throughout life or just being a happier you in your own skin. Whatever the reason it must be meaningful to you.

Take time to reflect and contemplate before answering in writing the following questions:

1. Do I really want to have a yoga practice? (Consider the impact of time and cost as a trade off for the benefits you’ll gain – is it worth it for you)

2. Why do you want to practice? Be very specific

3. What do I expect to gain from the practice?

Once you have done this and decide to start a practice, evaluate your experience after a period of two to three months against the above points. Then skip a week or two and see how you feel. If you miss the practice, then resume. If your life feels fine without it, then maybe it is not your time or your path.

Think of the practice as a gift to yourself, not a burden!

I close with this quote by Eleanor Criswell, “Getting your mind together with your body is like training a horse, it must be done in easy stages” so do contact me if you want to give it a try or review our classes.