Yoga In The New Year
By Kristi Grosse, RYT & Lead Teacher at Yoga Pod Austin
The new year is synonymous with feelings of excitement; motivation is high to achieve a new body, new attitude, new habits—but yoga is not about creating a “new you” but rather getting back in touch with the true you! Regardless of the variety of styles of yoga, the most common ground is the connection within yourself. Focusing inward and learning to quiet your mind and move with your breath can lead to a mind-body connection that truly reawakens your soul!
Yoga helps us gain new perspectives along with increased strength, not just physically but also mentally and emotionally too. Many often adopt new year’s resolutions to take up yoga, only to talk themselves out of ever stepping foot onto their mat. Excuses can swirl around your head that you are not flexible enough to do yoga, or need to lose weight first or get into better shape before you can begin yoga classes, but that is precisely when you need yoga the most to help you achieve these goals. Breathing is the only requirement of yoga! If you can breathe, then you can practice yoga.
Yoga actually means union. It is the union of the breath with the mind and movement of the body that is your yoga practice. Yoga leads to decreased stress and an improved ability to cope with challenges. With patience and diligence, your body and mind will grow stronger, allowing your yoga practice to deepen. The more challenges postures and lengthier meditations will become more available for your exploration. But to begin your journey into the realm of yoga, here are seven basic postures to help you become more centered:
- Easy Pose (Sukhasana)
- 4 Part Breath
- Downward Facing Dog (Ardho Mukhasana)
- Mountain Pose (Tadasana)
- Standing Forward Bend (Uttrasana)
- Cat/Cow
- Child’s Pose
So, if you have been setting goals each year to begin yoga, then 2018 is the time to rediscover yourself and uncover the best version of you!
Discover a transformative experience and sign up for one (or many) of our Austin yoga classes today.
