Begin From Where You ARE...
When we go into a yoga posture or carry out a movement that feels tense or tight, it is difficult to notice anything besides that tension that you feel.
For example, when you sit in a full lotus position, your only thought is for the pain that you might feel at your ankles or knees.
Whenever you feel pain in your posture, it is time to relook into your yoga practices. Pain tells you you are NOT ready for that position. Therefore, do not force yourself into that position.
I understand this may be difficult, especially when you are in a yoga class and you see everyone else is doing it except you.
At times, the yoga instructor may encourage "competition" between the students by encouraging you to go into the posture without giving your pain any thoughts.
STOP. STOP. STOP.
Whenever you feel pain, it is an indication that you are not ready for the pose and that you must try a variation that is easier and more suitable for your current level of flexibility, fitness, and physicality.
There is no need to feel "ashamed" of yourself that you are not able to do whatever the instructor asked of you. Listen to your body more than listening to him/her is my advice to you. You know your body better than anyone else.
Therefore, begin from where you are. Period.
This simple idea lays the foundation for your whole yoga practice for the long term.
Always practice your yoga systematically and progressively. Doing so will increase your alertness, steadiness, and overall comfort.
There is no need to compete with anyone in your learning process. There is no rush in yoga. Yoga is a lifelong learning process.
If you are rushing your process, you are not practising yoga at all.
For example, when you sit in a full lotus position, your only thought is for the pain that you might feel at your ankles or knees.
Whenever you feel pain in your posture, it is time to relook into your yoga practices. Pain tells you you are NOT ready for that position. Therefore, do not force yourself into that position.
I understand this may be difficult, especially when you are in a yoga class and you see everyone else is doing it except you.
At times, the yoga instructor may encourage "competition" between the students by encouraging you to go into the posture without giving your pain any thoughts.
STOP. STOP. STOP.
Whenever you feel pain, it is an indication that you are not ready for the pose and that you must try a variation that is easier and more suitable for your current level of flexibility, fitness, and physicality.
There is no need to feel "ashamed" of yourself that you are not able to do whatever the instructor asked of you. Listen to your body more than listening to him/her is my advice to you. You know your body better than anyone else.
Therefore, begin from where you are. Period.
This simple idea lays the foundation for your whole yoga practice for the long term.
Always practice your yoga systematically and progressively. Doing so will increase your alertness, steadiness, and overall comfort.
There is no need to compete with anyone in your learning process. There is no rush in yoga. Yoga is a lifelong learning process.
If you are rushing your process, you are not practising yoga at all.