Hello! I hope you are enjoying the body scan audio. I will have new audio posts for your soon
In the meantime, if you are just starting your yoga practice there are a few things that I think you should know…
First, you will feel ridiculous, and I don’t mean that in a bad way, but I think it could be off-putting when you are trying to get into your first downward facing dog with your backside in the air and wondering what you got yourself into. You are going to try poses that make your body ask you in a very boisterous manner, “what do you think you’re doing?!” This is also completely normal since many yoga poses seek to work muscles in places you either forgot about or never knew you had.
That being said, secondly, try a group class. I know if you’re new to anything you may feel self-conscious about “performing” in front of other people. I am here to tell you that usually people are so worried about what they are doing themselves, they are paying no attention to you. The only person who should be looking at what you are doing is the teacher. I always recommend at least a few classes with a teacher especially if you are trying to start a home practice. This way you are aware of some of the alignment rules that will make poses safer for you. However, if you really have an aversion to group settings, find a teacher you can take private sessions with until you feel more comfortable. There are dozens of databases you can search for local teachers. I recommend Yoga Alliance. This way you know you are getting a quality, certified teacher.
Third, while you are in that group class or private session, try everything… within reason. Even if you are hesitant about a balancing pose because you think you have terrible balance, try it anyway, but maybe move closer to a wall for support. More often than not, you will come to find you can do much more than you can’t do. However, if you are dealing with some kind of physical limitation, know there are always alternatives and levels to every pose. You could do an entire yoga class from a chair if you needed to.
Which brings me to my fourth point, use props. I LOVE PROPS! Blocks, straps, blankets, bolsters, chairs the list goes on and on. There is a prop for almost every limitation. Just think of them as an extension of your body. The block helps your hand reach the floor. The strap helps your hands reach your feet. Also, these things don’t have to cost you a fortune; Sore knees? Use a gardeners kneeling pad. I stock up on those in the spring when they go on sale. Don’t want to buy strap because you’re not sure how long you will stick with this? Get an old belt out of the closet. No block? Cover a brick in thick fabric. Believe me when I say you will get more out of your pose if you incorporate the use of props than trying to muscle through without them.
Finally, get the most out of your Shivasana (final relaxation or corpse pose). You’ve just done your hour to 90 minute class and you’re feeling stretched out and good about yourself, let your Shivasana seal in all the yoga benefits coming to you from your practice. If you are one of those people who hate just laying there with nothing but your own thoughts and whatever music is playing, try to think of a positive thought or something inspirational to you whether it’s from a book, a motivational poster, whatever, give your mind something to focus on. Or, just follow your own breath, repeat to yourself, “breathe in…breathe out”. If all else fails see if you can ask the teacher for a little guided meditation. Most of us know something we can do to help you relax at the end of class.
I hope this puts your mind at ease about getting started with your own practice. Please feel free to post a comment if you have any questions. I would be happy to help.
Love and Light!