A Beginning
13/11/08 06:57 Filed in: Yoga
About 10 years ago I took my first yoga class. I remember the mixed emotions I was feeling; anxiety, excitement and curiosity. The room filled up quickly, full of people of all races, shapes and sizes. The instructor, Zoe, began the class by asking if there was anyone new to yoga. I was relieved when I realized I wasn’t the only newbie in the room.
The class went by in a blur. I remember spending a lot of time looking around the room to make sure I was doing it right. I didn’t understand what down dog was, or triangle or mountain pose. I did my best to mimic my fellow students and by the end of class I felt a bit more comfortable in my body and knew that I had found something that would change my life forever. A seed had been planted and I was ready to let it grow.
After that first class I began attending yoga class 2 times a week. I became very conscious of what I was putting into my body and the thoughts that were occupying my mind. I researched yoga philosophy and books by famed authors. I began to arm myself with the foundations to build a practice upon. My mind began to change. My body began to change. My life was forever changed.
I get asked a lot about the different styles of yoga and whether it is better to do yoga in a gym or in a studio. I always give a very simple answer, the best yoga to do is the kind you fall in love with and the best place to practice is where ever your heart leads you. I’ve done yoga at a gym and have had both amazing and not so great teachers. One of my favorite teachers, Adam, teaches at the gym I go to. I try to take his class as often as I can. I learn so much from him and his classes are always fun and challenging. I’ve also taken yoga at several studios and have the same results as my gym yoga experience, some great teachers and some that made me never want to go back.
There is a lot to be said about teaching style and the ambiance of the room you are practicing in. A great teacher will inspire you to grow your practice, whether with them, someone else or on your own, in that case the room probably doesn’t matter. Take a not so great teacher and put them in an amazing room and you may find that you’re ok with their style because you’ve found a comfortable place that gives you that Zen feeling you’re seeking. Your yoga practice is all about what makes you comfortable. Its ok to go to class at serveral different studios or gyms. Do what makes you feel the most like you.
The best piece of advice that I can give any new yogi is; the peace is in the pose. By that I mean the more you practice and learn about your true authentic self, the greater sense of peace you will feel throughout your body.
The class went by in a blur. I remember spending a lot of time looking around the room to make sure I was doing it right. I didn’t understand what down dog was, or triangle or mountain pose. I did my best to mimic my fellow students and by the end of class I felt a bit more comfortable in my body and knew that I had found something that would change my life forever. A seed had been planted and I was ready to let it grow.
After that first class I began attending yoga class 2 times a week. I became very conscious of what I was putting into my body and the thoughts that were occupying my mind. I researched yoga philosophy and books by famed authors. I began to arm myself with the foundations to build a practice upon. My mind began to change. My body began to change. My life was forever changed.
I get asked a lot about the different styles of yoga and whether it is better to do yoga in a gym or in a studio. I always give a very simple answer, the best yoga to do is the kind you fall in love with and the best place to practice is where ever your heart leads you. I’ve done yoga at a gym and have had both amazing and not so great teachers. One of my favorite teachers, Adam, teaches at the gym I go to. I try to take his class as often as I can. I learn so much from him and his classes are always fun and challenging. I’ve also taken yoga at several studios and have the same results as my gym yoga experience, some great teachers and some that made me never want to go back.
There is a lot to be said about teaching style and the ambiance of the room you are practicing in. A great teacher will inspire you to grow your practice, whether with them, someone else or on your own, in that case the room probably doesn’t matter. Take a not so great teacher and put them in an amazing room and you may find that you’re ok with their style because you’ve found a comfortable place that gives you that Zen feeling you’re seeking. Your yoga practice is all about what makes you comfortable. Its ok to go to class at serveral different studios or gyms. Do what makes you feel the most like you.
The best piece of advice that I can give any new yogi is; the peace is in the pose. By that I mean the more you practice and learn about your true authentic self, the greater sense of peace you will feel throughout your body.
