Introduction to yoga for beginners

What Is Yoga?

Yoga is an ancient practice with the aim of improving and bringing together mental, emotional and physical health.

Yoga comes from the Sanskrit word ‘Yuj’ which translates as to unite or yoke.

What are we trying to unite? What does Yoga actually do?

Yoga is there to encourage utilising all parts of ourselves. It brings together Asana (postures), Pranayama (breath work), Dhyana (meditation) and Darshana (philosophy).

Have you ever said or heard other people say things like:

‘they’re so emotional’

‘they lose their temper a lot’

‘they’re spaced out’

Or maybe you’ve been through a long period of being un motivated or un inspired to change habits or maybe you’re always pushing, always rushing to the next thing.

Yoga can allow us to observe why this is happening and allow us to try doing things differently to asses if there’s a kinder, more helpful way to do things.

As an example, you go into a dynamic Yoga Asana class feeling nervous or worried people are going to judge you, your nervous system is responding to that, unless you can physically relax out of that fear state your body is going to find it difficult to ‘stretch’ or adapt and make shapes. Some of the Asana will feel painful. If you keep going to that class, not addressing the root of the nervousness or worry you could end up injured.

Yoga itself doesn’t actually ‘do’ anything.

It offers layers of different philosophy, movement practices, breath practices and focus points that challenge, stimulate and/or calm us. It is the individuals ability to build discipline for practice over time and an open mind to offerings or personal findings that brings the changes.

Yoga offers space and time considering our thoughts, behaviours and actions, and how they impact the world around us. Not in a scathing way for us to dwell or harshly critique ourselves, instead a practice of moving, to keep energy flowing to prevent us ruminating.

Yoga is a spiritual practice with a lot to explore from various ancient texts. Each individual is drawn to different aspects, lineage or teachers and our understanding or motivation to explore yoga can change over time.

You will notice the cross over with religion, Yoga is rooted in Hindu Philosophy and is first traced in the Vedas, historic Hindu texts along with Upanishads and Bhagavad Gita.

I’ve noticed cross over in the way that different religions create a sense of purpose in caring for our community and remaining open to others, and acknowledging what barriers we put in place, or of course others put in place, for this to happen.

Yoga is open to everyone, regardless if you already live by or follow a religion. It’s a practice of exploring, studying and connecting.

Which style of yoga is suitable for beginners?

If you’re nervous about the movement aspect, ie you aren’t confident with your balance or self conscious about other people in the room I recommend the Restorative workshops, Meditation and Bodyfulness classes along with Relax and Restore classes. This style draws on Hatha Yoga, Restorative Yoga and the practice of Dhyana (meditation).

If you are concerned about not being 'good’ at yoga and by this you mean you feel stiff, ‘can’t touch my toes’, come along to the Mobility and Passive Stretches. The monthly Yin Yoga workshops may also be a good place to start.

If the thought of sitting or being still makes you nervous, come to Flowy Vinyasa or Ashtanga Classes and Workshops.

You’re not interested in philosophy at the moment and put off by the label of Yoga, or you think Yoga is ‘woo woo’, I recommend the Mobility and Passive Stretches class and Anatomy Lab sessions. Embodiment and anatomy knowledge is part of Yoga, this class focuses on this element and how the breath affects our tissues that wrap the muscles

I’m nervous, what do I need to know before going to a class in the Studio?

If you come to class and are made to feel not welcome we’ll give you your money back. That’s how confident we are you’ll have a beneficial and positive experience with us. This is an open space, working from the heart.

Your teachers will have attended Yoga Alliance Certified courses or equivalent in the practice they’re sharing.

The Studio and its teachers will treat attendees with mutual respect and understanding. There is zero pressure to know a lot or even agree with everything we do, as teachers and a space for sharing practices we are part of a much wider Community that is open to learning.

Our Founder, Carrie, is easily contactable for feedback or to help with concerns: cairngormsyogastudio@gmail.com