Things to Keep in Mind

Traditionally, in India, yoga was mostly taught one to one, teacher to student. With this method the teacher was able to design a practice that was specific to the student’s individual needs and to keep a close eye on their progress. These days this approach is not common, yet, every student’s needs are different. There are so many factors that go into what will be the most beneficial for you. Factors such as your overall physical and mental health, levels of stress or anxiety, whether you have or are recovering from injury, living with a disease process, or have experienced past physical and emotional traumas. All these experiences come into play as you go about learning and practicing yoga. 

Understanding that every person is different and therefore your yoga practice will be unique, in my classes I encourage you to:

• sense and feel the sensations going on in your body

• not to push and never force yourself into poses

• challenge yourself while listening deeply

• rest whenever you need to

• come out of a pose early – for any reason

• do a pose in a modified way if that feels safer

• leave a pose out altogether if you choose

• encourage an attitude of kindness toward yourself

• accept your current limitations

• honor your intuition, the quiet voice

• listen a whole lot less to your loud ego voice

• remember, yoga is not a competition

• prioritize actions that promote a feeling of safety

• understand there is nothing you need to prove in your practice

• let your practice be a lively and friendly conversation with your body