10 Ways to Enjoy your Yoga More!

August 24, 2010 1 Comment

10.  Smile

Good for the face muscles, and it makes everything so much easier.

9.  Introduce yourself to the person next to you

Getting to know each other builds a sense of community in the class rather than competition.  We all grow together.  Plus, you can laugh together during the challenging poses.

8.  Listen to your body

Does a posture feel different on each side, or during certain days?  Body awareness is the first step to the body-mind connection.  Always listening is the best way to be safe and supportive.

7.  Go easy on yourself

Here is a common phrase in class –  ”I could do this 10 (or 20) years ago!”  Have compassion and patience and you’ll be amazed at what you can do at any age.

6.  Ask a question

You are allowed to speak in the middle of class!  In addition, questions help the instructor to know how you all are doing.  So, speak up!

5.  Bring a friend

You motivate each other to go to class in the first place, and then class is a little more fun with that person next to you.  Know someone who could benefit?  Bring them to class this month!

4.  Notice your mind talk — is it positive?

Just paying attention to how you talk to yourself can make a world of difference.  Most of us are negative to ourselves (“Monkey Mind” chatters away, whether useful or not).  You can try turning it off by saying “thank you for sharing” and moving right along in your originally positive direction.

3.  Laugh

Not necessarily during Savasana (guided relaxation) — but try laughing during balancing postures.  It makes the balancing so much easier.  If you are falling out of a posture it means you are finding your edge – and that is a good thing!  Balancing should be playful and child-like.  Laughing is good.

2.  Lion’s Breath

After a strengthening series (warrior series, or after holding plank posture for example), it feels great to release tension with lion’s breath.  You don’t have to wait for the instructor to guide you through it, you can do it on your own!

1.  Any Breath – just Breathe!

It’s that simple.  Just keep breathing and everything gets easier, lighter, and more fun.

Karoun Yoga, Yoga Tips