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Quieting The Inner Critic?
Wow. I
wish I had an easy answer for you. Fortunately
and unfortunately the tricks of the mind are as
complex as the individual itself. The inner
critic you describe is a projection of the ego
mind. Essentially the ego mind helps us stabilize
ourselves in the world. When its working well it
keeps us feeling safe and whole. Unfortunately,
at times it can be too active, projecting
limitation and fear instead of safety. Deepening
our awareness of ourselves in a variety of
situations can help alleviate the limiting
aspects of the ego mind. The entire practice of
yoga is designed to help us stay balanced and in
touch with a more compassionate mental space.
Meditation in particular can help you begin to
understand the origin and root of your thoughts
and how to let them go. One way I like to look at
this process is through what I refer to as
thought quantity. Think about how many thoughts
you have every minute, hour, day, etc. We have
many, many thoughts. Part of what we are learning
to do with our practice is not give so much
importance or emotional energy to the select few
that upset us. This doesn't mean that we ignore
our feelings but rather that we acknowledge and
explore a full range of emotional states.
How do I start taking classes?
You can
choose from among any of our weekly schedule of
on-going classes and attend whenever you like.
You are not required to attend any particular
class exclusively, nor do you need to make
reservations. Just drop in!
What do I need to do for my first class?
If it's
your first time wear comfortable clothing - less
is better. No perfume or jewelry please. A
towel and water bottle are advisable. Try to
arrive 5 minutes early to meet the teacher. Be
sure to fill out a registration form and sign in.
Relax and try to enjoy the beginning of an
exciting inward journey.
Can I start yoga if I'm stiff/overweight/out-of-shape/older?
Yes.
Yoga is a process. You begin wherever you are.
I am not very flexible. Can I still do yoga?
Flexibility
has little to do with whether or not one can
practice yoga. Some people are born naturally
flexible, others must work to attain flexibility.
A regular yoga practice will gradually increase
anyone's flexibility. However, increased
flexibility itself is not yoga's only objective
nor is it the only benefit yoga has to offer. The
ultimate benefit of yoga -- to harmoniously unite
body, mind and spirit in a healthful physical
practice -- can be experienced regardless of
whether or not you can touch your toes. It is
important to remember that the postures are tools
to open the body, rather than goals to be
achieved.
What if everyone in the class has more experience than me?
Yoga
practice emphasizes individual development.
Everyone works at his or her own level and pace
within the same class. Often, an instructor will
offer several variations to students of a given
pose, some less challenging than others. It is
also important to remember that a new student who
is just able to enter the beginning stages of a
given posture is doing as much work (and
receiving as much benefit) as the advanced
student who can perform the fully completed
version.
How many times a week should I practice?
Beginning
students will benefit from as little as one class
per week. To receive more benefits from your yoga
practice, two to three classes per week are
recommended. Depending on how your own body
responds to yoga, you may take classes every day
if you wish. Once you become familiar with the
basic postures, you can begin to develop your own
yoga practice at home, with a daily practice
being the ultimate goal for some students.
What level is appropriate for me?
Beginning
students should begin with either
“Intro” or Level 1 classes. Even if
the level of physical challenge feels minimal,
the slower pace and detailed instruction offered
in these classes will help to firmly establish
technique, such as form, alignment and breathing.
These classes will also begin to accustom your
body to the “building blocks” of
yoga, preparing you for more advanced classes.
I have an injury. What should I do?
Always
feel free to introduce yourself to your
instructor and describe any injuries you might
have. He or she will then be able to advise you
as to how to “work around” your
problem area to avoid further injury. The
instructor may also be able to suggest particular
exercises that might help to bring increased
mobility and healing to your injuries. In any
event, listen to your body’s feedback. If
anything you do in yoga feels painful or
uncomfortable, you should “back off.”
Your instructor will most likely be able to
recommend an appropriate alternative pose for you
during the class.
When should I expect to see progress in my practice?
Each
individual will respond to yoga differently,
based on a variety of factors including age,
physical condition, genetics, etc. What is more
important than measuring progress based on a
pre-conceived idea of where you want your
practice to be, is to embrace where your practice
is and let go of any self-imposed goals. Yoga is
truly a life-long pursuit, one that you can go on
exploring as long as you live and never learn all
there is to know. As American Yoga Master Joel
Kramer has said, "The essence of yoga is not
attainments, but how aware you are of your limits
-- wherever and whatever they may be."
What if I am pregnant?
Feel
free to come to any level 1 class. Some poses
should not be done while pregnant, and you will
be given alternative poses instead. If yours is a
high risk pregnancy, please consult your
physician before starting yoga.
What if I had recent surgery or injury?
Depending
on how serious it is, you may want to consult
with your physician before starting yoga. Be sure
to tell your yoga teacher about your condition,
and he/she will adapt the yoga poses to your
abilities. Many people find that yoga helps
relieve lingering symptoms of surgery or injury.
Will yoga conflict with my religion?
Absolutely
not! Our students are of all faiths, and yoga can
help you deepen your spiritual life no matter
what your religion. There is Divinity in all
people and things. We just encourage you to see
this.
Can one do too much yoga?
Can you
be too present in your life? It all depends on
how we define our yoga practice. If our sadhana
encompasses only asana, then yes it is possible
to do too much yoga. Seated meditation and Kirtan
(chanting/singing) are also effective tools for
awakening us to the Self within and can enrich a
strong asana practice. However, if we broaden our
spiritual practice to include a deeper sense of
being in all aspects of our life...if we awaken
to the potential inherent in each moment...then
life is our yoga practice and I don't believe one
can live too much. The key is awareness.