Advice for Beginners to Yoga
People start yoga with many preconceptions. Like expecting instant cure or weight loss, assuming that asanas are difficult to do and that yoga is not for them because either they are physically too unfit or too fit !
Here is some advice for beginners which will make your yoga practice more effective and also minimize injury or strain:
1. Begin with small expectations and keep in mind that it takes time to restructure muscles, bones, tissues and posture. Practice as many basic asanas as you feel comfortable with.
2. First understand how to get into a posture and then with time and regular practice understand how to refine it. Learn how to observe, rather than what to observe. The asanas connect you to the inner world within you.
3. Practice asanas when you are fresh. Early morning is the best,when our minds are stress free. If your muscles are stiff in the mornings, practice in early evenings. Do not practice after a heavy meal. Practice daily.
4. If at first, you do not get a particular asana right, practice an asana with similar movements. Do not stop doing that asana. The physical body, emotions, mind and consciousness are trained gradually in yoga.
5. If any part of your body is aching, doing yoga will relieve the tension . Do not stop your practice. Locate the discomfort and through your intelligence send soothing sensations with each breath into that area.
6. Practice asanas in the prescribed sequence to derive maximum physical. mental and spiritual benefits. However, understanding the significance of the sequence takes time. Take a yoga course and then decide which sequence works for your body and physical conditions. Do not begin the session with a back bend.
7. Hold the asana for as long as possible to maximize its benefits and to build strength. The reason being that body takes a longer time compared to the brain to be awakened. Bring the awareness to all parts of the body for the whole time you are in that posture.
Enjoy each step of this amazing journey to complete wellness!