– Can I practice Yoga if I’m not flexible?
– I’m overweight… Can I do Yoga?
– I’m too old for it! I don’t know if I can make it!
These are the types of the questions or “excuses” that I’ve heard since I began teaching yoga. There are a lot of misconceptions, especially due to the propagation of social media that often associate fit, skinny and beautiful people with Yoga. This creates a false stereotype that discourages “normal’ people to try and get the benefits of regular Yoga practice.
For this reason, I strongly affirm that YOGA IS FOR EVERYONE!! You do not need to be strong, fit and flexible or to be able to do handstands and crazy twists to practice Yoga. What you need when practicing Yoga is to be present and doing your best. The main focus of yoga is to reconnect you to the deepest part of YOU and that is why everyone can do it. It’s adaptable to every shape, size, gender and age – you just need to listen to your body and respect your limits.
Unlike stretching or fitness, yoga is more than just physical postures. Yoga is unique and when practicing Yoga we connect the mind, body and breath helping us direct our attention inward. Through this process of inward attention, we learn to recognize our habitual thought patterns without labeling them, judging them, or trying to change them. We become more aware of our experiences from moment to moment. The awareness that we cultivate is what makes yoga a practice, rather than a task or a goal to be completed.
Yoga practice will help you to improve your fitness level, flexibility, strength, coordination, cardiovascular health, physical confidence and overall well-being.
At Soul Space you can find a class to suit your needs. If you are new to yoga, look for Restorative or Beginner’s Yoga. These classes will introduce you to the poses and sequences while improving strength and flexibility. If you have previous experience try our General Yoga or Yoga Flow classes to get a more dynamic and challenging session. Senior’s Yoga is a class designed to fulfill the needs of people over 60 years old by including light stretching and movement to create relaxation in the body and mind.
In essence, Yoga is non-competitive life journey that improves your fitness level and self-awareness. The more you get to know yourself on the mat, the easier it is to be your authentic self in the world.
If you want to find out more about Yoga and experience the beauty of this delightful Philosophy, you are more than welcome to join me on mat. We have several classes during the week and it will be easy to find a class and time the suits you best. Check out our timetable here: https://www.chevronislandphysio.com.au/timetable/
The only regret you will have is not having started earlier!
Namaste! (The Divine in ME honors the Divine in YOU).
Giselle Mocelin.
