Yoga and You - The Best Things to Know

Yoga is like your toothbrush. This strange thought occurred to me. So I pondered how and came up with 3 reasons why. Here there are:

1. Very Personal

How do you choose your toothbrush. Is it primarily according to the quality of your gum, how sensitive it is and the impact the bristles will have on your gum? Or do you fall for how attractive the handle is, the color, design, or advertising?

Like toothbrushes, there are many types of Yoga to choose from. In the texts of this ancient tradition we'll find a type of yoga for different personality types. In the type of yoga that is mostly physical, Hatha Yoga, there are again many different styles.

Yoga is so personal that even when you have decided on a type and style of yoga, the way you practice has to be adjusted according to your body type, health, age, lifestyle, and to be balanced it helps to take into account the bigger picture of the season of year.

2. Designed for Cleansing

What are we cleaning when we practice? The body and mind. Cleansing practices include breathing or pranayama. Pranayama can be both powerful and heating like kapalabhati and breath of fire; and gentle like alternate nostril breathing, nadi shodhana. You can even break out in a sweat with certain seemingly gentle breathing practices.

Asana or posture practice is also cleansing. Twisting, flexing, extending, holding, combined with conscious breathing help to flush the system, physically, emotionally and mentally.

3. More Effective When Used Twice Daily

If you can create space to practice yoga twice daily, you will notice quite a difference in your state of mind and body. Practice to bring balance. Energize In the morning to get going. Bring calm and closure at the end of the day.

Practicing 10 minutes a day is more effective than 60 minutes once a week. If your current practice is once weekly and works very well for you, by all means stick to it. And consider how you could include a short daily practice to support your life's journey even more.

Three questions to know your better:

1. What are my reasons for practicing yoga?

2. How does my body and mind feel after a yoga practice?

3. How do I adjust my practice according to my changing bodily needs?

What are your best things to know about yoga? I'd like to know.

Heather Greaves helps yoga enthusiasts learn more yoga even though their only teacher is a book. "To learn more about something, teach it." Since 2005 Heather has been training yoga teachers in a certified program. For more beginner tips visit Body Therapies Yoga Training at yogatogo.com yogatogo.com