All you need is willingness to keep an open mind.
The physical aspect of Yoga, or “asana”, is the most popular and attractive aspect of a Yoga practice. I won’t lie- I started Yoga because I liked the way the movements looked, and I was attracted by the physicality of it.
The more I practiced, the more I realised Yoga is so much more than a physical practice. It’s a window to the deeper aspects of ourselves.
The body (and the breath) are the easiest way to access ourselves, and I do believe major shifts can happen when we work with the body.
I’ve learnt to focus in on how things feel in my physical body first, to then dig deeper and listen to the mental, emotional, and spiritual body too.
In a Yoga practice, especially at the beginning of the journey, we can sometimes overly focus on specific poses, trying to make them pretty, or “perfect”, touching our toes, etc.
Yoga is a practice of connection and introspection, and it’s important that we practice listening- starting with our physical body first.
And, that introspection can start from the body. Can you begin to ask yourself “What’s my intent here?”
- Why do you want to touch your toes?
- Why is it important that your pose looks perfect?
- What motivates you to get on the mat?
- Why do you go deeper into a pose even when it doesn’t feel good?
Be curious about the answers, without judgement. When we truly connect with our body and ourselves, we start changing the way we feel and act towards ourselves and others. Every body is different, therefore the expression of movement will be different for each and every one of us.
Because it always starts from the body, when I share my Yoga practice with you, I encourage movement that is both SAFE and FEELS GOOD for each specific person.
Yoga teaches us to withdraw from the outside noise, to listen in, to find connection and a deeper understanding of ourselves.
I believe Yoga is for everyone– all you need is willingness to keep an open mind.