5 Poses to Start Your Yoga Journey

Try as I may, I struggle with keeping a consistent yoga practice. Perhaps it is because I keep getting caught up in this vision of what a “yogi” should be. I reached out to Jill for tips on starting a yoga journey because I know many of you feel the same way. I love her common sense approach to yoga and the joy she gets from her practice is obvious. It radiates from her in every picture I see. With her inspiration may we all remember to keep it simple and find just 10 minutes to reap the benefits a consistent yoga practice can bring. – Pamela

5 Beginner Poses to Start Your Yoga Journey

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Thank you Pam for having me here to chat about something that has been life changing for me and will forever hold a special place in my heart, yoga.

I’ve been practicing regularly for about 2 years, 1 year with a home practice and 1 year at a studio where I continue to practice today. Before the past 2 years I tried yoga off and on and it never seemed like a good fit for me. It never lived up to what I now know were false preconceived notions of what yoga should be and what it should look and feel like. My mistake was not going into yoga with an open heart and an open mind to the amazing possibilities and personal growth that come with regular practice and self compassion.

My point to all of this? Learn from what I’ve done differently this time around. These are the things that helped me create a practice that has lead me on such an amazing journey of self-discovery. A journey that began with a wonderfully fulfilling home practice, to a studio that feels like a home away from home to starting teacher training in January to become a yoga teacher

8 Tips for Yoga Beginners

Start simple.
Don’t overwhelm yourself with long practices and complicated sequences.
Go to class with an open heart, open mind and self compassion.
An open mind and heart to the possibilities of a yoga practice will make a big difference in whether or not you return.
Select a practice that fits your preferences and lifestyle.
If you’re not a morning person, don’t plan to practice early in the morning.
Don’t feel like your practice has to be a full hour.
A short 10 minute practice can be beneficial and it’s better than not practicing at all.
Erase any thoughts of not looking like or having the body of a yogi.
Yoga is for every body and everybody.
Make the time on the mat yours.
Begin with who you are and where you are. You’re not going to be judged.
Try different types of classes, different instructors and even different studios to find what’s right for you.
You’ll know when you find it.
Let go of any preconceived notions you have of what yoga is or should be.
Everyone can do yoga and the effects can be phenomenal.

My home practice began with very basic poses and sequences. Below are 5 of those poses. They might not seem like much at first glance, but once you connect these poses with the big picture of what yoga is, they can lead you on an incredible journey.