Yoga at Home for Beginners: Surrender into Your Poses- Food for Thought

 

 
This past Sunday, one of my church friends, Terri, gave an excellent talk about surrendering our problems to the Divine within us.  Surrendering can be so difficult because we want to "control" things and take charge of every aspect of our lives.  Controlling situations and taking intense action to solve problems seems an innate part of the American culture.  But, if you don't relinquish this attitude when you begin learning yoga, you are not going to reap as many benefits as you would if you embraced  "surrendering" to the poses.  Instead, you will likely experience much frustration.

If you have been sedentary for years, learning even the simplest poses that I present in my soon-to-be released introductory yoga book (Yoga at Home:  Gain Energy, Flexibility, and Serenity in 20-30 Minutes a Day), will be a challenge.  Believe me, you will likely be stiff and think you will never be able to reach as far as is suggested for a given pose.  You may feel like you're 80 years old even if you're only 40 because of your tight muscles and ligaments and possibly rigid, inflexible limbs.  Don't get discouraged! Trust in the process!  Yoga is a scientifically designed physical regime that works you from the inside out.  Every baby step along the way benefits you in ways you cannot imagine. And, as my friend, Terri, said, handling life's major often requires you to let go and call upon your Inner Wisdom. Likewise, learning and practicing yoga requires listening to your body and surrendering into the poses.  Go only as far as is comfortable and trust that over time, gravity and consistent practice will do their job.  Don't fret because you can barely move your legs and feet over your head in the plough.  Do what you can and surrender your expectations.  Do NOT measure your progress day by day.  Just enjoy what you can do right now and the quiet and peace that comes from your practice.  As you surrender, you WILL progress!

Yours for surrendering into the peace, joy, and myriad benefits of yoga,

 

Laura Venecia Rodriguez

 

 

 

Comments

[Cleo Pascal]

I couldn't agree more, Laura. Yoga requires unconditional trust in oneself and total internalization of the poses which can only be done if we put our spirit into the whole process. If we let ourselves worry less and start breathing in with yoga, the intended effects are intensified. Just breath, relax, meditate, and let yoga takes its course.

[Health Fitness]

I really agree with Ur blog Yoga is a best exercise to maintain our health..Good to hear you are so healthy during the warmer months...All the best to u.. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eyr_KC2dbao Using the poles correctly walking briskly One is very interesting Workout...

[Laura Rodriguez]

Thank you, Cleo! Much continued relaxation and health with your workouts.

Laura

[How to do Yoga at Home for Beginners]

I agree completely too! Although it is very difficult to do yoga at first, the fact that it forces me to let go, calm down, and focus is priceless! I think more people should do yoga, at least once a week! I see too many people focus on strength and cardiovascular training, but no flexibility training!

Jason Stieler
http://www.gitfitnow.com/yoga.html

[Laura Rodriguez]

Thanks for your comment, Jason. Yes, I believe we need balance in workout - combining cardio and strength with flexibility and relaxation. I don't do the intense, fast paced yoga which incorporates cardio and strength so I combine gentle yoga with mini-trampoline jumping with small weights.

[Tummy tuck]

Yoga is a system inclusive of physical and mental training that can benefit people of all ages.It is very easy and effective exercise for human beings. and in yoga all the posture are gives benefit.