How to be good at yoga
As a yogini, I often read yoga-related articles and posts. I love to learn and see what new topics are out there.
A few articles today caught my attention (well, the titles). They're how to be good at yoga. And it got me thinking.
What's a yoga body?
A teacher I follow on Instagram (Proud.Yoga) shared an image the other week on 'what's a yoga body'. The answer? If you have a body, you've got a yoga body. And I love this sentiment.
I feel pretty similar when it comes to what it takes to be good at yoga. I mean, of course - you can develop your practice, but what does being good at yoga mean?
In a spiritual sense, a practice where you're focused on your breath, are aware of your asanas (postures), and are fully immersed in the session - that's a good practice. It can be five minutes or two hours. What's good for me may not be right for you and vice versa.
Goals of yoga
Having said that, a good yoga practice for me personally is the one that I do.
I can feel rubbish, hating the fact that I've committed to going to a weekly class. Then I do it. I get immersed. My teacher (Nicky Hayes) says something brilliant that resonates. I have a moment of resistance, but then I'm back. I've noticed something's changed in my breathing, my balance, or my focus. We enter into savasana. My mind is busy, and then not. I notice the rise and fall of my chest. The class is over - I feel reset. I get outside, walk to my car and have the sudden urge to call my parents (yes, I'm 30 something) and tell them what a brilliant session I've been to. I feel alive.
To me, that's good yoga.
Tips for being good at yoga:
Find a teacher who inspires you.
Turn up to classes - or get on the mat.
Get involved in further reading.
Experiment with your practice.
Learn the eight limbs of yoga and find how you can practise them.
If yoga classes online are your thing, check out our 2022 yoga class offering.
