I began practicing yoga the summer before I began college. I had time to kill before I started school, and thought it was the perfect time to try something new, since college is all about new experiences. What began as me following YouTube videos a few times a week has evolved into a lifestyle. Beginning my practice wasn’t easy, though. I believed you had to be in uncomfortable pretzel shapes to be doing yoga correctly. Over the years, though, I’ve learned that practicing daily is so much more than that.
How I got started
I began by committing myself everyday. Now, I know that sound ridiculous, especially since we’re all so busy with classes, internships and friends, but in order to truly benefit from something, you have to put in the daily effort. I prefer practicing in the morning, because it helps me open up mentally for the day, but ending the day with a quick sequence isn’t so bad either. On the weekdays, sometimes all I have time for is 15 minutes, but on the weekends, I try to make sure I do it for an hour.
The health benefits
I didn’t begin practicing for the health benefits. I truly just wanted to try something new. Over the past few year since beginning, I’ve been more attuned with myself and the Earth. I’m able to focus more, complete tasks without getting (too) overwhelmed and overall just have a clearer outlook on life. I also credit the practice, along with an all around healthier diet, for helping me lose 40 pounds during my college career.
How to Find Inspiration
Search the internet. When I first began, I knew of no one who looked like me practicing yoga. While scrolling Instagram one day, I came across people like Dana Falsetti and Jessamym, who are defying the status quo in the community and making it known that yoga should be accessible to all. I’m also a magazine hoarder and found new tips and tricks in yoga specific publications.
Tips
1. Don’t give up: Even if you think you’re doing the poses wrong, keep trying. It’s more about the feeling than the picturesque look.
2. Find your style: I went in as a novice unknowing that there were different types of yoga such as Hatha, Vinyasa, Iyengar and Hot yoga, just to name a few. Do a little research on each and then try them out to find which one works for you.
3. Go to Classes: Yoga classes are essential to the practice. You get to learn with face to face instruction and with friends aka it’s even better. So many communities have free yoga classes at libraries and studios, which is great if you’re on a budget.
Have you ever tried practicing yoga? What was your experience? Comment below!