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1. Everyone gets the left and right sides mixed up sometimes. Don’t be embarrassed when this happens. If your teacher corrects you, just smile. There’s a good chance she’ll say “left” when she means “right” later in the class.
2. It’s cool to fall down. The first time I fell on my face while attempting an arm balance, I was mortified. Now, when I get a big red mark on my forehead from diving head-first into my mat, I consider it a badge of honor. It’s how you learn. Laugh at yourself and move on!
3. No one cares if you can do a Handstand in the middle of the room, or touch your foot to the back of your head, or some other advanced pose. Just start where you are, and your practice will build over time. You’ve got the rest of your life to master the poses–for now, just breathe.
4. Your teacher wants you to ask for help. No one understands the temptation to hide in the back row and pretend to be invisible more than I do. But believe me when I say yoga teachers LOVE to answer your questions. Your teacher really wants to help you with your pose, answer your question about philosophy, or explain what that Sanskrit word means. So if you don’t understand what’s going on, ask!
5. Keep coming back. When your new to anything there will be moments of frustration and discomfort. Despite what you might see on TV commercials, hatha yoga is usually not the same as going to a spa to get pampered. It’s hard work. It can be exhausting–physically, mentally, and emotionally. At times you will want to throw up your hands and quit (or at least curse out your teacher for making you hold that pose you hate). Don’t. This is where the healing happens. Breathe into it, and come back tomorrow. You’ll be glad you did.
For more, read 5 Things Every Beginning Yoga Student Should Know.
#4 definitely. As teachers we present what we hope you need/want – only with feedback and input can we cater the class to your desires. I LOVE it when my classes ask (on topic) questions. It leads to interesting destinations.
I agree with them all 100%. These are all things that I used to fret about when I first started, but the more you do yoga, the more to lose your ego.
i like number three. i always feel as if i'm the least talented yogi in the room, which kind of sucks. but at the end of the day, you're right – nobody gives a damn!
Also i add:
Everyone is good a different things in a yoga class… someone might be flexible and bendy but lack strength, whereas his/her neighbor might be strong but can't touch their toes.
Shazaam poses are not to make you feel inadequate, but rather to help the student know where yoga can take you if you continue and give it a whirl
nice list as always, xo
I agree with them all. I'm learning to listen to my body and if a pose is beyond my ability then I'll modify it, use props, or try an alternate pose. As my teacher says, "it's my practice."
I always tell beginners not to let me talk them into anything they feel uncomfortable with. They always have the option to say "no". It is about developing a relationship of trust between their mind and their body, a trust that has at times been broken.
Your part of the change!!!! Great insights keep it up. Beautiful article I am re-posting it now.
So I'm on blogger, just finishing up a lame post on my own blog when I hit the "next blog" button and well, here I am. Lucky me! I'm so smitten with this blog that I may have to blog about it, or facebook or something! Thanks for making my afternoon!
You guys are awesome.. and Liz, thanks for making my night!
This is good stuff. Wish I would have read this before I started yoga. I was either too shy or afraid to ask what Namaste and all the chanting meant. It wasn't until this past year that I explored some of the meanings behind the yoga teachings myself and my practice has really grown from this deeper understanding.
So for all you newbies out there – don't be afraid to ask questions!
Plaster a program with cartoon characters reflecting on each stretching moment. If the character looks silly then you know your not as silly looking and remember to BREATH……you go home feeling refreshed not sore and exhausted. I always get nervous and don't breath and then YUP you guessed it…….it creates anxiety just the opposite of what your results should be. I've been doing this a year and 5 to 6 days a week now and I STILL can not bend over with straight legs. My Yogini says lots of people just aren't built to meet those expectations! Kind, Gently, Supportive……Yes sireee Jodi Reece is goooooooooood fer ya! : )