“Yoga is the perfect opportunity to be curious about who you are.” ~ Jason Crandell
If you’ve never practiced yoga, or have practiced very little, you may think yoga is just about getting a good workout and becoming more flexible.
You may think it’s only for chicks who are young, slim, and fit. But nothing could be further from the truth!
Yes, there are tremendous physical benefits that accompany a safe and consistent yoga practice, but there is so much more to the practice of yoga.
For starters, yoga brings us back into harmony with our own bodies.
The point is not to bend, twist, or stretch ourselves into awkward and uncomfortable poses until we reach a point of perfection. It’s not to judge our bodies or to compare our practice to our neighbors. In addition to the physical benefits that come with care and proper form in the asanas or postures, we are able to develop a deeper sense of compassion towards ourselves.
Through openly and compassionately exploring our physical and mental reactions to different poses, we come to better understand ourselves–we can sense when certain parts of bodies or psyche are out of balance, and through the practice of yoga, we are able to restore that balance.
“When the restlessness of the mind, intellect and self is stilled through the practice of Yoga, the yogi by the grace of the Spirit within himself finds fulfillment.” ~ B.K.S. Iyengar
When practiced absentmindedly, yoga is nothing more than fancy calisthenics. But when practiced with deep awareness, yoga becomes a way to harness the energy of a restless mind and body and to channel that energy in constructive ways.
This is why yoga is such an incredible gift to anyone who chooses to practice it consciously. It doesn’t matter if you are young or aged, large or small, flexible or not. If you can breathe and observe your breath, you can practice yoga–and benefit from it.
In this sense, the yoga asanas become “vehicles for experiencing one’s essential nature rather than goals in and of themselves.” (Donna Farhi)
Essentially, yoga is another path of self-discovery–one that leads to our truest selves. However, unlike so many books, teaching, and practices prevalent in the Western world, yoga is not meant to be another method of “self-improvement.”
While it’s true that we are always making progress through practice, yoga is not about making additions or improvement to your life; rather, it’s about “deconstructing all the barriers we may have erected that prevent us from having an authentic connection with ourselves and with the world.” (Donna Farhi)
Viewed, practiced, and shared in this way, yoga becomes a powerful gift we give to ourselves.
It’s this aspect of my practice that I hope to deepen and develop over the next 4 weeks, as I’m headed to Yandara Yoga Institute for yoga teacher training!
You were beginning to wonder what all this yoga talk was about, weren’t you?
Yep, I’m off on another adventure, but rather than journey back to the yoga motherland (India), I’m off to the sunny beaches of Mexico! Along with my fellow students, I’ll be learning the ins and outs of yoga philosophy and asanas, practicing in the sand, eating delicious and nutritious meals, singing around bonfires at night, and studying by headlamp in my tent.
All of this so I can return and begin sharing the joys of yoga with the world!!
Before I go, I would like to leave you with a little video I made as part of my essay submission for a scholarship contest. (No I didn’t win–but that sure didn’t stop me from making this happen!!)
I would love to hear your yoga stories–if you practice or not and why, and if so, about the effect yoga has on your life. Unfortunately, I won’t have internet access, so I won’t be able to read them until I return. But hey, it’ll give me something to look forward to! 
Namaste,
Good luck Adrienne!
I wish you enlightenment, peace and blessings as you head off to Mexico!
Take good care,
Alex
I’ve only tried Yoga a couple of times. Both times focused mainly on the physical side, but also had some of the mental parts along with it. I really liked it, but just haven’t found time to do it again. I remember being so relaxed and feeling really good after each time so it surprises me that I haven’t done it since.
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I first tried yoga back in 2001 and yes it definitely helped my mind and body to relax and become more focused. I didn’t do it to get into shape but used yoga more as a mental strengthening tool.
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Thank you so much for sharing the joys of yoga. I practice yoga myself and know how much it helps.
I wish you all the best ahead of your trip to Mexico.
-Wayne
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Yoga is the best meditation activity I’ve ever experienced before. What’s you favorite Yoga position when meditating?
Thanks for enlightening us about this solemn and healthy practice!
-Heather
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I practice yoga regularly. It helps me keep my body in shape and also stay healthy.
I loved your post and wish you good luck ahead of your Mexico trip.
Thanks a lot for sharing.
-Roshni
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I’ve been practicing yoga for many years and it’s been a life saver in many ways. I began practicing hatha yoga and now practice various forms of vinyasa. It’s so important to find a teacher and practice that works for you. Have a wonderful time in Mexico. Can’t wait to hear about your travels.
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This is a lovely post.
I always start my day with yoga. It keeps me refreshed all day.
Wish you have a great Mexico trip.
Thanks.
-Stacy
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I am not as consistent in yoga as I should be. It is now clear what other purposes doing diverse yoga positions are. I like hearing about their benefits of being able to understand ones body. I actually feel more motivated now of being consistent with the exercise.
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> When practiced absentmindedly, yoga is nothing more than fancy calisthenics.
Well put.
It’s amazing how much we can transform any experience by how much we engage … and, on the flip side, it’s amazing how much we miss out when we don’t.
Hi Friends!!
Thank you so much for your well wishes and lovely comments here! It seems like forever ago that I wrote this, before my amazing yoga teacher journey began. These words still ring true for me, perhaps now more than before! Words can’t even began to describe my experience, which is probably why I’ve been dragging my feet on doing that!
No worries though, for those of you who are interested in hearing all about my adventure, I’ll be posting pictures, highlights, and lessons learned very soon. As always, thanks for your support and I hope you’re making time to let yoga work its magic in your life!
I always thought yoga is something very difficult. But after reading this post I think there is a change in my perception.
Thanks for sharing.
-Hanna
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That’s awesome, Hanna! My mom was the same way until I led a private session for her at home. By the end, she was like, “wow, I feel so relaxed! I wish you were here to do this everyday!”
Different teachers have different goals for their students. Some are really into making you sweat and challenging you. I like to attend a class like that once a week, but in general, the yoga I practice is mostly gentle and relaxing. I figure I put enough stress on my body during the week — yoga is my chance to rejuvenate and release that stress.
I tried yoga when I was a kid but I was not able to continue it. How many hours should a person spend doing yoga in a week? I need to insert it to my hectic schedule.
-Deane
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Hi Deane,
I think everyone should listen to their own bodies and see what feels best for them, but I have heard from many teachers that 3 days a week is a good place for beginners to start. This will help your body begin to develop “muscle memory” to the poses and sensations. Ideally, yogis work up to a daily practice. Easy when you’re off at yoga teacher training — not so easy in the real world! I’m to the point where I practice at least 5 days a week. I notice that the mornings I start with yoga typically lead to better days.
Good luck Adrienne! I think yoga gives physical and mental refreshment. Do you believe Morning prayer ?
Good post,
Carson
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Can’t live without yoga! The benefits are not just physical, but emotional as well. I do Hatha Yoga once every two days now… can’t get enough.
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I’m a 36 yr old wheelchairbound cancer survivor. Yogic breathing sure helped me
I’ve had both mediochre and positive experiences with yoga. I think it depends a lot on the instructor. When I was doing it with one instructor who I really liked (unfortunately I only managed 2 sessions before circumstances stopped me going to her) I would end each session feeling so good and so connected I wanted to just sit and meditate for another hour.
Do you have any tips for finding a good instructor?
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