I got started with yoga not too long ago, just as a form of daily exercise/wellness regime. My yoga practice has given me more than I could have even imagined or hoped for. In no time I delved much deeper into the science behind yoga and its history. Yoga is so much more than just body postures or asanas. I experienced drastic changes in my health and lifestyle. It has not only improved my fitness level but also brought me much peace mentally.
After the pandemic I didn’t want to live in the city anymore. I’ve always wanted to live close to magnificent Mother Nature. I moved to Mcleodganj, a little town in Himachal Pradesh, India seven months ago and I thought, ‘what better place to start doing yoga, than here.’ Home to many waterfalls, lush green hills and several Yoga schools, it has been very motivational. Here is everything I’ve learned on the yoga mat and from Yoga so far.
#1 To love and honour my body: My body is my temple and that became very clear to me after about a month into yoga. Yoga and meditation is the way honour my body and as a result I fell in love with my body all over again.
#2 To breathe and slow down: The breath is the connection between our mind and our body that allows us to be present. Breathing practices has countless benefits and it helps us slow down and process.
#3 To be patient and kind: To be patient and kind with yourself and with others is a virtue. Being compassionate comes with a great sense of calm and it is a wonderful feeling, especially when you are someone hyperactive like me.
#4 To not compare with others: My progress is personal and it will be my own journey. Comparing with others is a complete waste of time. Focusing on myself on the other hand is extremely rewarding.
#5 To be in the now and make the most of it: In yoga, it’s not really about the perfection as it is about my own intention and effort. Also, when you are doing your yoga practice with your heart, there is nowhere else you can be than in the now. I’m always trying to make the most of each moment being consciously and truly alive.
#6 To lead a balanced life: Balance is necessary in everything, yet it is very hard to obtain. I learned balance is all about discipline and discipline is freedom. I customised a routine that feels most rewarding to me and by sticking to it I strive towards a more balanced life.
#7 To be okay with not being good at everything: Nobody is perfect, especially in everything. Everyone has different strengths and weaknesses. I focus on mine with dedication and determination. The universe will take care of the rest as long as I trust in my process.
#8 To stop overthinking: Yoga calms the mind, which in turn helps organising our thoughts and eventually makes it easier to focus on just one thing at a time for maximum effect.
#9 To take my own time: After only a short while I realised that I need to take my own time with my practices and my progress. Rushing through is not the solution. Some things I’ve unlocked faster, others will happen with time. It is important to enjoy your journey as much as the results.
#10 To be curious: Curiosity is always a good trait and yoga definitely brought that out in me in the best way. I started reading books and watching videos related to yoga and absorbed all that I could, as well as apply them to my practice. I learned a lot of new things and it definitely helped enrich my life.
These are ten things I’ve learned on the yoga mat and it has only enriched my life. Showing up is half the practice done and the more time I spend on the mat, the more I fall in love with my practice. I look forward to a life well lived and yoga is and always will be a huge part of that.
Love it!