Why is Yoga so popular?
By: Melissa Ghattas
It can be quite intimidating to show up to a yoga class for the first time. You don’t have a clue of the moves, if you are doing them correctly, or even why you are doing them.
It’s important to remember that we have all been a beginner at some stage or another and if you are a regular student of yoga you can always learn more.
Yoga in Sanskrit (which is the ancient language of India) means ‘union’; the art of oneness, wholeness, integrating all aspects of one’s self, the mind, body and spirit.
This practice is a guide into harmony, a balance of lightness and grounding, of patience and perseverance, thus creating a healthier body and mind.
It’s important to remember that we have all been a beginner at some stage or another and if you are a regular student of yoga you can always learn more.
Yoga in Sanskrit (which is the ancient language of India) means ‘union’; the art of oneness, wholeness, integrating all aspects of one’s self, the mind, body and spirit.
This practice is a guide into harmony, a balance of lightness and grounding, of patience and perseverance, thus creating a healthier body and mind.
One of the most popular aspects of Yoga is an asana (postures) practice, where there are many different styles and schools, yet they all aim to improve that state of one’s ‘being’.
If you are a beginner it is important to attend a beginner’s class where you will learn various tools, such as breathing techniques and basic alignment of where to place your hands and feet and ultimately synchronise your movements with breathing. This can be a huge eye opener. Most of us don’t think about breathing, we just do it automatically (hopefully!). To become aware of how you breathe, relax your body and find space allows you to become more peaceful. That’s why so many people feel calm and rejuvenated after a yoga class. It allows your mind to rest from planning, judging, reliving events from the past, or fantasising about the future.
We learn to become more accepting and kind to ourselves and of others. We learn to be more aware of how we react to life and situations.
All you need to bring to a yoga class is yourself. You can wear light clothing that you can stretch and move comfortably in – leggings are ideal – no shoes, no watch, no heavy jewellery that will distract you and definitely no mobile phone. It is a time for you to be still, to move, to breathe, to connect and to be free and happy.
It is advisable to always arrive at least 10 minutes before a yoga class. If it’s your first time, meet the teacher and share any concerns or limitations that your body may have, such as if you have any injuries or are pregnant.
You may need to hire a yoga mat from the studio you are practicing in or if you prefer to have your own, you can buy one from any sports store. Most good yoga studios will provide you with towels and a locker to keep your valuables safe.
We learn to become more accepting and kind to ourselves and of others. We learn to be more aware of how we react to life and situations.
All you need to bring to a yoga class is yourself. You can wear light clothing that you can stretch and move comfortably in – leggings are ideal – no shoes, no watch, no heavy jewellery that will distract you and definitely no mobile phone. It is a time for you to be still, to move, to breathe, to connect and to be free and happy.
It is advisable to always arrive at least 10 minutes before a yoga class. If it’s your first time, meet the teacher and share any concerns or limitations that your body may have, such as if you have any injuries or are pregnant.
You may need to hire a yoga mat from the studio you are practicing in or if you prefer to have your own, you can buy one from any sports store. Most good yoga studios will provide you with towels and a locker to keep your valuables safe.
It is recommended that you do not eat a heavy meal at least three to four hours before practicing yoga. A light meal of vegetables and fish two hours prior to the class is preferable. Ideally you want to practice on an empty stomach. It can be very uncomfortable to move and have food in your belly and it may even make you feel sick.
It is important to stay hydrated with water. Drink eight glasses throughout the day and rehydrate after the class. Your teacher may advise you to sip water throughout your class. Listen to your body and do what is right for you.
Like anything, when we are new to it, can be a challenge, but with practice and dedication we are rewarded and the benefits of yoga will change your life.
I wish all who embark on this beautiful path many blessings of peace, health, love and happiness. Through this practice we enrich our own life and this affects the people we love and even the strangers we meet on the street. In turn we then make this earth and planet a kinder and cleaner to place to be.
It is important to stay hydrated with water. Drink eight glasses throughout the day and rehydrate after the class. Your teacher may advise you to sip water throughout your class. Listen to your body and do what is right for you.
Like anything, when we are new to it, can be a challenge, but with practice and dedication we are rewarded and the benefits of yoga will change your life.
I wish all who embark on this beautiful path many blessings of peace, health, love and happiness. Through this practice we enrich our own life and this affects the people we love and even the strangers we meet on the street. In turn we then make this earth and planet a kinder and cleaner to place to be.
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