Yoga is a practice that helps a person become more aware of their body. Many people have begun to seek a healthy way of life through medicine, herbal remedies, and physical training. But what yoga can offer is more than just the physical portion of your body. It helps to focus the mind as well, and because your body and mind are linked together, the two must work as one to achieve well-being.

If you’ve never experienced yoga before, you may be wondering what to look for when searching for your yoga experience. There is more to it than just opening a phone book and finding the closest studio or teacher, you should also consider what you want out of the experience.

A style to match

There is more than one style of yoga as there is to any method of teaching. Some of the methods can be more challenging, offering obstacles and difficulties for your mind and body to overcome while teaching you method and relaxation. Other styles rely on the smoothness and graceful moves that orient themselves around rhythmic breathing. There are even some that orient themselves around vigorous movement linked with breathing, offering a more active experience.

All of the techniques teach you how to center your body for balance and focus the mind through breathing and feeling. Depending on your physical preference, you may want to seek a physically relaxing style, or even a more active style, but both will help you learn how to become one in body and mind.

Locations

Finding a studio always depends on where YOU are. Not all cities offer all the various yoga styles, but most will provide a few studious. Online, you can easily find a studio near you. Always check the studio out before you join. Make sure the people are friendly and the location practices cleanliness (healthy body, healthy mind).

The right mentor

Once you’ve found a studio that you like, you need to make sure the teacher is a good mentor. Anybody can claim the title of “teacher,” but there is more to it than title. Yoga is an awareness that orients itself around balance and being at peace with one’s self, and the teacher needs to reflect the qualities they are teaching. Friendly on the outside and inside is important. (You don’t want to learn from someone that is calm until…) Get to know your mentor, and see if you are going to feel comfortable learning with them. Remember that a sense of humor is a must, as it helps to shed stress, and bring levity to any situation. If the teacher has an ego, they will find it difficult to teach balance to others. They may put themselves before the needs of their class, and ultimately fail to teach.

You can find recommendations and referrals online at the Yoga Alliance website. Some teachers will be certified through the alliance and you can read their biographies and philosophies.
The benefits of yoga are numerous, as you will find your center, helping with balance, healing, and overall health in body and mind. It is about learning, not just through the physical practice, but watching and studying as well. Read the rest of this entry »