“Should I practice yoga when my body is so stiff?”
“I am not as young as I used to be but I want to practice yoga that keeps my body going with better agility. Is it possible?”
“Should I consider yoga even if I had prior illness?”
These are some common questions that yoga teachers answer on a daily basis. Self-doubt plays a huge part in preventing people from taking up yoga, but we can only help ourselves if we make the first move. Moving your body, no matter what the movements are, will help you realize you are making positive changes to improve your body, mind and even soul.
At the start of any yoga class, you will be given the opportunity to calm down, find, and get into a relaxing position to feel your breathing momentum. Take this opportunity to quiet your thoughts and focus on deep inhalation and exhalation. Silence can be unbearable to some people, especially after constantly having to take conference calls, multi-task, and manage unruly children while meeting deadlines for work.
If you could have this moment of isolation, away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, why let it slip past? Count your breathing and you will realize by the 10th inhalation and exhalation that you are so much calmer than before.
The conscious breathing continues with the help from a yoga teacher, who will be guiding you with each breath you take. You will be aware of how deeply you can breath; beyond your shallow chest and deep into your lungs, expanding your rib cage. If you experience any form of strain, or feel doubt at your ability to perform a certain pose, refrain from going deeper into the pose and injuring yourself. Yoga is where people let go of their ego and do only what they are capable of. Remember that you can’t be ‘bad’ at yoga – there will always be someone stronger and more flexible than you; positivity is key.
Share this with your loved ones, and friends and help them start a healthy lifestyle. Don’t be afraid to take the first step to a healthier and happier life.