To those who considered attending a yoga class but thought they're "not flexible enough".
Many times have I heard someone question their bodies abilities and therefore refrain from trying a Yoga class; though I have never heard anyone say they don't do weight training because they're not strong enough.
Although a lot more people do pick up Yoga due to the popularity it's gained over the past years, its reputation is not ideal. Somehow a Sun Salutation is seen as "Functional training" and it is predominantly associated with an exercise regime for bendy women.
What is Yoga?
The word "Yoga" means something along the lines of "Divine union" (from the Sanskrit root verb yuj - to yoke, join or unite). As per Yogic scriptures the path of Yoga leads to the harmony between the mind and body, Man & Nature.
Thus for many, Yoga means the disciplining of ourselves in every day in order to be united with who we really are. This aim can include a physical practice through asana (postures) but goes much further beyond the mat. Yoga concerns itself with all aspects of a person - physical, emotional, mental, social, moral and spiritual. Acknowledging the unique aspects of each individual, Yoga offers a range of tools to explore and find balance in this world - it can be physical exercise, special breathing exercises, following and studying ethical rules and training ones mental space aiming for more control over the mind.
Yoga is more than going to a 60 minute class and it's certainly not an exclusive club for the thin, young and beautiful. Acing complicated poses does not mean they're "good at Yoga", it's just not the benchmark. Yoga is an exclusive framework for all those interested in living healthier and more conscious lives.
Every class and practice is an individual journey which means the postures you do and modifications you take, how you progress and how long you practice is unique to yourself. At no point are you in competition with another. The Yoga practice through asana is a routine to achieve physical and mental balance. Focusing on your neighbour or that person doing a forearm-stand in the front of the class, won't help you achieve that. No one will achieve equilibrium by looking at someone else, quite the contrary. Treat every class you take essentially as a private class. The teacher will guide everyone through the sequence and poses, however which option you take and how much you challenge yourself, what is good for your body and mind - you decide.
"The Yogi conquers the body by the practice of asanas, making the body a fit vehicle for the spirit."
It's said that Yoga leaves most people more relaxed and calm however from personal experience I know that those who try Yoga for the first time tend to get irritated, frustrated or/and bored. If your mind keeps wandering, your body twitching and eyes jumping from one spot to another while on the mat, you may want to ask yourself - why; What is making you uncomfortable? If you understand how to remain calm when your muscles ache or unwelcome feelings do arise - you are getting better at Yoga. You're improving when your neighbour is no longer in charge of your mental health and you're making progress when you start to understand that you can be the one controlling how you want to feel in uncomfortable positions and situations.
Yoga is skilfulness in action.
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