When you first start yoga, you may be overwhelmed to see people practicing on line, with mats, cushions, yoga blocks, knee pads and all sorts of props.
The good news is you do not need any of this stuff to get started.
Yoga is all about connecting the mind, body and soul. There are many ways to do this and the physical side of yoga is only one of them. (don’t worry, ill talk on the physical side in a moment).
Being mindful is a form of yoga and you do not need anything to do this apart from maybe a little information from the internet, teachers or books.
The same goes with meditation. Yes it is lovely to have your own meditation pillow, singing bowl and candles but you do not have to have these to meditate and if you want to know more about meditation just read last weeks blog – What is meditation and how to start or watch the video below.
But what if you want to start practicing the physical side of yoga. Well in actual fact you also don’t need anything, you can do it wherever you are on whatever surface you have.
It wasn’t until the 80’s that yoga mats started to become popular and yoga has been practiced for centuries. Modern day life likes to make things as easy and accessible as it can and yoga mats are great to help aid your practice. They stop you slipping around, they support you on harder surfaces and they are great to keep your energy focused on your own little space.
I would recommend a yoga mat but this doesn’t mean you have to have one to get started. In fact I would say don’t waste your money until you have tried it because you may not stick to it and it would be a waste (that being said I don’t know anyone who has tried it and hated it).
As for anything else, the same applies. They are not needed but they will aid your practice. Blocks especially are great for beginners as they bring the floor closer up to you. Meaning if you are less flexible they are a great help.
The only thing that I would suggest you have is a teacher. It doesn’t matter if this is in person or online but find a teacher you resonate and go through the journey with them. Once you have found a teacher that you like. It is a great way to go deeper into your practice. Different teachers will teach things differently so switching from teacher to teacher can be a little confusing. It is great to switch things up occasionally I follow a lot of teachers on YouTube but sticking to 1 main one is a great way to deepen your practice.
The next thing that I suggest you have is a clear mind. Start your first class with no expectations and no judgement. If you have never done yoga before it can be nerve wracking as you have no idea what you are walking into. Keep an open mind, listen and let the teacher guide you. They know what they are doing. Give in and do as they say during that time.
In no time I’m sure you will be talking about balancing your chakras and turning on your bhandas 😉 (don’t worry you are not meant to know what these are if you are new to yoga)
So my main tips are:
- Try a class before you purchase anything
- if you like it get a mat
- stick to the same teacher for a while
- release expectations and let the teacher guide you
Enjoy! If you would like to start your journey today then check out my YouTube channel ‘Lakora Yoga’ Where we practice with beginners in mind. Taking it a little at a time with short yoga classes to help you start your yoga habit now.
Don’t forget to subscribe to my channel 🙂