My advice to beginner Yoginis.

Here are some tips for beginners because all yogis were once beginners.

I have gathered these tips by slowly and daily evolving in my practice and from my various readings. They come from my own experience as a beginner. I wanted to share them with you. Never forget that at the center of yoga, there is first of all you.

Yoga will help you build harmony between your body, mind and spirituality to bring you more calm, joy, happiness and strength.

• If you are a beginner, start your practice slowly.

• Be humble with yourself, find your balance. It doesn't matter if you don't hold a position for long, or if you don't succeed.

  It is by advancing gently in your practice that you will achieve this. There is no hurry, the movement is slow, the breathing is long, and the relaxation is deep.

• When you go to class, the yoga session will often start with a short meditation. First, sit comfortably. For a better seat, don't hesitate to use a cork block or a folded blanket that you can slip under your buttocks.

• Close your eyes for your concentration and focus your attention on your inner body. This will allow you to see how your body feels in the present moment.

• Place your hands in prayer in front of the heart in “ATMANJALI MUDRA”. Leave some space between your palms. This “mudra” harmonizes the two hemispheres (right and left) of your brain.

• Next comes the recitation of a MANTRA (MAN means spirit, TRA means instrument). The most popular is OM (pronounced; a-au-m). The repetition of this vibratory sound connects your thought with your mind.

• In Yoga the positions are called "ASANAS", these positions are synchronized with the breath. Observe your body and repeat the position as often as it is good for you, do not forget to do the same on the other side for your balance.

• Be comfortable, yoga is a joyful practice. Remember that you are your own teacher. Listen carefully to your body. You are not here to hurt yourself.

• Practice on a good non-slip yoga mat , suitable for your practice. There are packs suitable for beginners .

• And above all BREATHE, when you practice. Your teacher will guide you in your breathing.

• In yoga breath control is called PRANAYAMA (PRANA means universal energy and YAMA means control). It is a good way to reduce stress.

• You will see that some positions require you to fix a point to increase your concentration and stabilize your position. This point is called DRISTI.

• Last tip, you have to focus on your alignment and a straight back. Don't hesitate to use straps and yoga bricks in your practice. This is how you will progress the best.

• Finally, your teacher is there to help you in your practice and if you want to practice at home, there is a very good application from Apple called Gotta Joga , it is an excellent way to familiarize yourself with the names of the different positions.

Good practice.

Namaste

Patricia Nagelmackers

Photo credit: @P.Ubertti