For results with Yoga, as with any program, one needs to learn simple rules; dedication and persistence. You have to be dedicated and follow the practices on a regular basis if you really want to get results. The major problem with most yoga ‘drop outs’ is not getting the techniques right, as most people have aligned their minds to believe, but the ability to establish the habit of following the practices through on a regular basis. The following tips may help you to do your yoga with success.
Determination: Start your yoga with a firm determination to see it through. Yoga begins and ends with the mind, if you can convince yourself you really want to do it, then you should be able to keep the spirit. Close your eyes, search deep within you, “is yoga really important to me?” Give it a fair try and stick to that determination. There are days when you feel low and won’t want to do your yoga, remember your initial soul deep determination and you will always find the right spirit to go ahead.
Be organized: Things go smoothly and are more interesting when they are well organized. Try to make a regular schedule for your yoga practice and stick to it. The mere fact that you will always look forward to the period of your daily yoga practice will always keep it in your consciousness. You will get best results from yoga if you do your practice daily. No matter how busy you are, keep some time free during the day and reserve this time for your practice of yoga and meditation.
Free your Mind: When you decide to do your yoga practice, remember that the next couple of minutes have been reserved for the development of your mind and personality. It would not be worthwhile, if your body were doing the practice while your mind were busy sorting out some other worries. Once you begin your daily yoga practice all other worries and responsibilities should be tucked somewhere else until you are through.
Do not Overexert: Remember, yoga is meant to relieve stress in your body. If a posture is becoming too difficult and you have to strain too hard, don’t do it. Try to walk the middle path when you do yoga. Not letting it be too easy, but even more important is never overdoing it or over straining. Yoga is a journey, it is be enjoyed and the sights and sounds taken in, it is not a competition or race. Learn to listen to your body. As you start to better understand your body and energy, you can start to push your limits further and increase the challenge you take on.
Proper Breathing: Breathing consciously is an essential part of doing yoga. This tip will help you take your practice to the next level. Poses and exercises done with proper breathing are much more effective in bestowing their benefits that if done without proper emphasis on breathing.
Learn Patience: It took you several years to build up your present personality and physical structure. You can’t change it overnight. Although, with yoga you don’t have to wait for that many years to change yourself because the regular and systematic practice of yoga postures and basic meditation can help you to make great changes within the shortest possible period. It’s being human, sometimes you feel like you are getting results and other times, you feel like nothing is changing. You shouldn’t worry so much about the short-term effects, what really matters is the ultimate goal you want to achieve. It takes a little time, but with dedication and persistence, your most profound yoga dreams will be achieved.
Add Some Color: Try to add some color and fun into your daily yoga practice by involving your friends who would also benefit from practicing yoga. The enthusiasm of others would rub off on you any day you feel low and don’t want to continue with your practice. Yoga is not what you keep to yourself – bring in one or two friends.
Eating Pattern: Don’t eat a big meal at least 2-3 hours before your yoga practice. The stomach should be empty when you practice yoga. This also holds true, if you can just going to do yoga breathing exercises. The body should be finished with digesting the food, so that it’s energy can then be used for doing your practice.
Proper Clothing: You must wear comfortable clothing when doing yoga. This will help you sit in the cross legged posture which many techniques require and will also not obstruct your movement during practice.
Best time to practice yoga: The best time to do yoga is usually just after waking up, before having breakfast. This is when there is maximum “prana” in the air and the air is freshest. At this time your mind is also empty and fresh, allowing you to follow the advise, and doing your practice with greater awareness. However, if morning doesn’t suit you, then early evening is also a good time to practice yoga.
Yoga is a complete science for personal and spiritual development and learning and practicing it well, will go a long way to helping you reach your highest potential in this life.
