Embracing springtime
Easy, simple tips for yoga practice
As we look forward to the upcoming warm and sunny days, the body also wants to get rid of accumulated unnecessary energies.
The longer breath and stretched movements of the body is the best way to start embracing the spring. As the flowers are waiting to bloom, our body craves enhancing its own beauty. It’s a beautiful time to incorporate yoga in the regular regimen to allow the body to feel alive and the soul to spread its fragrance.
In this article, I will be sharing some easy and simple tips to make the most of your yoga practice.
Easy movement - Practising yoga poses can sometimes be difficult. Watch your physical limitations and enjoy the position where your maximum reach is easily achieved. Yoga is not touching your nose to the knees, but rather exploring and expanding your awareness.
Breath awareness - Yoga is different from doing exercises in the gym. When practising yoga, it is essential to watch the inhale and exhale of the breath while getting in or coming out of yoga poses. Listen carefully to the instructor’s directions while doing your practice.
No judgement - As we live in a competitive world, unknowingly many of us fall into the trap of competing with others. Yoga teaches us to practise without any judgment; not just to compare ourselves with others but also to accept ourselves completely the way we are.
Clothing - Wearing loose clothing is the best way to go to a yoga practice. Clothing should be comfortable and preferably with high cotton content.
Place - One should have enough distance (at least arm’s length) between the other participants if practising in a class setting. The room should have some windows or fresh movement of the air. The temperature of the room should neither be too hot nor too cold.
Food - It is not advisable to practise yoga after eating meals. One must have at least a three-hour gap between meals and your yoga practice. Having a light snack or fruit is OK, but you should still have an hour gap. Same goes with water. One can quench thirst with just few sips of water if needed in the class or prior to the class.
Know your intention - The purpose of practising yoga is important to select the type of practice. If the intention is to stay fit, select a class or practice suitable to your needs. If practising yoga for healing purpose, select a therapy class suitable to your needs. It is a good idea to know about your teacher’s credentials before practising yoga if suffering from any ailments.
A comforting practice - If unsure of which style of yoga would be good for you, try different styles of yoga practices and identify the one which seems most comforting to you.
If you have any specific questions for your yoga practice or you are all geared up to incorporate yoga in your life, feel free to email me with any questions at yoga@yogyam.com. You may also send me a message from Facebook through my Facebook page – YogYam Yoga.
Note: This article is for educational purposes only and is not to be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Consult your physician prior to adopting any practices.
“Yoga teaches us to practise without any judgment; not just to compare ourselves with others but also to accept ourselves completely the way we are.”