Yoga: A Beginners Journey

I had been searching for something.  I wasn’t quite sure what it was, but I think I’ve found it.  Yoga.  I’ve been on a journey of getting healthy for the past year and a half by eating good food and exercising.  Although it has been working, there is more to getting healthy than just losing weight and sticking to an exercise regime.  At least for me, having a healthy mind is of equal importance.  I had always been hesitant of trying yoga since I opted for exercises I felt burned more calories in a shorter period of time and didn’t focus on a healthy mind.  I was encouraged to try yoga by a friend of mine who has been a practicing yogi for many years and took me to my first yoga class.  

We entered the yoga studio and were greeted by smiling faces that were welcoming.  Right away I felt comfortable and at ease.  It was a calm environment with candles and incense burning.  This was nothing like walking into a loud gym where I typically felt inadequate and compared myself to others running on the treadmill.  The studio felt more spa like than anything with a supportive and caring feel emanating from the teachers present.  I eagerly grabbed the props listed on the board for the class I was going to take and walked into the room where the gentle/restorative class was going to be held.  Settling in and quieting the mind and body was the next step until class began.

The teacher carefully walked us through the class with mild stretching and relaxation through breathing.  This is a perfect class to take at the end of a stressful week for anyone, or if you just need to take some time out to treat your mind and body with love and respect.  At the end of class I felt beyond relaxed.  The worries I had before were quieted and any aches I had previously were noticeably diminished.  I didn’t want to leave.  I knew that I had to come back and try every class possible for my skill level, which is beginners.  For the next week, I planned on going as often as I could after purchasing their class passes for the summer.  I knew this was something special and exactly what I had been searching for.

Over the past week I have gone to a number of classes, some for students of all levels, and some for beginners.  With the exception of the gentle/restorative class, I got a workout.  It was more than I anticipated but I was pleasantly surprised by how much I was sweating and how fast my heart poun.  Being able to join a caring and therapeutic environment with teachings of how to accept yourself just the way you are, alongside a calorie burning workout was more than I could ask for.   I was inspired by other students and their skill level, and in no way felt like I needed to compete to be where they were.  I know it will take awhile to get to the level I’d like to be, but I’m willing to take that journey.  Already I have noticed a difference in my attitude towards myself and my body.  I might not be where I want to be physically, but I will get there.  I have faith that yoga will be something I can do lifelong, just like with changing eating habits instead of a fad diet.

There’s a reason yoga has been around for a few thousand years; it works.  If you’re hesitant, just try it once.  Yoga is made for all skill and age levels, so don’t worry if you feel you won’t be able to do some of the poses.  The teachers will assist you in finding what works for you.  They also take any injuries or conditions you have seriously and will help you find alternatives.  One of the best things about working with a teacher is the care that comes from them; they genuinely care for your wellbeing.  I’ll continue to post about yoga and any new noticeable changes.  I hope you found this inspiring to try something new, or to return to yoga.

If you have any personal stories of yoga you’d like to share or have a question, leave a comment or contact me.  Namaste.