I can’t do yoga, I’m just not that flexible

admin 0

I must listen to this line every time I mention that I practice yoga …

The perception of a yogi is that of a nimble rubber band type person who can entangle his body in all kinds of manic positions, levitate in place (my brother told me I am not a true yogi until I can levitate), and bend over. themselves at least half once both backwards and forwards.

The truth is that if you can breathe, you can practice yoga, simple.

Yoga in the true sense of the word is simply a union, and even though the practice is predominantly physical in the Western world, there are actually five main branches:

Raja Yoga – real / meditation

Karma Yoga – discipline of action

Jnana Yoga – path of knowledge

Bhakti Yoga – loving devotion

Hatha Yoga – physical practice

For the purposes of this article we will focus on physical practice. Although breath is our life force, unless we lack it, many people don’t really pay much attention to their breathing. By working with our breath and extending it (what yoga works to do) we can bring a host of benefits to our mind, body, and spirit (yes, we do have a spirit even if we choose to believe we don’t or can’t). Look at it!).

Yoga invites you to simply approach the mat as you are; inflexible, stressed, tall, short, fat, thin, tired, energetic, depressed, unfit, and with whatever ailment you may or may not have. Just as you are and work with your breath as you are. The benefits are for those who are present. Breathing and movement work together creating a magical union that is the practice of yoga. It doesn’t matter if you can bend forward and touch your toes or if you just bend your knees and lean forward an inch, you’re breathing and moving and you will reap the benefits.

Of course, over time the practice deepens and you may progress in your practice to bend and get tangled in a yogi knot, or maybe you won’t, but that’s the point. Like the key to life, yoga is not about the end result, it is about the journey through it and each practice gives you a beginning, as you are, and sees you at the end, as you lie down in savasana (pose of the corpse). allowing your body to assimilate the energy you have accumulated through your practice, restoring your body’s natural balance.

Ultimately, yoga weaves a peaceful path that allows you to live a much happier and healthier life. The benefits of yoga cannot be underestimated, so the next time someone mentions yoga, breathe … be flexible (mindset).

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *