If you have just
begun your yoga practice and want to know more about how to approach this age
old science, here are 6 tips every practitioner should bear in mind to get the
most out of the practice.
1.
Clear your mind before a class:
We live in such a fast-paced world that we
are constantly running from point A to point B, carrying around with us
impressions, to-do lists and worries not just from our previous engagement or
meeting, but also from the previous day. Try and arrive a few minutes before
your asana class and calm yourself by sitting in silence with your eyes closed.
Remember, Yoga is an inward journey that is made through the body. The inward
journey can be embarked on only when the mind is made calm. Instead of engaging
in idle chatter which only creates more stimulation in the mind, try and
compose yourself and prepare to go within.
2.
Be considerate:
An important principle of your practice
should be developing consideration for those around you. If you find yourself
arriving late for class, wait until the initial prayer is completed and the
teacher is ready to let you in. Try not make your presence felt by throwing
your mat on the floor while others are in silence. Respect the environment that
you are in by adapting to it. We often expect others to be considerate of us
but rarely realize that we too must inculcate the feeling towards others. This
consideration should not just be limited to other fellow practitioners, but
should extend to the world around you. Yoga was not designed to just be
practiced for an hour on a mat. It was meant to be inculcated as a way of life.
Seek to understand its principles as much as learning the next asana.
3.
Approach the practice with humility:
Remind yourself that the knowledge that is
being shared with you in class is an ancient one that was developed by Sages
and has helped millions move towards peace, happiness and fulfillment. Humility
is an important quality for a yoga practitioner and is often indicative of how
much one has grown on the path.
4.
Surrender:
I often encounter students who come to
class to ‘teach’. Surrendering to the teacher, regardless of how much one knows
about the path, is a must to move forward. It also teaches us to be open minded
to another perspective or method. Its good to remind ourselves that only an
empty cup can be filled with something. If you wish to gain knowledge and
understanding make sure you make yourself the right medium to receiving it.
5.
Make the right selection:
In today’s times when we have endless
‘styles’ ofasana practices available to us, its important to pick a style and
teacher that connects with us deeply. Try not to get carried away by what your
friends are doing. Remember that they are on their own journey and you are on
yours. If a dynamic style practice suits your best friend, it doesn’t mean that
it may be best for you. Take your time to make your selection. Approach
different styles with openness, be completely present while the teacher is
teaching and then ascertain whether or not the practice is right for you. Likewise
with the teacher. See how much of the practice has manifested in the teacher by
the way they act, talk and teach. When you find a style and teacher that appeal
to you, give them your commitment and allow them to lead you on the path of
sef-discovery and transformation.
6.
Make a commitment to yourself:
The practice of Yoga is an internal journey.
And this journey is undertaken with commitment: a commitment to being a
happier, healthier you. No matter what comes your way during the course of the
day, keep that commitment to yourself by taking time out for your practice.
Remember, in order for a seed to grow into a mighty tree, one must nurture and
cultivate it with the commitment of sunlight, water and tender loving care.
Your yoga practice is the nurturing you need to remain connected with who you
really are and to not get lost in the mundane things of the everyday
world. Once you realize this, making the
commitment will become easy.
A lot is said these days about the
quality of yoga teachers and while I agree that it is a subject that deserves much
thought and discussion, I feel not enough is said about what qualities a
student must possess to deserve a good teacher. Most people expect a good teacher
out of a sense of entitlement, which may not be the best approach to have. The
important question to ask ourselves is, “What sort of a student am I? Before I
start to criticize teachers as good or terrible, let me first check my own
approach or ‘bhav’ (feeling ) toward
the practice”. Prepare yourself to deserve before you can desire. As the old
saying goes, “When the student is ready, the Master will appear” Keep pursuing
the practice with sincerity and honesty and soon enough you will discover the practice
manifesting in your life in deeply enriching ways. The presence of a good
teacher only being a small such part of it.
