1. You don’t have to be flexible to do Yoga
There is a common misconception that you must be flexible to start going to Yoga. In reality, flexibility is a by-product of a regular yoga practice. It is also really important to acknowledge that everybody is unique, and some bodies may be more naturally flexible than others.
And that’s OK! It doesn’t mean you are ‘bad’ at yoga, it means your body is unique to you and that your journey with yoga can be rooted in getting to know these edges.
2. Yoga is not just about the pose
In the West what we see on social media is mainly focused around postures (asana). However, Yoga is an entire body of philosophy, practices and poses dating back thousands of years.
When you step into a yoga class, you are stepping into a living, breathing experience of a tradition that has been around for millennia. The 8 limbs of yoga are the foundation of a yogic lifestyle and the basis for the yogic tradition.
Each limb covers a different aspect of yogic practice, and together they form guidance on how to achieve freedom from suffering, inner peace and self-realisation. The poses (asana) are just one limb.
3. Yoga is rooted in spirituality, but you don’t have to be spiritual to start Yoga
People start their Yoga journey for various reasons: addressing anxiety and depression, learning more about mindfulness, building strength and flexibility in the body, etc.
Most people stay with their yoga practice because it gives them the opportunity to dive into self-inquiry, brings about more self-compassion and creates a path of self-discovery. It delivers a whole lot more than their original goal.
4. Showing up to class is often the hardest part
There is no mistaking that some of the poses and practices in Yoga create challenges for the body and the mind, but sometimes the biggest challenge is turning up to class at all. In our busy lives, it’s easy (and often rewarded) to put the needs of others above our own, and it can be hard to step away from those patterns and take time for yourself.
The mind is good at putting obstacles in the way, and it takes devotion to Self and to the practice to overcome this mental barrier.
5. Yoga means union
At the heart of Yoga is unity. Yogis recognise the importance of connection and creating communities. This ethos is at the heart of Soul Fire Studios, where we create a space for all to feel welcome and to explore their Yoga journey in a supportive environment.
Everyone’s Yoga journey is unique and it is a beautiful experience to share with a collective of like-minded individuals.
Jasmin is a certified traditional yoga, hot yoga and aerial yoga teacher working at Soul Fire Studios, which is located at 7 Edgedale Road. She is also a Rebirthing Breathwork practitioner and leads bi-monthly breathwork and cacao ceremonies – also at Soul Fire Studios.
