At this time I’m feeling reflective as I rejoice a serious milestone – 20 years of training yoga!
Hello associates, I hope you had an exquisite weekend. Ours was low-key and we noticed Riverdance, which was all the pieces.
Whereas I used to be at scorching yoga final week, I noticed that I’ve been training yoga for TWENTY YEARS. It hit me fairly exhausting and I couldn’t consider how a lot life I’ve been by means of since I used to be first launched to yoga. Strikes, deployments, infants, highs, and lows, yoga has been a reasonably constant a part of my life. I’ve cried throughout savasana, mastered sure poses, struggled with others, spent 90% of sure courses in baby’s pose, and realized to really be current and concentrate on my breath.
It’s been 20 years of unrolling my mat, connecting with my breath, and flowing by means of sequences that problem and remodel my thoughts and physique. It’s exhausting to consider that 20 years have handed since I first found yoga, and whereas I can’t do any loopy tips and I’m not essentially the most versatile bear, this observe has formed my life in numerous methods. So, in honor of this milestone, I wish to share with you among the classes I’ve realized, and the rewards I’ve reaped over the previous 20 years of training yoga.
(Maisey additionally desires me to inform you that in the present day is her birthday! OF COURSE she’s getting a doggy cake and birthday music)
20 years of training yoga
My introduction to yoga:
My very top notch was a Rodney Yee yoga DVD I picked up at Goal on a whim. I used to be in faculty, feeling the stressors of a dramatic relationship and fixed homework deadlines, and figured I’d give it a whirl. Immediately, I used to be drawn in by the sense of calm it introduced me. I additionally beloved Rodney Yee’s clear, concise instruction and his means to information college students to a deeper understanding of their our bodies and the observe of yoga.
Trying again, this was the proper method to get began: it was zero strain (as a result of I used to be solo, at residence, in my mother’s lounge). I began to observe yoga often, largely earlier than mattress, and ultimately transitioned into studio courses. Over the previous 20 years, I’ve taken a whole lot of yoga courses in studios everywhere in the US, from California to Orlando and lots of spots in between.
Forms of yoga I’ve tried:
There are such a lot of various kinds of yoga on the market, and every one gives a singular and difficult expertise.
Listed below are just a few sorts of yoga and what makes them so particular:
Vinyasa Yoga:
Vinyasa yoga is a dynamic model of yoga that focuses on linking breath with motion. This flow-based observe is ideal for individuals who wish to get their coronary heart fee up and sweat it out on the mat. Lessons could be barely heat, or heated.
Restorative Yoga:
In case you’re on the lookout for a extra stress-free and restorative observe, restorative yoga is the way in which to go. This light observe makes use of props and long-held poses to launch rigidity and promote deep leisure.
Yoga Nidra:
it is a sort of yoga observe that’s sometimes called “yogic sleep”. In contrast to conventional yoga courses, the place you progress by means of a sequence of postures, in Yoga Nidra, you lay down in a snug place and are guided by means of a deep leisure and meditation. This observe is designed that will help you enter a state of deep leisure, the place you’ll be able to launch rigidity, stress, and nervousness. Yoga Nidra could be extremely highly effective, not just for bodily leisure, but additionally for psychological and emotional leisure. It’s a good way to recharge your batteries, cut back stress and nervousness, and enhance your total well-being. So, in the event you’re on the lookout for a method to calm down and unwind, I extremely suggest giving Yoga Nidra a strive!
Ashtanga Yoga:
Ashtanga yoga is a standard model of yoga that follows a set sequence of poses. This difficult observe is nice for individuals who wish to construct power, flexibility, and focus.
Bikram Yoga:
In case you’re a fan of scorching yoga, Bikram yoga is the last word problem. This intense observe is finished in a heated room and follows a selected sequence of 26 poses. That is what actually obtained me hooked on yoga, and I’d drive virtually two hours once we lived in Valdosta to take a Bikram class. My present favourite model is a mix of Vinyasa and Bikram, in a heated and humid room.
Yin Yoga:
Yin yoga is a slow-paced model of yoga that focuses on holding poses for longer intervals of time. This observe helps to enhance flexibility and improve circulation, making it good for individuals who wish to work on their mobility.
Hatha yoga:
this a standard type of yoga that focuses on bodily postures (asanas), respiration strategies (pranayama), and meditation. The observe is designed to steadiness the physique and thoughts, and create a way of concord and internal peace. Hatha Yoga courses usually transfer at a slower tempo than different types of yoga, permitting practitioners to concentrate on the alignment of the postures and their breath. Hatha Yoga is a superb choice for rookies or anybody trying to enhance their bodily health, flexibility, and total well-being.
It doesn’t matter what sort of yoga you select, bear in mind to hearken to your physique and honor your limits. With common observe, you’ll be capable of discover your move and take your yoga observe to the subsequent degree. I additionally suggest attempting out a wide range of kinds; you’ll discover those that talk to you and that you just get pleasure from essentially the most!
Advantages I’ve observed from training yoga often:
Not solely does yoga assist to extend flexibility and power, nevertheless it additionally has quite a few advantages to your total well-being.
Reduces stress and nervousness:
Yoga offers an area so that you can join along with your breath and quiet your thoughts, which might help to cut back stress and nervousness. As somebody who’s battled nervousness up to now, I do know firsthand the advantages of incorporating yoga into your wellness routine. Yoga offers a secure house to attach along with your breath, launch rigidity out of your physique, and quiet your thoughts. By training yoga often, you’ll be able to study to handle stress and nervousness extra successfully, which might result in a extra balanced and fulfilling life. Moreover, sure yoga poses, equivalent to ahead folds and inversions, can stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps to calm the physique and cut back emotions of tension.
Improves flexibility and steadiness:
With common observe, yoga might help to extend flexibility, enhance steadiness, and probably stop accidents. That is particularly necessary as we age and our our bodies develop into much less limber. It additionally entails getting on and off the mat, which is a superb ability to keep up as we age. Lots of the actions are useful and require core power.
Strengthens the physique:
Many yoga poses require power and stability, which might help to construct muscle and improve muscular endurance. Plus, yoga is a low-impact type of train, making it nice for individuals who wish to keep away from high-impact exercises.
Promotes mindfulness and self-awareness:
By focusing in your breath and physique throughout yoga observe, you’ll be able to develop a better sense of mindfulness and self-awareness. This might help to enhance total temper and well-being.
Connects you to a group:
Training yoga often might help you to attach with like-minded people and construct a supportive group. This may be particularly necessary for individuals who could really feel remoted or disconnected. One thing I realized throughout trainer coaching is that typically changes are the one bodily contact that some individuals obtain for your complete day. That was highly effective for me and a reminder of how a lot we want connection and human contact to thrive.
My expertise with yoga trainer coaching:
Selfishly, I did yoga teacher training just for me. I by no means actually had the intention of instructing – I taught often once we lived in Valdosta however have solely subbed right here and there since then – however wished to to deepen my very own private observe and study as a lot as I might about yoga.
In case you’re contemplating trainer coaching, listed here are among the wonderful issues you’ll be able to expertise:
Deepen your observe:
Yoga trainer coaching is a chance to take your observe to the subsequent degree. You’ll study new poses, refine your alignment, and enrich your understanding of the observe.
Be taught concerning the philosophy of yoga:
Yoga is greater than only a bodily observe. In trainer coaching, you’ll study concerning the historical past, philosophy, and non secular elements of yoga. I particularly loved studying the “Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga” and studying about primordial meditation.
Share your love of yoga with others:
As a licensed yoga trainer, you’ll have the chance to share your love of yoga with others and assist them to find the transformative energy of the observe.
Be a part of a supportive group:
Yoga trainer coaching is a good way to attach with like-minded people and construct a supportive group. You’ll be surrounded by others who share your ardour for yoga and who will help you all through your journey.
Problem your self:
Yoga trainer coaching could be a difficult expertise, nevertheless it’s additionally extremely rewarding. You’ll push your self bodily, mentally, and emotionally, and are available out on the opposite aspect with new perspective and a stronger observe.
There ya have it, associates! 20 years of training yoga has been an incredible journey full of challenges, progress, and transformation. By way of this observe, I’ve realized to attach with my breath, calm my thoughts, and hearken to my physique. I’ve gained power, flexibility, and resilience, each on and off the mat. I’ve met unimaginable associates and had the chance to study from among the highest academics. And most significantly, I’ve realized to domesticate a way of internal peace and well-being that, together with my religion, has carried me by means of life’s ups and downs.
In case you’re new to yoga or have been training for some time, I encourage you to remain dedicated to your observe, and permit it to information you by yourself journey of progress and transformation. <3
Are you a yoga fan or not a lot? How typically do you observe? What’s your favourite model?
