5 Tips for Starting Yoga

“In the beginner’s mind there are many possibilities. In the expert’s mind there are few.”  

Shunryu Suzuki, Zen teacher

1. Body Awareness – Embracing the challenge

In yoga we are paying attention to sensations we feel in the body. It makes you more aware of what’s going on in your body - often pleasant feelings of stretching, firming and connecting, in ways you might not have done for a while. Moving around on your mat can feel really freeing and energising, like coming home to your body after living in your busy thinking head.

And also, being new in a yoga class situation, and doing unfamiliar moves, can be uncomfortable, as you feel areas of tension/weakness and ways you don’t move so easily. It can feel exposing, when you feel like you don’t know what you are doing, or feel not ‘good’ at it. Sometimes confronting the reality of your body as it is and complex feelings you might have about it can be pretty uncomfortable. Our culture doesn’t tend to encourage us to love our bodies just as we are.

Part of yoga is holding an awareness of the pleasant sensations and also the discomfort - mental and physical. The practice of curiosity and equanimity. So in class we take our time, starting with super simple movements and progressing to more complex ones as you build strength, flexibility and coordination. I offer you a lot of support and encouragement. I tell you about the many people ove r the years who I have watched make big changes. Yoga can be a good way to build confidence and a sense of ease in yourself.

Along with all the physical benefits, we are cultivating the qualities of self-acceptance, patience, and a sense of humour : )  which help to make it fun and relaxing.

2. Pace yourself – you’ll make more progress in the long run.

From the school of the bleedin’ obvious, steadier progress tends to happen when you commit to a regular class, and take it gradually, without pushing your body too hard. 

There is sound evidence that your nervous system will apply the brakes via mental resistance, pain or lack of energy if it feels like capacity for learning and ‘doing’ safely has been reached or pushed.

Yoga is not about pushing through pain and discomfort for physical gains. It is about learning to respond more sensitively to the cues and needs of your body and mind. Of course this includes effort and challenging yourself, but balanced with self-compassionate awareness.

Only you know how your body is feeling. In my classes, I encourage you to pause and rest at any time, to modify movements, to come out of poses when you feel ready to, as feels right for you. Make it your practice. Exploring your body + mind is a long term, empowering process.

3. Have one takeaway from class.

After each class, take a minute to reflect, “ok, is there anything in particular I want to remember?” It might be a particular movement that worked well for you. It might be a moment of feeling calmer and quieter than usual, maybe in rest pose at the end.

4. The after class check-in.

After your class and going into your day, it can be interesting to pay close attention to how you feel. 

What do you notice? What effect does yoga have on you, if anything? 

Do you sleep better that night? Do you find yourself rolling your shoulders a few times, feeling more space there, and generally being more aware of your body? Do you make any different food choices? How are your interactions with people?

This can be a fruitful habit of enquiry to start from the beginning of your yoga life. You may notice some interesting things over time. 

5. Curiosity is a superpower for progress

Be curious, get interested. Make the most of your class time and ask your teacher any questions that pop up for you, so that you’re learning and making connections between new things. I’m always happy when students ask questions or share their experiences of class. It helps me to think about and work on how I’m teaching - that’s the ‘co-creation’ of the mutual learning experience. If I can’t answer a question, I might be able to refer you to other sources. I also share information on this blog. 

Bonus Tip: You have the rest of your life to do yoga if you choose to. Take your time, take care of yourself, make it your own and enjoy the journey!