How do I start yoga?

Begin to have an awareness of your breath. This is the most important and basic concept of yoga from my perspective. Yet simply turning your attention to your breath can be very difficult when we are surrounded by commotion - either physically or mentally. Try and tune your listening channel to that of static noise and think only about your breath. Think about where the oxygen goes to, where is the blood carrying it? To the brain, toes, fingers, knees? Where in your body could some healing energy go?
   
Once you have practiced and feel comfortable with this awareness, begin breathing only through your nose.

• at the top of each breath add a pause  
• slowly release the breath until empty
• pause again at the bottom of the breath
• repeat 

   
In the start of your practice and in your breath I find it important to move as slowly as possible. We all know slow and steady wins the race, but the slow and steady stay free of injury too! No matter how experienced you are in your practice it is important to warm the body up slowly, and move slowly as to pay attention to every factor altering our balance. When you slow things down you allow yourself the space to think about all the things you must remember about breathing, alignment, and engaging specific muscles during a pose. You owe it to yourself to clear your mind and live each breath to its fullest. A goal of yoga and meditation is to create stillness, the slower you go the more prepared you are for stillness. 

Advice for first time yogis - incorporate this breathing and conscious reflection into your daily life as much as possible! This will lay a fantastic foundation for the movement and strength in your practice that is to come when you get on your mat.

​May your day be filled with clarity, 
-Madison Lavern

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