YOGA FOR YOUEMBRACE YOUR EMOTIONS. Welcome any feelings that
come over you in practice. It is not uncommon to start
crying in yoga. If this happens to you, don’t try to stop
it—just let the tears fall. Yoga can be a huge release, but
only if you let it. If you stifle your feelings or bury your
emotions, you will be missing out on some of the key
benefits of the practice.
KNOW WHAT YOU WANT FROM YOGA. Don’t let anyone
else’s ideas influence you. A yoga practice is a personal
practice. Use the idea of svadhyaya to find what works
for you and then stick to it.
ASK FOR HELP WHEN YOU NEED IT. If you begin to take pub-
lic classes, stay after class and ask the teacher to help you
with anything you find confusing. If you’re at home, get
online and look for videos or seek out teachers who can
answer your questions.
TAKE YOUR TIME IN SAVASANA. This is your final resting
pose, and it’s meant to be a rest to help your body absorb
all the wonderful benefits of the practice. If you rush it,
you miss out on so much. This goes for practicing in
your own home and also in public classes. Never come
out of the final resting pose and pack up your stuff before
the teacher has gotten you out of Savasana. This not
only short-changes you but also disturbs the students
around you.
Overall, do not fret if you make a mistake. You’re human,
and it will happen. Simply remember to practice ahimsa and
don’t beat yourself up about it. Enjoy the ongoing process
of learning.