Many people are drawn to yoga for different reasons. Some people go to yoga because they think it could increase their flexibility, strength, endurance and overall tone. Others go to yoga because they know it could help them to relax and escape from the chaos of everyday living. Yoga is great for all of these things and most importantly it helps us to connect with the breath the direct source of life, which creates a greater sense of centered-ness and well-being.
If the yoga student overall feels better after the class from when they walked in the practice is working and the teacher is doing their job. In connecting with and focusing on the breath the body has a chance to calm from all the activities of the mind. In day-to-day life and the normal stresses that we all experience, the body is constantly having to serve the mind when it reacts and responds to all the outer stimulus and activities that take place. The practice of yoga is chance to take a step back from your day and turn inside where there is an abundance of peace and love waiting for you.
Going to your first yoga class can be intimidating, especially if you do not know anyone in the class or have never tried any of the postures before. Not to worry, everyone at some point goes through these feelings. The best thing you can do is to go with an open heart and mind. You never know how yoga might enhance or change your life. I originally went to yoga to get a good stretch and workout, and I came out of class always in a better mood. The more and more I went I realized how good I felt overall. I also realized that I was developing a better attitude overall to apply to all areas of my life. As I became a regular practitioner of yoga, I realized that yoga is a practice that reaches far beyond the workout and the breathing; it is actually an uplifting philosophy and mindset to live by and take with you always.
Yoga originated in India as spiritual practice with various stages to be followed to eventually reach enlightenment. Although yoga’s roots run deep in ancient Indian philosophy, yoga has become modernized in the west to suit the needs of our western life style. Overall, it is a practice that helps to calm, cleanse and heal the mind and body from our everyday stresses and responsibilities, creating a deep sense of freedom and peace.
The modern day practice of yoga is available to anyone who wants to participate, as opposed to its’ ancient context where only certain castes and genders were allowed to study this practice. You do not have to be “spiritual” to practice yoga or know its deeper philosophies to be on the path of the yogi. If practicing yoga is making you feel better, happier and more pain free then it is doing its job.
Remember to wear comfortable clothes that you can move, stretch and bend in. In class everyone is bare foot so you can more easily balance and stick to your yoga mat. The more regular students should be warm and welcoming to the newer students to help them feel comfortable and relaxed. If you have never made it to yoga class it is worth a try, you never know how good you might feel after!
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