New to Yoga / hints + tips from Layna Yoga
Welcome! If you are reading this, it is likely you are just starting out on your yoga journey or perhaps you've been thinking about joining a yoga class. Firstly, how bloody exciting! I still remember the anticipation and excitement I had when I began yoga. Secondly, thanks for bringing yourself here. I hope this post just give you a little bit of information on what to expect from a yoga class, some inspiration and just a bit of advice to help and support you.
What to expect from a yoga class:
Usually the format of a class will incorporate a few different components. Physical positions of the body, referred to as poses (or asanas in sanskrit), breathing techniques or an emphasis on mindful breathing, time for relaxation, contemplation or meditation. These things will vary in degree in regards to the style of yoga taught and each yoga teacher. Plus there maybe different principles added. For example, some teachers include chanting, yoga nidra (form or relaxation).
My experience as a beginner to yoga:
I fondly look back at starting yoga as it was great to find something which I thoroughly enjoyed and I thrive on learning new things. But don't get me wrong, I was nervous of the unknown and it took me a while before I felt completely comfortable stepping onto the mat. I suppose from a personal perspective I was in a judgmental head space. I had this illusion that I was being judged in my practice and had put pressure on myself to make sure I did yoga "right" or "correctly". Firstly, this was a whole load of nonsense that my mind had created. My thoughts were dictating to me the value of my practice, making me doubt my worth, and question if I was good enough.
Why I want to discuss and share this is, because I think this is important and normal and it was probably a very necessary part of my yoga which I needed to work through. At the time, I had a very mindful and aware teacher, I found through mindful practice the illusions I had created around my practice began to dissolve and change. I started to know that yoga wasn't about how long I could hold plank or how much my back could bend in camel pose. I started to find a connection to something much deeper. I could happily accept where I was that day and not get frustrated and hung up on mastering a certain pose for self-worth.
** very important to mention - this is something I still need to work through. Yep, this is a definite life lesson and challenge for me, so don't worry we all still have things we have to continually work through, this is why we call it a yoga practice, not a yoga perfect **
Advice for finding a class:
So shopping for a yoga class, AMAZING! So where do you begin. I know this will seem an airy fairy answer and you might be like "come on Layna, I was expecting some more info..." But, bear with, bear with. Just simply see what class interests or excites you. Of course, class location, cost and time will play a part, but really be guided by what you feel drawn to. Don't be surprised by how your intuition will lead you to the right class.
As previously mentioned there are different styles, schools and approaches to yoga. Therefore I wholeheartedly suggest you try different classes and teachers. Every teacher brings new insight, direction and inspiration and it will give you a well rounded yoga experience, which means you will find something that suits you.
OK, so you've found your class, you've booked on, now what!
Get a yoga buddy. Ring up your best mate and see if they would be interested in joining you. I often used to go to classes with a friend as firstly, it meant I was more likely to go and also secondly I think there's nothing nicer than sharing something wonderful like yoga with your best friend. Plus, it is always acceptable to have a post-yoga coffee or lunch and catch up : -)
When starting a class it is always worthwhile ensuring you arrive a bit early. It means you won't feel rushed and most importantly you can introduce yourself to the teacher. Say hello, and feel free to discuss with the teacher any injuries or concerns you might have. This enables the teacher to keep you safe throughout the class.
Words of wisdom: * laughs hysterically *(I can't take myself seriously...wisdom hehe)
Anyway, one thing I have personally experienced as a yoga student is how we can get into a comparison spiral. So, my advice is to be aware of how you may compare yourself. Try not to worry about what anyone else is doing in the class. We are all uniquely made and our bodies move and stretch in slightly different ways. As a beginner, you will find yourself gazing around the room also in an attempt to ensure you are keeping up or you are in the right shape or pose (as you weren't entirely sure what the teacher meant by "extend through the crown of your head"), that is OK and I'm not wanting you to think that is a bad thing. But what I would like to highlight is, when we look at other yogis in a way that negatively impacts us. We see someone is "more flexible" or " strong" and then we get into the little comparison narrative as we don't think we are good enough. But just try and keep this within your mind as you practice : every single yoga student and teacher was a beginner once. Even that person you follow on instagram who is mastering inversions whilst drinking a smoothie in a bikini whilst on a unicycle (I jest!!), but on a serious note, all the great yoga teachers, yoga pioneers and gurus, every single one of those people started as a beginner. We all start somewhere.
I hope this is the beginning of something amazing for you. Remember of course to ENJOY
your yoga and from there you really can't go wrong.
Sending you a heartfelt namaste xxx
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