Immediately I’m feeling reflective as I have a good time a serious milestone – 20 years of practising yoga!
Hello mates, I hope you had an exquisite weekend. Ours was low-key and we noticed Riverdance, which was all the things.
Whereas I used to be at sizzling yoga final week, I spotted that I’ve been practising yoga for TWENTY YEARS. It hit me fairly exhausting and I couldn’t consider how a lot life I’ve been by means of since I used to be first launched to yoga. Strikes, deployments, infants, highs, and lows, yoga has been a reasonably constant a part of my life. I’ve cried throughout savasana, mastered sure poses, struggled with others, spent 90% of sure lessons in baby’s pose, and realized to really be current and give attention to my breath.
It’s been 20 years of unrolling my mat, connecting with my breath, and flowing by means of sequences that problem and rework my thoughts and physique. It’s exhausting to consider that 20 years have handed since I first found yoga, and whereas I can’t do any loopy methods and I’m not probably the most versatile bear, this observe has formed my life in numerous methods. So, in honor of this milestone, I need to share with you a few of the classes I’ve realized, and the rewards I’ve reaped over the previous 20 years of practising yoga.
(Maisey additionally needs me to inform you that in the present day is her birthday! OF COURSE she’s getting a doggy cake and birthday tune)
20 years of practising yoga
My introduction to yoga:
My very first-class was a Rodney Yee yoga DVD I picked up at Goal on a whim. I used to be in faculty, feeling the stressors of a dramatic relationship and fixed homework deadlines, and figured I’d give it a whirl. Immediately, I used to be drawn in by the sense of calm it introduced me. I additionally beloved Rodney Yee’s clear, concise instruction and his capability to information college students to a deeper understanding of their our bodies and the observe of yoga.
Trying again, this was the right technique to get began: it was zero stress (as a result of I used to be solo, at dwelling, in my mother’s lounge). I began to observe yoga repeatedly, largely earlier than mattress, and ultimately transitioned into studio lessons. Over the previous 20 years, I’ve taken tons of of yoga lessons in studios all around the US, from California to Orlando and plenty of spots in between.
Kinds of yoga I’ve tried:
There are such a lot of various kinds of yoga on the market, and every one provides a singular and difficult expertise.
Listed here are a number of forms of yoga and what makes them so particular:
Vinyasa Yoga:
Vinyasa yoga is a dynamic type of yoga that focuses on linking breath with motion. This flow-based observe is ideal for individuals who need to get their coronary heart fee up and sweat it out on the mat. Lessons might be barely heat, or heated.
Restorative Yoga:
For those who’re on the lookout for a extra stress-free and restorative observe, restorative yoga is the best way to go. This mild observe makes use of props and long-held poses to launch stress and promote deep leisure.
Yoga Nidra:
this can be a sort of yoga observe that’s also known as “yogic sleep”. In contrast to conventional yoga lessons, the place you progress by means of a sequence of postures, in Yoga Nidra, you lay down in a cushty place and are guided by means of a deep leisure and meditation. This observe is designed that will help you enter a state of deep leisure, the place you may launch stress, stress, and nervousness. Yoga Nidra might be extremely highly effective, not just for bodily leisure, but additionally for psychological and emotional leisure. It’s an effective way to recharge your batteries, cut back stress and nervousness, and enhance your general well-being. So, in the event you’re on the lookout for a technique to calm down and unwind, I extremely suggest giving Yoga Nidra a attempt!
Ashtanga Yoga:
Ashtanga yoga is a conventional type of yoga that follows a set sequence of poses. This difficult observe is nice for individuals who need to construct power, flexibility, and focus.
Bikram Yoga:
For those who’re a fan of sizzling yoga, Bikram yoga is the final word problem. This intense observe is finished in a heated room and follows a selected sequence of 26 poses. That is what actually received me hooked on yoga, and I’d drive nearly two hours once we lived in Valdosta to take a Bikram class. My present favourite type is a mix of Vinyasa and Bikram, in a heated and humid room.
Yin Yoga:
Yin yoga is a slow-paced type of yoga that focuses on holding poses for longer intervals of time. This observe helps to enhance flexibility and improve circulation, making it good for individuals who need to work on their mobility.
Hatha yoga:
this a conventional type of yoga that focuses on bodily postures (asanas), respiratory methods (pranayama), and meditation. The observe is designed to stability the physique and thoughts, and create a way of concord and inside peace. Hatha Yoga lessons sometimes transfer at a slower tempo than different types of yoga, permitting practitioners to give attention to the alignment of the postures and their breath. Hatha Yoga is a superb choice for learners or anybody trying to enhance their bodily health, flexibility, and general well-being.
It doesn’t matter what sort of yoga you select, keep in mind to take heed to your physique and honor your limits. With common observe, you’ll be capable to discover your circulation and take your yoga observe to the following stage. I additionally suggest making an attempt out a wide range of kinds; you’ll discover those that talk to you and that you simply get pleasure from probably the most!
Advantages I’ve seen from practising yoga repeatedly:
Not solely does yoga assist to extend flexibility and power, nevertheless it additionally has quite a few advantages to your general well-being.
Reduces stress and nervousness:
Yoga supplies an area so that you can join together with your breath and quiet your thoughts, which can assist to scale back stress and nervousness. As somebody who’s battled nervousness previously, I do know firsthand the advantages of incorporating yoga into your wellness routine. Yoga supplies a secure area to attach together with your breath, launch stress out of your physique, and quiet your thoughts. By practising yoga repeatedly, you may study to handle stress and nervousness extra successfully, which may result in a extra balanced and fulfilling life. Moreover, sure yoga poses, similar to ahead folds and inversions, can stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps to calm the physique and cut back emotions of hysteria.
Improves flexibility and stability:
With common observe, yoga can assist to extend flexibility, enhance stability, and doubtlessly stop accidents. That is particularly essential as we age and our our bodies change into much less limber. It additionally entails getting on and off the mat, which is a superb ability to take care of as we age. Most of the actions are practical and require core power.
Strengthens the physique:
Many yoga poses require power and stability, which can assist to construct muscle and improve muscular endurance. Plus, yoga is a low-impact type of train, making it nice for individuals who need to keep away from high-impact exercises.
Promotes mindfulness and self-awareness:
By focusing in your breath and physique throughout yoga observe, you may develop a better sense of mindfulness and self-awareness. This can assist to enhance general temper and well-being.
Connects you to a neighborhood:
Practising yoga repeatedly can assist you to attach with like-minded people and construct a supportive neighborhood. This may be particularly essential for individuals who might really feel remoted or disconnected. One thing I realized throughout instructor coaching is that generally changes are the one bodily contact that some individuals obtain for your complete day. That was highly effective for me and a reminder of how a lot we want connection and human contact to thrive.
My expertise with yoga instructor coaching:
Selfishly, I did yoga instructor coaching only for me. I by no means actually had the intention of instructing – I taught repeatedly once we lived in Valdosta however have solely subbed right here and there since then – however wished to to deepen my very own private observe and study as a lot as I may about yoga.
For those who’re contemplating instructor coaching, listed below are a few of the superb issues you may expertise:
Deepen your observe:
Yoga instructor coaching is a chance to take your observe to the following stage. You’ll study new poses, refine your alignment, and enrich your understanding of the observe.
Study concerning the philosophy of yoga:
Yoga is greater than only a bodily observe. In instructor coaching, you’ll study concerning the historical past, philosophy, and non secular features of yoga. I particularly loved studying the “Seven Religious Legal guidelines of Yoga” and studying about primordial meditation.
Share your love of yoga with others:
As a licensed yoga instructor, you’ll have the chance to share your love of yoga with others and assist them to find the transformative energy of the observe.
Be a part of a supportive neighborhood:
Yoga instructor coaching is an effective way to attach with like-minded people and construct a supportive neighborhood. You’ll be surrounded by others who share your ardour for yoga and who will assist you all through your journey.
Problem your self:
Yoga instructor coaching generally is a difficult expertise, nevertheless it’s additionally extremely rewarding. You’ll push your self bodily, mentally, and emotionally, and are available out on the opposite aspect with new perspective and a stronger observe.
There ya have it, mates! 20 years of practising yoga has been an incredible journey crammed with challenges, progress, and transformation. By this observe, I’ve realized to attach with my breath, calm my thoughts, and take heed to my physique. I’ve gained power, flexibility, and resilience, each on and off the mat. I’ve met unbelievable mates and had the chance to study from a few of the easiest lecturers. And most significantly, I’ve realized to domesticate a way of inside peace and well-being that, together with my religion, has carried me by means of life’s ups and downs.
For those who’re new to yoga or have been practising for some time, I encourage you to remain dedicated to your observe, and permit it to information you by yourself journey of progress and transformation. <3
Are you a yoga fan or not a lot? How usually do you observe? What’s your favourite type?
