HERE ARE SOME TIPS !
Clothing should be loose and comfortable to allow easy movement of the body. In the cooler months, bring socks and a sweater for more warmth during the relaxation.
Avoid Eating 1 - 2 hours before yoga class. A full stomach will make you uncomfortable for asana practice and tired for meditation.
Allow yourself to relax. Relaxation is not a luxury -- it is a necessity for everyone in order to create the balance we are looking for.
Avoid forcing yourself when stretching. The emphasis is on "letting go" rather than pushing the body through borders of pain. Know and respect your limitations before gradually expanding them.
Relax into the postures and experiment to find the way each one best suits you.
Don't compare yourself to others. Simply be aware of your abilities and don't compare or compete with others. Yoga is about yourself and your body, not anyone else's.
Concentrate on your breathing in each of the yoga postures. Your breath will help the body relax and keep the mind focused. Maintaining breath awareness promotes steady progress.
Be aware of your body and mind during the class. Heighten your sensitivity to areas of tension or discomfort in your body, and observe your thoughts as they come and go. With an ongoing practice, we can carry this heightened awareness into our daily life.
Rest when you need to! Use resting time to reflect and absorb your yoga experience.
Switch off your mind from any busy thoughts. Allow yourself this time for your practice and your own wellbeing. This includes completely switching off your mobile phone before you enter the yoga room.
Shoes are left in the shoe racks. Remember to never wear or take them in the space where yoga is practiced.
Be on time to classes. Remember that it takes at least 5 minutes to settle in the the class, so plan to arrive 5-15 minutes before the class starts. If on the odd occasion you are late please enter the space very quietly so as not to disturb the others who are enjoying their much needed relaxation.
Avoid wearing perfumes and colognes to classes. Even though a cologne may seem to have a beautiful fragrance, it contains a number of synthetic chemicals that many people are allergic to and may cause headaches and other symptomps.
Let your mindful practice radiate to all that you do including returning the yoga equipment (mats, blankets etc) neatly back to their place at the end of the session.
Cautions you should know about:
Let the teacher know of any injuries or relevant medical information such as high blood pressure, especially if you are new or have a new teacher, so that he or she can offer modification of exercises to adapt the practice to your needs. Keep in mind that yoga should always be practiced under the guidance of a physician if there are health-related circumstances.
During menstruation it is recommended to practice the more gentle yoga exercises and avoid strong abdominal exercises and inverted poses. During this time be careful not to exert the body.
Pregnant women should seek your health care practitioner's recommendation before taking classes. Inform the instructor which trimester you are in, so that appropriate variations can be suggested. Meditation and relaxation is wonderfully beneficial for mother and child.
Yoga Words
Asana = yoga posture / exercise
Full Yoga Breath = inhaling deeply without force, first into the lower lungs, feeling the abdomen rise, then filling the mid-portion of the lungs, feeling side-ribs expand and finally taking the breath to the top of the lungs, feeling top of the chest rise. Exhaling slowly and gently, relax.
Pranayama = yogic breathing techniques. These are effectively used as tools for managing stress and preparing the mind for meditation.
Meditation = practical techniques used to focus the mind and attain peace of mind.
Yoga Nidra = a deep relaxation technique that provides profound physical and mental relaxation. The ability to deeply relax at will strengthens one's sense of inner peace and calm.
Yoga and Meditation will improve your health and quality of life!
You will receive benefits such as:
- improved posture
- body strength & flexibility
- relaxed breathing
- clear thinking
- self-confidence
- inner peace and true happiness
- less stress
- more energy
