Finding Your Yoga: As follow-up to my previous post on starting 2017 by learning your Ayurvedic dosha and using it to help customize your diet and lifestyle choices, I hope to offer a bit of insight into how you can take the next steps to find your ideal yoga.
Here’s my 5 Steps to Finding Your Yoga:
1. Listen…
Yoga is all about self-discovery. It’s about taking time to listen to what is going on internally, create a deeper connection between body and mind, then observe the positive effects it can have on your well-being. Start by making time for yourself a priority. Remember that if you don’t take the time to give back to yourself you won’t have anything to give to those around you.
2. Explore…
When it comes to finding a yoga practice that is ideal for you, the best thing to do is experiment, try new things, sample and expose yourself to as many different yoga styles, teachers, and classes as you can. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. It will only lead to what is best for you in that moment….sometimes whether you realize it or not. Things find us only when we are ready for them. So be sure to give yourself time to explore and be open to all that yoga has to offer before you decide what is or isn’t for you.
There are many avenues of yoga to explore. At times it can seem a bit overwhelming or intimidating. Most yogis start with the physical practice (asana) and from there expand their knowledge within other aspects that define yoga as a whole. With this in mind, the following article is a good introduction to several of the most commonly offered styles of yoga asana. With each style being uniquely different and knowing that one isn’t better than the other allows you to appreciate the benefits of each.
(Ref. https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2014/jan/10/yoga-beginners-guide-different-styles)
3. Learn…
Through exposure we learn new methods of self-exploration. Each time we attend a class, read a book, article or blog post about yoga we gain unique information and teachings. We can then choose to be open to take away at least one thing from that teaching or reading that resonated with us on a personal level. Appreciate all that is shared with you by avoiding judgement and finding something that you can relate to in each new experience that you have.
4. Incorporate…
Yoga is all about finding what resonates with you and incorporating it into your life however you can. There is no right or wrong, good or bad. Find peace, harmony and a contentment in knowing that your practice, whatever it might consist of, is exactly what it needs to be. The fact that you are taking any amount of time to find balance is in itself yogic enough.
Yoga is a personal journey that brings people together and creates community. A community made up of those who are willing to share their own individuality and uniqueness with those around them.
5. Grow…
Give yourself room to grow. Be open to change and evolution within your practice. Know that everything in life ebs & flows and remind yourself that it’s ok to surrender and go with the flow.
Unhappiness arises when we lose control and when our expectations are not met. Allow yoga to help free you from an attachment to such notions and help you find happiness and contentment in all that you do.
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