Yoga is so much more than an exercise regimen. It is just as much about the breathing as it is the movement. It gives you stability, focus, energy, and calmness. However, if you want to see real results from your yoga practice, you must be consistent with it.
Depending on your goals for your body and health, yoga can be used to heal, lose weight, relieve stress, and/or simply relax. Yoga is not just about flexibility and being able to bend into awkward positions. There are many types of yoga, such as Vinyasa yoga, Bikram yoga, yin yoga, restorative yoga, and prenatal yoga. It’s important to find the right kind that will help you reach your goals.
There are no limits as to where and how you can practice your yoga. You don’t need any special equipment like a mat or a studio. All you need is yourself! You can do yoga from your bed, a chair, on a carpet, or even outside. You can perform yoga while sitting, standing, or lying down. It is equal parts breath and movement. They work together to give you energy and strength.
Yoga is, first and foremost, listening to your body and what feels good as you go through the motions. When you remain consistent and practice daily, or as close to daily as possible, you will find your stress reduced and your body strengthened. It may take you up to two months, a year, or even three years to be able to do a particular position or movement. The most important thing is listening to yourself and practicing consistently as you listen to what your body tells you.
There is something to say for stepping back and taking a breath. It is so important, especially for us as women, to take time to breathe. Start doing something for yourself. With yoga, you are honoring your body and yourself.
Isn’t it about time you started doing something for you? Yoga must be done consistently, just as your own self-care must be done consistently if you are going to be able to care for others, whether you are caring for children, elderly parents, students, employees, or clients. You cannot do so if you have not first taken care of yourself.
We need to be non-judgemental with ourselves and take time alone with our practice. Everyone has different levels, so do not judge yourself against someone else’s practice or journey.
Yoga stays with you forever. Yoga never leaves you. Just as breathing never leaves you, when we learn how to breathe then we can be the best caretaker for others. If we are not number one for ourselves, then how can we support others?