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Hatha Yoga is a physical
development of the body while exercising the mind. On a physical
level, Yoga can strengthen and develop muscle awareness, soothe the
nervous system, massage the organs, release toxins, prevent disease, and
relieve physical injuries. On a spiritual level, Yoga can help you
discover your true self. It invites you to tap into a deeper
wisdom.
Whether your seeking is
based on the physical goals or the spiritual goals of Yoga, a yoga
practice begin with a simple act of inquiring into it. The more you ask
(or seek) the more you will see answers revealed to you. May you
continue to ask questions and explore your practice.
Below are suggestions to
help begin your practice.
Of course, check with
your doctor before you begin any exercise.
Make a list of expectation
you would like to achieve through your practice: to improve
flexibility, increase immune system, coping with an illness, de-stress,
energy booster, etc. What you would like to achieve will effect
where you start. By making a list of goals, this will help you
focus on the style you would like to practice and to open a dialogue
with your teacher.
The first step is to choose a yoga that matches
your goals and expectations.
Click here
to read about the different Hatha Yoga styles.
Choose a studio. Click
here to find a studio that is in your area.
Be sure to call the studio to find out when space is available and speak
with the teacher to find out their training and experience. We
recommend trying a few in your area so you can interview different
teachers, compare your goals with the classes, and evaluate the studio.
Then ask yourself the following questions:
1. Did you feel that
this studio took time to explain and assist you into the postures?
2. Did the teacher
take time to discover your goals before the class?
3. Did the studio lend
itself to increase your motivation?
If you didn't care for a
studio or teacher, try again with a different teacher or a different
studio. The success of you enjoying a class can come down to which
studio/teacher you choose. Trying again will also give you more
experience with what yoga can offer and can create more mind-flexibility
by being open to different experiences.
Be prepared before you
walk in the door. Most public classes will have the following but
you should call ahead make sure. It is also good to have your own
props because eventually you will transform your energy into your own
props and will make your practice more your own and perhaps it will open
a more regular home practice.
1. yoga mat -
prevent your hands and feet from slipping. Some Yoga styles like
Bikram encourage you to bring a towel to put over your mat to absorb
sweat.
2. comfortable clothing
- for more blissful yoga's such as Svaroopa, sweats and a shirt will do
- for more vigorous yogas like Anusara, Bikram, Ashtanga or Iyengar, gym
clothes are recommended. Always were layers as you tend to get
heated in poses but then cool down with the final relaxation.
3. Eye pillow - to
be used in a meditation to allow your eye muscles to relax while the
weight of the pillow holds your eyes gently shut. It also encourages you
eyes to relax and fall back deeper into their sockets.
4. Yoga Tie - to
aid you in reaching the end posture without straining past your
limitation. A strong bathrobe tie will suffice for home practice.
5. Blocks - solid
wooden blocks or similar strength will assist you in reaching and
supporting you in your postures. For home practice, a hard cover
book makes a good substitute.
6. Folding Chair -
used for supported poses, and assisting those less flexible to modify
positions.
7. Bolsters - They
are a packed cushion or rolled blanket that assists you in reaching the
proper posture or helps surrender you into restorative postures.
8. Gymnic Balls -
these rubber balls come in various sizes to assist you in different
openings: back, stomach and shoulders. You can also use them as
strengtheners to build the muscles needed for more advanced postures.
9. Water -
Some classes frown upon those noisy, plastic water bottles and feel that
it is a disruption to class. Other require consumption of water in
the class to maintain strength. Best to call a head and ask.
10. Uncluttered
mind - it is difficult for anyone to release the day's activities
once they enter a yoga studio. As you deepen your practice, you will
notice that once you are able to release the mind, concentrate on your
breath, your practice will develop at an easier rate.
Inquire to us if you have any questions before
you begin your journey. No matter what your questions are, we are
happy to assist you. Not too mention, we all had to start
somewhere, let us share our journeys with you.
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