Student Tips

​~ Set yourself up in a comfortable area where distractions will be minimized. 

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~ Wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely. 

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~ Practice is best done on an empty stomach, or at least a few hours after a heavy meal.  If you need to eat to support stable blood sugar levels, something small and light is best (a handful of nuts, piece of fruit, or tea, for example.)

 

~  Empty your bowels and bladder prior to practice. 

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~ Many of the movements can be modified to be done on the floor, seated, or standing, according to your comfort.  Be flexible in your mind and give yourself permission to get creative with adapting positions to suit your needs. 

 

~ Your body, not the external teacher, is the primary authority - you are here to honor your body, not to be an "obedient" student.  Listen to your body and let it guide you - that's really what yoga is about.

 

~ A chair, yoga block(s), throw pillows or bed pillows, and folded bath towels or yoga blankets can be helpful to have on hand to modify positions.  If props are being specifically suggested in class, this will be mentioned at the start of class.   For seated meditation, you may sit on the floor or a chair, whatever is most comfortable; a folded towel/blanket or two under the hips can help support the alignment of your spine for greater comfort.  

 

Yoga practice is​ intended to encourage an inward focus and self-referral.   Remember that above all, yoga is about practicing UNION - all aspects of your Self in harmony.  While physical poses are often a part of yoga practice (especially in the west), it is not about the external form but rather an internal way of being and approaching our lives.  If practicing yoga with a teacher, learning from a book, or using a video or other pre-recorded instruction, keep in mind that your body is the ultimate authority - you are the only one inside your body, the only one who can feel whether or not something is a fit for you, how far to go in a pose, or how long to stay there.  Honor and respect your body and its individual needs in the present moment, rather than trying to emulate what you see others doing.  Forcing your body into a shape, or making someone outside of you the 'authority over you' is not yoga practice- it is ego practice.  By approaching our bodies with an attitude of compassion, respect, and cooperation - rather than force and conflict - we cultivate inner peace and harmony.  This inner attitude is carried into all we do and our interactions with others.  Peace on the planet truly does begin within each individual, and every improvement we make in our own inner world is a positive contribution to the whole. 

 

Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or needs I can help you with.  

Wishing you much joy, peace, and presence on your ever-evolving journey!

Bryony