learn yoga

How I did it: I moved back home last year after trying unsuccessfully to find my way after having graduated from university. I've been suffering from clinical depression for 10 years now and therefore haven't looked for a job and was basically doing nothing. I saw that there were yoga classes being offered at my local community centre and since it was an undemanding 3 days a week, I thought it was time I finally discovered what all the fuss was about. I made sure to enlist the support of my mother, she signed up with me. It is vital to have at least one person to go with you so you feel supported and motivated. and after I finished the first class, I was hooked. This saw me investing in a yoga mat, a really good yoga book, researching a lot about yoga online and signing up for the intermediate yoga class the following trimester.

Lessons & tips: I suffer from mental health issues and have received a range of
diagnoses. Now, although I won't say that practicing yoga has made me
miraculously recover, it has helped me feel good about my body. I feel empowered.

It is
SO WORTH going for yoga, but not only for the yoga poses. It's just as vital to focus on learning about the breathing, which is as vital as water to our life and concentration and meditation and relaxation. There are also eight limbs of yoga, which instruct our entire way of being and it would be a good thing to look into it.

A few things I've learnt: ahimsa or the principle of no harm - to oneself and to others and to the earth and universe. To forgo a yoga practice is also akin to self harm :-)

there are many different types of yoga practice. I learnt Hatha yoga and a little Kundalini yoga. they are all different paths to the same destination, as is with many things, but it's best to just read up in case you have a choice. Some people prefer more fast paced others prefer slow paced, others yet prefer focus on meditation etc.

Sip water during a practice. I practice without music, but sometimes music can be more relaxing. I've also practiced in my garden and it's been an amazing experience. Practice at different times of the day, sunrise, sunset, the dead of night... you'll find which time suits you best.

And please enjoy it. There will be days when you don't find time, but try to make just 10 minutes. Do Child's pose, Downward Dog and Corpse Pose. Simple. Although, rest assured, if you you don't practice for a few days, don't feel guilty and don't blame yourself. It happens. I'm sure you'll just feel really good when you practice again. :-)

Do not drink coffee and avoid tea. Avoid all addictive substances. Treat your body as a temple. Spend time in nature. Walk (barefoot as often as possible).

Do not compete with anyone else and NEVER with yourself while practicing. Do not overextend your body. The aim of yoga practice is to relax your body and mind and to nourish it from within.

All other priceless tips will be found on www.yogajournal.com

Note: your perspective may change. And that's a good thing ;-)

Resources: I was lucky enough to have a community centre within walking distance to my house which offered yoga classes at very reasonable rates and the yoga instructor was also reasonably qualified. Not great, but adequate for a beginner course. DVDs work a treat, too. But, I'd steer away from Power Yoga, in the beginning, at least.

An amazing website: www.yogajournal.com

Yoga for Women by Shakta Kaur Khalsa
DK Publishing
ISBN 0 7894 8932 5

Buy this book if you can! If not, beg, borrow or steal!

Music by Enya, and other Celtic music
Youtube videos on yoga and for yoga inspired music.

A supportive yoga partner is essential. If you can, take your mum along :-)

Apr 12, 08:13PM PDT | 0 comments | 4 cheers