What Yoga is Best For Me?
Lorna O'Malley
It can be overwhelming nowadays to start Yoga when there are hundreds of 'styles' out there. But, Yoga is Yoga - just as painting is painting (although you get styles such as pop art, and impressionism within it).
Although there are many styles of yoga, the differences are usually about emphasis, focusing on one element or another. All of the styles share the same origin - one is not better than another - it is just a matter of personal choice - there is only one yoga.
The point is - do not become concerned with choosing a style. This is something that you will fall into further down the line. You can however familiarise yourself with which type of Yoga might 'suit' you. For example - do you wish to focus on meditation, or a calming practise, do you need to loose weight, lower blood pressure, or would you prefer something a little more physically demanding? Use common sense and go slow to start with, especially after health problems. It is always a good idea to seek professional advice. A chat with a Yoga professional can prove extremely useful. There are also many DVDs, classes, and books out there to help you on your way. Many online yoga shops have an excellent resource selection, and are divided into sections. Experiment and enjoy.
It is important to remember that Yoga is non-competitive - so you work at your own pace, doing what feels right to you. It is all about what feels right to you. Learn to listen to your body. If you feel pain or discomfort then it is not right. Yoga should make you feel good. Be aware of your breath, ensuring that it is natural - slow and calm.
Nothing should be forced. It is important to let go of any ambition to 'get into the pose perfectly', and realise that it is more important as to what is going on inside you - ie - that your mind and body are relaxed and calm.
In time your intuition will develop and you will learn to trust that you know what poses are right for you - and when to stop. It is possible to take to many different styles of yoga and use them at different times depending on your mood. Yoga practise for generating heat and energy, for example, is better for some days, and a cool calming practise may be better on others. The main thing is that you are practising Yoga.
Please note that this article is NOT advice. Always consult a professional before doing Yoga. The author can NOT be held responsible for incorrect information.
About the author:
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http://www.yogabhoga.co.uk