Yoga and Wellness
The yoga pose is not the goal. Becoming flexible or standing on our hands is not the goal.
The goal is to create space where you were once stuck. To unveil layers of protection you’ve built around your heart. To appreciate your body and become aware of the mind and the noise it creates. To make peace with who you are. The goal is to love, well, you.
Shift your focus and your heart will grow.
Yoga has been around for about 5000 years, but for Westerners it’s a relatively new concept and mindset. Beyond just a highly-effective physical exercise, yoga is a process of exploration and discovery — for you, by you. If you allow it and if you’re dedicated to a yoga practice, it can become a way of life. The benefits of yoga create a shift in perspective that can be extremely powerful- it reminds you that you are enough. You have enough. There is nothing outside of you that will make you happier. When you look inward, you realize everything you need is already within you.
Finding yoga was the best thing that ever happened to me. A regular yoga practice brought me to life, and showed me my light and purpose. It shook my soul and I can only hope to share this experience and feeling with others.
The basic yoga principle is that the key to happiness resides within each of us. The practice of Yoga is simply the means by which we discover and draw upon this innate wisdom.
Yoga is not:
Only for the flexible
Elegant stretching
A religion
A competition to be the most flexible or otherwise
Stretching solely as a physical action
Yoga is:
A state of mind
A practice, and just like anything else requires practice to improve
A way to develop a deeper understanding of yourself
For everyone
As a beginner, you may be surprised to learn that yoga poses (also known as asanas) are only a one piece of a yoga practice.
Yoga gives you the experience of a deep peacefulness— feeling connected to yourself, others and nature. Yoga is simply a way of remembering our true nature which is essentially joyful and peaceful.
Yoga is a process of deconstructing all the barriers we may have erected that prevent us from having an authentic connection with ourselves and the world.
With Yoga, there is no reward to strive toward, because the practice is the reward.
Physical
Improved body flexibility, alignment and balance
Enhanced overall muscular strength and tone
Improved cardiovascular endurance (stronger heart)
Improved stamina and strength
Lubrication of the joints, ligaments and tendons
Improved bone density
Improved digestion
Improved abdominal strength and core awareness
Enhanced immune system
Detoxification, cleansing from the inside out
Relief from chronic physical pain
Deepening of the breath and increased energy levels
For women: some of the asanas (poses) have a therapeutic effect for menstrual and menopausal symptoms
Helps release constricted muscles for better flexibility
Look younger due to better blood circulation
Releases muscle tension
Improves balance
Improves back posture which helps reduce back pain
Mental
Enhanced ability to relax and discover the power of patience
Calmer mind
Better concentration
Improved sleeping patterns
Stress relief, thanks to controlling emotions
Prevention and relief from stress-related disorders
Intellectual enhancement, leading to improved decision-making skills
Improves focus
Calms brain activity which helps improve sleep patterns
Reduces severity of anxiety and depression
Spiritual
Life with meaning, purpose and direction
Inner peace, tranquility and contentment
Become inspired to revitalize your life and live more joyfully
Age gracefully
Deepened self-awareness
Deepened sense of gratitude
Yoga brings a kind of stillness that brings out one’s inner beauty
Encourages meditation and reflection
Strengthens sense of awareness
Builds an appreciation for the people and experiences around you
Cultivates mindfulness by shifting your awareness to the sensations, thoughts, and emotions
The physical practice and the types of yoga may evolve and change, the core philosophy does not. Patanjali, who is considered to be the father of yogic philosophy, developed— what are called the Eight Limbs of Yoga, the guiding principles of a yoga practice.
Yama: Wishing no harm in word, thought or deed; being sincere, truthful and honest.
Niama: How to act in the world.
Asana: The physical postures of yoga practice, or the poses.
Pranayama: Breathing practices defined as practices that help us to develop constancy in the movement of prana, life force or energy.
Pratyhara: The practice of withdrawing the mind from the senses.
Dharana: The ability to focus on one thing and let all else fall away.
Dhyana: Meditation
Samadhi: Moments of balance between mind and body— the divine union of the individual with the universe.
Yoga requires dedication and a time commitment. To experience the amazing benefits of yoga, you’ll need to prioritize it in your schedule the best you can. Once you do that, choosing the time of day that fits your mood, getting the tools to do your practice, creating a space, and preparing the body are the next steps.
YOU ARE UNIQUE
Your body is unique. This doesn’t mean you should limit your yoga practice. Instead, tailor your practice to fully support your needs.
ADJUSTING YOUR MIND
One of the best ways to prepare for a fulfilling yoga practice is to change your mind-set. If you begin with the attitude that you’re too busy, too inflexible, or just don’t see the point, you’re going to have a difficult time incorporating yoga consistently in your life.
Remember that yoga is not a task or goal or even a means of “self-improvement.” Let go of any expectations about the outcome. Instead, approach it with an open mind and total acceptance of the now. True yoga is the SIMPLE means by which we radically WAKE UP to the magnificence of who we already are.
FINDING TIME
Once your mind is open and you feel ready, find a time to practice consistently. Traditionally yogis practiced around sunrise and sunset because those were viewed as the most calm and serene times of day. Find a time and commit to rolling our your mat at the same time each day.
WHAT YOU’LL NEED
While nothing is required to practice yoga except having a mind and a body, and being able to breathe, there are some tools that will help you in the practice.
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Several items can make a physical practice more accessible and adaptable to your own unique body type:
Yoga mat: The mat is key because it prevents slipping and cares a solid footing for the poses. When practicing in large groups it also becomes your own sacred space. Look for a mat that has a bit of a grip to it to prevent your hands and feet from sliding on the mat. Mats very from very thin to very thick. Thin mats help you feel more connected to the ground, while thick mats offer more cushion. Thick mats tend to offer less stability and balance due to the, albeit, small space between you and the ground.
Yoga blocks: Blocks can be used to make the poses more accessible by helping you adapt the poses to your own body. For example, if your hamstrings are tight, you can use blocks to bring the ground closer to you when bending forward.
Yoga strap: Yoga straps can be used for passive stretching, active poses and to aid in more advanced postures that require “binding,” where the hands are joined behind the back. When looking for a strap look for one with a metal or plastic closure on the end so that the strap can be made into an adjustable loop.
Bolster: A bolster is great for meditating or sitting or lying down for extended periods of time. Although there are a variety of shapes, bolsters are typically rectangular and feel like a firm, sturdy pillow. They’re wonderful props for restorative yoga and make great gifts for prenatal yoga. Use them to support seated and supine poses for more ease and comfort.
Blanket: Blankets can be used as a prop to help you get into poses, to pad your needs or to lift your seat. They can also be used for warmth at the end of the practice during savasana. Most yoga blankets are fairly stiff and durable and can be stacked or folded for varying heights.
CLEARING SPACE
Joseph Campbell said, “Your sacred space is where you can find yourself over and over again.” Since yoga is a practice of discovering and honoring your true self, it’s important to create a regular space in your home to practice yoga.
Choose somewhere that can be a refuse from distractions of the outside world. Look for a place where you can find quiet and allows for enough room to move easily. Then equip your room with the essentials of your practice as well as candles, essential oil diffuser, incense, pillows— or anything else that makes the space comfortable and special.
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Ashtanga Yoga
The dynamic physically demanding practice synchronizes breath and movement to produce an internal heat designed to purify the body.
Ashtanga yoga postures are grouped into six series; each series building on the one before. The primary series includes about 75 postures that are said to clear out toxins and cleanse the energy channels.
Bikram Yoga
Bikram yoga is known as the original “hot yoga.” This set series of 26 postures and two breathing exercise are done in high heat for 90 minutes. Bikram is a very structured style of yoga which includes some basics such as Tree pose, Corpse pose, Cobra pose, and Camel pose as well as some more difficult poses such as Dancer pose and Standing Head to Knee pose.
Bikram yoga is said to systematically work every part of the body, increasing the flow of fresh oxygen rich blood, while the heat serves to speed detoxification.
Hatha Yoga
All of the most commonly known styles of yoga practiced in the West are a form of Hatha yoga.
As the foundation for many styles of yoga, Hatha Yoga balances the physical, mental and energy bodies, awakens pure consciousness and and purifies the body.
Hatha is a term for all yoga, but Hatha-specific classes feature long holds that last from 15 seconds to several minutes. Classes are generally slower and much less vigorous than Vinyasa, Ashtanga, and Bikram.
They can still build heat with multiple rounds of Sun Salutations and as many advanced postures as the teacher includes.
Classes traditionally include pranayama and meditation, making for a well-rounded yoga practice.
Iyengar Yoga
Based on the teachings of B.K.S. Iyengar, this style approaches yoga in a scientific and therapeutic manner. Props are used extensively, and poses are held for long durations of time in order to achieve perfect alignment.
By paying close attention to anatomical details and the alignment of each posture, Iyengar yoga is the practice of precision. Poses are held for a long periods and often modified with props. This method is designed to systematically cultivate strength, flexibility, stability, and awareness
Kundalini Yoga
With Kundalini yoga, there are specific breathing techniques, sequencing, postures held for certain periods of time, and chanting meditation mantras.
This style of yoga incorporates repetitive movements (think, twisting left to right over-and-over-again), pranayama breathing (or breath work such as breath of fire), meditation, and chanting mantras (like Sat Nam – truth is my identity) for prolonged periods of time
Kundalini yoga has a unique structure and methodology. The repetitive movements and accompanying pranayama breath work are numerically precise (e.g. performs 42 squats inhaling with your head to the right and exhaling with your head to the left). The duration of how long you do each movement in a sequence is also very precise (e.g. 11 minutes).
So in a typical Kundalini practice, you will be moving through certain postures over certain periods of time in a set routine.
Power Yoga
Power yoga was in the 1990s by Bryan Kest. It’s been adapted and trademarked by many other teachers since.
Similar to Ashtanga yoga, Power yoga is intense, fast-paced, and far from gentle. Classes vary from teacher-to-teacher, but generally involve moving with the breath, Sun Salutations, vinyasas, and big backbends.
This style of yoga is equated to “gym yoga” as it usually skips the chanting, meditation, and spiritual talks found in the more traditional styles of yoga. Teachers design their own sequences, while students synchronize breath with the movement.
Restorative
Yoga Master B. K. S. Iyengar developed the practice of restorative yoga. Restorative yoga is a kind of active relaxation, since its techniques help us learn how to unwind, relax, and de-stress in order to reboot and restore. The aim is to feel weightless by using different props to support the body so we can release all tension.
Restorative yoga typically involves five or six poses each class, supported by props that allow you to completely relax and rest. Held for 5 minutes or more, restorative poses include light twists, seated forward folds, and gentle backbends.
Yin Yoga
This practice is designed to help you sit longer, and more comfortably, in meditation by stretching connective tissue around the joint.
A passive practice, Yin Yoga involves variations of seated and supine poses held for 3 to 5 minutes, accessing deeper layers of fascia tissue.
Making a Commitment
At first, it may be challenging to commit to a consistent yoga practice. Here area some tips to help you begin and prioritize your practice:
- Leave your mat out and unrolled or place your mat out at night as a gentle reminder to begin your practice.
- Schedule your practice as an appointment in your calendar.
- Sign up for a recurring class at your local yoga studio so that you commit to going once or twice per week.
- Set an alarm on your phone. Write a nice message to yourself with that alarm that tells you it’s time to do for a little “me” time. Don’t hit snooze.
- Set a goal to practice once a week for eight weeks, or whatever seems doable for you. When you reach that goal, reward yourself. Buy a new yoga mat or yoga clothes. Do something that makes you happy.
- Find a quote or mantra, or create one of your own. Write it down in your journal, or frame it and place it next to your bed or in your yoga space. Let it inspire you to dedicate time to your practice.
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Downward Facing Dog
Sanskrit – Adho Mukha Vrikshasana
Crescent Lunge
Sanskrit – Anjaneyasana
Chair Pose
Sanskrit – Utkatasana
Revolved Warrior
Sanskrit – Viparita Virabhadrasana
Wide Legged Forward Bend
Sanskrit – Prasarita Padottanasana
If you are at all intimidated by the thought of moving your practice out of your living room and into the yoga studio, here’s a guide for how to proceed and what to expect when you make it to the shala (studio) for the very first time.
Find Your Studio
Maybe you’ve walked by a studio that looks appealing, or you have a recommendation from a friend of where to go. Luckily, yoga studios are plentiful, so you should be able to find a studio that is a good fit relatively easily.
Don’t know what you want? Some differentiating factors worth considering are:
- Whether or not a studio is heated (some can be heated up to 100-plus degrees)
- If a studio seems to emphasize power yoga (the physical aspects) or a more spiritual approach
- If the studio has classes that are arranged by level (including something appropriate for beginners)
- Whether or not the class schedule works with your schedule
Buy a Mat
Most studios have yoga mats that you can borrow or rent (for a few dollars) if you’re in a pinch; however, your mat will be making direct contact with your entire body (including your face!), so it’s recommended that you buy and bring your own. Plus, it sends a message to your system and the Universe that this is a habit you are willing to invest in.
You can buy yoga mats for under $20 at stores like Target or TJ Maxx, but once you’ve really committed to the practice, you might want a sturdier one, like those from Gaia or Manduka. These can be priced up to $100+, but will last much longer.
Pick a Class
Once you’ve decided where to go, choose which class is most appropriate. If you can’t tell from the website, call the studio and ask them which classes are best for beginners. This is a very important step because you want to attend a class that will move at an appropriate pace and keep you safe. Classes that are labeled for beginners are obviously the best, but you can also look for words like “Introduction,” “Basics,” “Gentle,” and “All-Levels” to be sure you’re headed in the right direction.
What to Wear
For yoga, appropriate attire includes loose, comfortable, active wear that won’t restrict your movement. You want your clothing to be loose enough for you to move in, but not so baggy that it gets in your way or that your teacher can’t see your form. A tank top and leggings/yoga pants for women, and a t-shirt and elastic-waisted shorts for men should be perfect. You may also want to bring a long-sleeved layer, as it’s common to get cold at the end of a practice. Finally, it is customary to have bare feet during class. This is both so you don’t slip, and so that you can more firmly connect to the Earth beneath you.
Arrive 10 to 15 Minutes Early
No matter what style of yoga you choose to pursue, yoga is ultimately about slowing down and calming the nervous system. Therefore, start yourself off on the right foot (no pun intended) by avoiding rushing and stressing yourself out by being late. Most studios open the room about 15 minutes before the start time, so why not take advantage of a few extra minutes to learn the lay of the land, pay for your class (many studios have a New Student Special, so be sure to tell them it’s your first time), and to get yourself settled.
What to Bring Into the Room
Bring your yoga mat and a small towel (if it’s a hot class) into the space. That is it. An important piece of etiquette is that you should not bring your phone into the studio space, as your practice is a time to unplug and disconnect from technology.
You’ll also leave your shoes outside of the yoga room, so just see what everyone else is doing and go with the flow. As you enter the room, find a spot where you can see the teacher well. Also, it is proper etiquette not to step on anyone else’s mat while you are in transit.
Unroll Your Mat and Get Some Props
Your mat should be unrolled so that the edges curl down toward the floor. Line the mat up with those of your neighbors so that you help to create organized rows (unless you are advised to arrange in a different orientation).
Props are the tools you can use to help accommodate for anatomical differences in your poses (i.e., arm length, flexibility, etc.), and include blocks (foam or cork), blankets, straps or belts, and bolsters(pillows). If you attend a class that provides props, simply ask the teacher which props you should get today, or see what everyone else has and get the same ones. If the teacher knows you are new to the practice, he/she should give you some guidance on how to use them, but the basic rule is that they should be used to bring more stability and ease to your poses.
Communicating During Class
If you need to communicate with the teacher, do so before (not during) class. It’s common practice to tell your teacher before you begin if you have any injuries or are pregnant so he/she can provide you with proper modifications and guidance.
It’s also a good idea to let them know you’re a beginner! But once class starts, the proper etiquette is to remain quiet and attentive. If you’re in a situation where you feel confused or in danger, simply raise your hand or wave the teacher over so he/she can come to you.
Yoga Traditions You Can Expect During Class
The following are some common yoga traditions that you may encounter in your first public yoga class:
- Chanting Om: Many yoga classes begin and end the class by chanting the sound “Om.” This Sanskrit word is said to be the sound of creation, and helps to unite energy and bring sacredness to the practice.
- Child’s Pose: This pose is the most common and accepted “resting pose” in the physical practice, and is a good one for you to be familiar with for when you need to take a break. From your hands and knees, simply sit back on your heels and put your forehead on the floor with your arms outstretched or wrapped back around your legs. Feel comfortable taking this pose anytime.
- Savasana: Pronounced sha-VAH-sah-nah, this is always the final resting pose in any yoga class. It translates to “corpse pose,” and while that might sound morbid, it simply represents the natural ending of the practice, and reminds us that everything in life happens in cycles. The pose is quite simple; you’ll just lie on your back for a few minutes while the benefits of the practice absorb into your system.
- Namasté: The tradition at the end of any yoga class is for the teacher and students to say the word “Namasté” to each other. This word has many beautiful translations, but essentially means “I bow to the Divine in you.”
Sometimes the hardest part is making it to the studio in the first place! Once you’ve crossed the threshold, remember that the practice only truly becomes effective once you’ve made it a routine. You wouldn’t go to the gym only once and expect results, would you?
At first, you can aim to go yoga class twice a week and see how you feel. You will likely notice an increase in strength, flexibility, calmness, and better sleep as a result. And don’t forget to relish the feeling of accomplishment for doing something new and good for yourself. You deserve it!
