This morning I gave a class at a local pilates and yoga studio, Together Yoga & Pilates. I have my own yoga practice at home which I do almost daily. Whether it is just my morning bed yoga practice, a 15-minute quickie, or a full-on self-guided class I try very hard not to miss this morning ritual.

Since moving back from Spain I have been working very hard on my online business and my new blog, hmmmm, PLEASE SUBSCRIBE. But I still find time for my morning yoga practice. When I discovered a yoga studio in the area that was hiring I decided to maybe take up teaching again.

A Bit of Yoga History

This ancient discipline believed to have originated in the Indus Valley civilization around 3000 BCE, has evolved from a collection of mystical rituals into a global phenomenon. The modern era of yoga began in the late 19th and early 20th centuries when Indian yogis began to travel to the West. These Yogis introduced yoga’s physical and spiritual practices to new audiences. The late 20th and early 21st centuries have seen an explosion in yoga’s popularity. We have witnessed a remarkable story of evolution, reflecting humanity’s enduring quest for wisdom, balance, and connection.

My Yoga Practice: A Personal Journey

Yoga for me is a very personal journey. I have practiced yoga for years and have been lucky to practice in some of the most beautiful places. Before getting my Yoga Teacher Training Certification I practiced in Rishikesh, Udaipur and Delhi in India. I also took classes at the famous Yoga Barn in Ubud, Bali. Finally, after practicing for many years from my home looking onto the Sierra Nevada Mountains in Granada Spain, I went to Mallorca to get my 200hr Certification.

I decided to get my certification not because I wanted to teach but because I wanted to practice yoga properly, without injury, and to better my practice. Some consider yoga to be a very light activity and it is hard for them to imagine that one can hurt themselves while laying on the ground in what seems to be a very relaxing pose. This is a huge error as yoga, aside from being a relaxing activity, is also very strengthening and invigorating.

After becoming a certified yoga instructor I was so enthused by what I had learned that I wanted to share my yoga practice with others. Thus began my search to look for wisdom, balance and connection through yoga. I hoped that by sharing my yoga practice those who joined me would also reap the benefits and embark on their own journey to self-discovery and wellness through yoga.

Why Yoga?

Yoga, I believe, is about creating the opportunity to find space within ourselves, releasing stress, creating internal and external strength and finding calmness in our minds. For me it was always hard to meditate. My mind wanders constantly, the infamous “monkey mind”, and I have a very hard time to disconnect. Through my yoga practice I have discovered a form of moving meditation. When I am flowing through my asanas, postures, I can stay more focused on myself. If my worries about life or what I have to do next come sneaking back into my mind, I return to my breath and slowly but surely, return to my practice.

I tried many different forms of yoga before finally settling on Vinyasa or what I teach, Hatha Flow. I enjoy teaching Vinyasa but since not everyone is at the same level it is just as strengthening and dynamic to teach my style of Hatha. Vinyasa is a more dynamic type of yoga, where the yogi “flows” or moves from one asana to the next. This is a great exercise for those who have been practicing yoga for a period of time as they are already familiar with the basic asanas.

Hatha or Hatha Flow, allows the yogi to move slower and pause or hold each Asana. This is a great learning style and gives time for adjustment and correction which, among other things, prevents injury. I also find that when an Asana or posture is held it strengthens and betters our balance.

Finding Your Yoga Practice

So you may wonder, which type of yoga is best for you? In my opinion, trying out different styles and instructors before settling on one is the best. Below is a list and a short description of some of the more popular styles.

1. Vinyasa Yoga: often likened to a dance, is characterized by a fluid transition between postures, synchronized with breath. This practice is dynamic, ever-changing, and invigorating. It teaches us to embrace the fluidity of existence, for those who seek movement and transformation.
2. Ashtanga Yoga: a methodical series of poses executed in sequential order, offers a disciplined approach to practice. This form is rigorous, demanding consistency and dedication. It mirrors the journey of life, requiring perseverance and resilience. It is appealing to individuals who thrive on structure and are eager to dive deep into strength and endurance.
3. Hatha Yoga: often regarded as the foundation of all yoga forms, is a gentle exploration of asanas (postures) and pranayama (breath control). This practice fosters balance and equilibrium, serving as a conduit to tranquility and physical wellness. It’s an invitation to cultivate patience and mindfulness. It is ideal for beginners and those who seek a serene retreat from the whirlwind of daily life.
4. Yin Yoga: a meditative approach, emphasizes passive holds in poses for extended periods. This practice, a silent dialogue between body and mind, encourages deep tissue release and emotional processing. It’s a reflective journey, inviting practitioners to explore the depth of stillness and the space between thoughts. Yin Yoga is a balm for the soul, perfect for those in pursuit of inner peace and deep relaxation.
5. Restorative Yoga: a sanctuary of calm, uses props to support the body in poses, facilitating deep relaxation and rejuvenation. This gentle practice is a nurturing embrace. It is a whisper of comfort in the chaos, appealing to anyone yearning for a pause and a moment of gentle care.
6. Hot Yoga: practiced in a heated room, is a test of endurance and flexibility. The warmth facilitates deeper stretches and promotes detoxification, making it a vigorous yet purifying experience. This practice is a forge, tempering the spirit and body through heat and sweat. It’s a path for those who seek transformation, ready to face the heat of their own fire.

Yoga a Personal Journey

Starting your yoga journey is to open up a world of different styles. Each style containing its own special vibe and purpose. As we get to know the styles better, it’s clear that picking one isn’t just about getting our bodies in shape. Yoga is more about tuning into the deeper rhythms of who we are and finding our place in the bigger scheme of things. There is a singular truth: yoga is a personal journey, a mirror reflecting the infinite facets of our being. As you choose your path, remember, that the practice is not just about reaching your toes; it’s about what you learn on the way down.

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