advice to those who are new to yoga

Yoga, on it's most common term is said to be "yoking"-meeting of the mind, body, and spirit. Easy to say but very hard to understand most especially for those who have just started their journey to yoga. In a probability of 10 people, I suppose only 2 or 3 would only get to grasp its real meaning after their first practice, as yoga will always be viewed individually. With this I am not kidding. However, through the guidance of a teacher or a spiritual master, all rivers eventually leads to the ocean. We just have to keep an open mind yet we must also try to have doubts as doubt is a sign of true intelligence and learning. Yoga is always an inner and personal experience, a self realisation, that can never be compared to others just like each and every one of us is said to be unique.

When it comes to first time practice, it is just but normal if you seem to struggle reaching for your toes or finding a hard time to get your balance or can't seem to do some of the asanas well. Don't be disheartened as all of this is a process towards getting better. Be easy on yourself and try to bring awareness to your body. Have a little curiosity on how things are really should be done. Books, internet, yoga articles, teacher/student conversation will add a flame to those who wanted to be a devout yogi/yogini.

When you come to the yoga room, leave all your thoughts, worries, and concerns outside the door together where you left your shoes. Allot this one and a half hour practice for yourself. This is a privilege. When you come up after Shavasana (jargon for corpse pose as well as a final relaxation) you come out new and vibrant. Why? Because this posture prepares us for death. It teaches us to completely surrender and let go. If we get to let go of the body, the personality, and the ego, that's the only time we can come out new. New on it's very essence gives us life.