Yoga: Getting on the Mat
In honor of me breaking my two month long hiatus from doing yoga, I thought this would be a nice article to share with you all. I wrote it during the spring semester for my writing for publication class and was waiting for the right time to post it. I felt that time was today. Enjoy and I hope it helps you to get on the mat too.
The practice of yoga has been around for many years. Within the last several it has become extraordinarily popular. With its growing popularity many have begun to get into yoga or thought of starting. Those who have not yet ventured onto the mat may be hesitant to begin practicing for several reasons. Some of those reasons may be that it will be hard, they aren’t flexible enough, or they don’t have the right equipment. If you are one of those people, I am here to tell you to put those worries aside. They are valid concerns, I know I had them when I first got onto the mat, but once you accomplish that first hurdle of starting, you’ll understand why yoga can be for anyone.
Step 1: Understand that yoga is more than just the shape
. Yoga involves the: mind, body, and breath. It takes time to balance all three into your practice but once you do, it becomes even more rewarding. A lot of poses focus on the energy you gain from your connection to the earth, whether it be holding you up or pulling you down. When participating in yoga you may hear about “an upward current of energy” or “grounding down towards the earth”. This flow of energy helps to ground you mentally and physically. Something that many people look for when trying to improve their mental health.
Yoga is a mindful practice and when spending the time to focus on the connection between your breath and body you tend to feel more at ease with your thoughts. When you think carefully about the movement of your body along with each inhale and exhale, they tend to sync, helping to relax you. I have left many sessions feeling relieved of some sort of anxiety or pressure I was unknowingly carrying in my mind and body.
Step 2: Grab your materials
Most people who do yoga have tools to guide them through their practice. Some may include: a yoga mat, yoga blocks, blankets, or bolsters.
However, as appealing as it is to have the same equipment as everyone else, you don’t need it to begin. If you are anything like me, you may have impulsively decided to try yoga (among other things recently) and maybe this new hobby won’t stick, or maybe it will. So, before you open your wallet and purchase these new tools, make sure you enjoy the practice and you plan to stick with it. There should be no expense to you to start your yoga practice, but if you want to engage with it more seriously feel free to go to the store and pick up some materials. I recommend Marshall’s or Target.
Alternatives to typical yoga materials include:
A bare floor or towel as your yoga mat.
A yoga mat is meant for comfort, it isn’t a necessary tool to begin.
A book or pillow as a yoga block.
As long as it can raise the earth up to you, it will work.
Any blanket or towel can be used the same way a yoga blanket or bolster are used, just roll or fold it accordingly and it will do the job.
Step 3: Find someone to guide you
Do not start practicing without someone to guide you. You do not want to end up hurting yourself because you used a diagram or picture to guide you. There are many websites and videos online with free yoga instructors to help you get started, with varying levels of difficulty. There are also yoga studios and in-person classes you can attend. I personally enjoy practicing in the comfort of my own home and turn to YouTube for my instruction. My favorite videos to watch are those produced by Yoga with Adriene. Here’s a great beginner video to get you started.
Step 4: Be Patient
When viewing yoga or yogis online, whether it be on Instagram, YouTube, or any online wellness publication, most individuals pictured seem sturdy and strong in their postures. It can be intimidating to see that because more than likely you cannot get into the shape that they are in. However, being patient with yourself is key in yoga. It takes time to grow into the postures that are common within yoga, even starter ones like downward-dog take time to accomplish fully. Acknowledging that you will get there eventually and that you won’t start off perfect is good. It should help to keep you confident that you are doing well. Attempting a posture at any level is a successful moment in yoga. While someone may be able to bring their head to their lap, you may only be able to bring your chin to your chest, and that’s okay!
Step 5: Get Started
Now it is time to roll out the mat (or towel) and begin your practice. All it takes is a little knowledge, a guide, and confidence within yourself. You’ve got this, don’t give up, and keep practicing. Remember, it takes time.
All images were taken from Google and have been linked to with their captions. Other sources have been hyperlinked too throughout. These are the links to other sources I used when writing this article. https://yogawithadriene.com https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFKE7WVJfvaHW5q283SxchA