“The yogis say you can never step into the same river twice, because the current is always shifting and changing. You’ve never stepped into this exact river before today. Not with this body, not with today’s particular energy, with the specific number of bites of breakfast in your belly, with the earth tipped on its axis. Perhaps up until now you haven’t had a breakthrough in this pose, but that was then. What’s possible today?”
–Baron Baptiste, Perfectly Imperfect: The Art and Soul of Yoga Practice
After many months away from routine and normalcy in every part of your daily routine, health routine included, you may think…How do I get back into my yoga practice? What should I expect of myself? Can I do this? Yoga Body Shop is here to help you successfully navigate your yoga journey. As a community of people who love to practice and teach, we want to help you re-enter your practice, expand your journey and explore your potential. Together, let’s examine three small steps to get you back into your yoga practice.
- Start Slow—While we appreciate your drive to “get things going”. Don’t mistakenly burn yourself out on the mat, or worse injure yourself. Over exerting may end up requiring another pause in your yoga practice. Take it slow. Focus on the important meditative aspects of yoga. Restarting your yoga practice isn’t just for your body. Calming your anxious mind is equally powerful to any physical improvements you may see develop from your yoga practice.
- Write it down—Motivations are real when you make them visible. Remind yourself of why you started practicing yoga in the first place by writing it down and posting it in a location you visit regularly. When you see this daily prompt, take a few seconds to remind yourself of the benefits of your previous practice. How did you feel physically and mentally? What did it mean to be a part of the yogi community? Embrace those motivations, focus on those results, and keep going.
- Engage in a Class—Attending a group class on a regular basis cultivates community, builds accountability and reduces frustrations. A certified yoga instructor can help guide you in the correct posture, breath and transitions that may be a bit off form from your time away. Regular class participation allows you to start where you are at, rather than where you think you should be. Remember to keep in mind, Baron Baptiste’s words, “What’s possible today?”
Now our specific challenge to you. Take the first step! Visit our class schedule to find the first class you will visit to re-engage your yoga practice. If you are new to our studio but not the practice of yoga, give us a call at 607.677.0490. We would love to share the options you will find at Yoga Body Shop, Binghamton’s original hot studio and the area’s only Baptiste affiliate studio. At Yoga Body Shop, we know you will find a community dedicated to preparing you to reengage the routines of daily life, both on and off the mat, stronger and more at peace.