Starting Out - A Guide To Being Yoga If You Are Doing Yoga

We can "do" Yoga and "be" Yoga. We "do" Yoga when we practice poses paying attention primarily to form. A practice session might look like this. We follow all the cues for perfect alignment to the best of our ability. We know how to create a firm foundation for the poses, and remember to breathe in the pose, most times. We practice to release any tension held in the muscles. Definitely there is a strong connection with the physical body.

What is missing is the connection with the other dimensions of ourselves. These aspects represent our internal world of sensations, feelings, thoughts, our witness faculty and our inner joy. In ancient texts they are described as sheaths.

In essence to be Yoga requires feeling; feeling under the skin. It is here we discover an authentic reality that's way more than skin deep. An authenticity that ends fragmentation, making us feel whole.

Steps to Take

How is this reality discovered? In a word - slowly.

1. Move at a slow pace. Let movement in at least some of your Yoga practice be slow. Internal sensations are missed when we move quickly. Try pausing between poses as well as moving in a leisurely pace.

2. Feel internal sensations. Sensations like pressure, contraction and release of muscles, are present even if we are not aware of them. Sensations can be used as a feedback mechanism; an important technique for mind-body wellness. "Being" Yoga means being present to this internal aspect of our practice while in movement and in stillness.

As we each have such unique backgrounds and experiences, it might be useful to state the obvious - that internal sensations and feelings are personal, unique and varied. Feelings and sensations cycle through the full scope of our human adventure from comfortable to uncomfortable. In time we learn how to honor and challenge our limits and remain in peace regardless of the nature of the sensation.

3. Play with the subtle energy body. Like sports men and women, we can use the power of visualization to prepare us to execute the pose. Furthermore while we hold the pose we can explore directing energy through the body in different ways. For example, while in Dandasana, the basic sitting pose, imagine drawing energy through the soles of the feet through the legs to the heart area. Play with lines of energy from the hands into the torso and head. Notice how this feels.

So much more exists in our internal world. As we watch and feel in our Yoga practice we develop the Witness - the ability to be, to observe and feel the body, emotions and thoughts without judging, and without choosing or controlling. This is union of body mind and spirit, a boon to mind-body wellness and the way to be Yoga.

Heather Greaves is an avid yoga student and the owner of Body Therapies Yoga Training. She organizes yoga and meditation retreats and workshops in Ontario and Barbados, and has been helping yoga enthusiasts learn to teach therapeutic yoga in a certified program. For more yoga tips or to sign up for our monthly newsletter visit http://www.yogatogo.com/

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Starting to Use Yoga in Your Life

Yoga is a practice that helps a person become more aware of their body. Many people have begun to seek a healthy way of life through medicine, herbal remedies, and physical training. But what yoga can offer is more than just the physical portion of your body. It helps to focus the mind as well, and because your body and mind are linked together, the two must work as one to achieve well-being.

If you've never experienced yoga before, you may be wondering what to look for when searching for your yoga experience. There is more to it than just opening a phone book and finding the closest studio or teacher, you should also consider what you want out of the experience.

A style to match

There is more than one style of yoga as there is to any method of teaching. Some of the methods can be more challenging, offering obstacles and difficulties for your mind and body to overcome while teaching you method and relaxation. Other styles rely on the smoothness and graceful moves that orient themselves around rhythmic breathing. There are even some that orient themselves around vigorous movement linked with breathing, offering a more active experience.

All of the techniques teach you how to center your body for balance and focus the mind through breathing and feeling. Depending on your physical preference, you may want to seek a physically relaxing style, or even a more active style, but both will help you learn how to become one in body and mind.

Locations

Finding a studio always depends on where YOU are. Not all cities offer all the various yoga styles, but most will provide a few studious. Online, you can easily find a studio near you. Always check the studio out before you join. Make sure the people are friendly and the location practices cleanliness (healthy body, healthy mind).

The right mentor

Once you've found a studio that you like, you need to make sure the teacher is a good mentor. Anybody can claim the title of "teacher," but there is more to it than title. Yoga is an awareness that orients itself around balance and being at peace with one's self, and the teacher needs to reflect the qualities they are teaching. Friendly on the outside and inside is important. (You don't want to learn from someone that is calm until...) Get to know your mentor, and see if you are going to feel comfortable learning with them. Remember that a sense of humor is a must, as it helps to shed stress, and bring levity to any situation. If the teacher has an ego, they will find it difficult to teach balance to others. They may put themselves before the needs of their class, and ultimately fail to teach.

You can find recommendations and referrals online at the Yoga Alliance website. Some teachers will be certified through the alliance and you can read their biographies and philosophies.
The benefits of yoga are numerous, as you will find your center, helping with balance, healing, and overall health in body and mind. It is about learning, not just through the physical practice, but watching and studying as well.

Safety is always important, don't push yourself too hard too fast as you'll only hurt yourself, which is exactly what yoga is designed to prevent. Listen to your body and understand its limitations. Patience with yourself is important. Remember to take care of yourself, both mind and body.

Dr. Jared Kohler, Capitol Hill Chiropractor & the Founder and Director of The Vital Energy Center, is a genuine, dedicated, and fantastic chiropractor!

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