We thought we'd start this post by telling you what a good yoga student isn't.
It has nothing to do with owning expensive workout sets.
It’s not being the most flexible person in the room.
It isn’t dependent on practicing for hours each day or ever missing a class.
While there's no "right" or "wrong" way to practice yoga, embracing the yogi lifestyle requires a balance of dedication, patience, and mindfulness, all of which can be cultivated with time… and an open mind.
Here are 5 things beginner yogis should know before diving into their yoga practice:
Intentions fuel your practice.
Before you begin your practice, take a moment to reflect on your WHY:
Why are you choosing to practice yoga?
Do you want to improve your overall wellness?
Do you want to promote a calmer mind?
Are you interested in delving into your spiritual side?
Having a clear understanding of your intentions can keep you focused and motivated throughout your journey and give you a reason to keep showing up for yourself.
Consistency is everything.
Like most other practices, to begin seeing and experiencing the benefits of yoga, you'll need to commit to practicing it regularly.
Staying dedicated to a consistent routine isn't always easy, but setting aside even 10 minutes a day to move through a yoga flow can help you begin to build not only a regular practice but newfound strength, flexibility, and mindfulness.
Cultivate mindfulness.
From helping us to live and breathe in the present moment to giving us the tools to calm and quiet our worries, yoga offers practitioners tons of valuable mental and emotional benefits.
Taking conscious inhales and exhales is something you can do on and off the mat to encourage mindfulness in your flows and throughout your daily routines.
Respect your body.
While yoga serves your mind and well-being, asana— the physical poses practiced throughout class— still makes up a significant part of your practice and is a necessary part of your growth as these poses help us become comfortable with being uncomfortable.
You might feel driven to give every flow your all, but modifying poses and respecting your body's limitations are some of the most important things you can do to prevent injuries and deepen your mind-body connection.
Be willing to learn.
Yoga is a lifelong practice.
No matter how many styles you try or how long you can meditate, there will always be a new lesson to learn, and by keeping your mind open to this ancient practice, you can open your heart and expand your horizons, too.
"Yoga is the journey of the self, through the self, to the self.” –The Bhagavad Gita
Being a good student can look like many different things, but it certainly isn't perfect. Your practice will ebb & flow over time, and if you only take away one piece of advice, let it be to listen to your body and trust that your journey will lead you exactly where you need to be.
Ready to discover what kind of yoga student you are? Join Divinity Studio today and try a class for free!