The month of September is a time of great projects and good intentions: in the wake of the summer enthusiasm, of the repose, of the position given to us by the holidays, we intend to improve the quality of our life.
We know from experience that these grandiose projects will tend to fly away like the leaves in autumn, but for now we enjoy renewed enthusiasm.
Well, let's ride it! Why don't we take the opportunity to enroll in a nice yoga class ? You will see that as soon as you have experienced the way of the mat, you will never abandon it.
MIni-guide to choosing the yoga course
Well, thanks to our intention to start practicing yoga, we begin the research. In fact, we might be amazed by the proportions of the offer, especially in the big cities: there are now so many centers, countless styles, variations do not count. How to orient yourself?
Here are some practical tips:
- I would advise limiting the search in the vicinity of your home: from experience I know that, when enthusiasm begins to fade, the idea of crossing the city, perhaps in the cold or rain, will make us prefer the sofa to the mat. On the contrary, a center in our neighborhood or near the workplace will make it easier to be consistent and faithful to the lesson.
- It is wise to disrupt the "expensive place = best teaching" equation. Very often, many fantastic teachers, perhaps not very famous, teach in small centers or in schools not famous for choice, for opportunities, for life cases. Therefore, do not discard a place a priori only because it is not glamorous: at least in yoga, luxury or notoriety are not indisputably indicative of excellent quality.
- What then are the characteristics we need to look for in the yoga center we intend to attend? First and foremost, the most banal, that is, cleaning (in yoga there is a lot on the ground and barefoot practice), seriousness and cordiality . Obviously, a full schedule of lessons increases the possibility of finding the right time compared to our daily commitments. Finally, but fundamental, the figure of the teacher, the reference point of our practice, the captain of the course we will attend.
- Although it is absolutely permissible to enroll in a yoga class without knowing anything about the subject, having an idea of what we are looking for from it will undoubtedly make the selection easier and we could easily adjust our preferences. For example, to understand if we prefer a very bodily or more meditative practice, if we have taken this path for medical reasons, internal, to improve your appearance or to combat stress . There are innumerable reasons that lead to the mat and all are valid: understanding them will help us understand if a power yoga or kundalini yoga course, a course in the gym, in an association or in an ashram, a course with a Western teacher or with an Indian teacher. It is not an evaluative reflection, better or worse, but literally "descriptive", useful to guide our choices effectively.
- The last advice is actually the most important: beyond this little guide, your friends' opinions, online reviews, the real judgment is yours, so always TRY all the centers that intrigue you. There is nothing wrong with tasting various types of lessons (which in most cases are provided by the possibility of " first free lesson ") also very different from each other. All possible reflections do not replace personal experience, the only truly valid one . Only then will you have the opportunity to find the center, the course, the teacher that they do exactly for you and fully satisfy you.
Doing yoga: an important choice
Often the yoga course becomes a protected nest where practitioners can let go and find some peace from everyday life. It is not uncommon for classmates to become loved ones, if not friends: in other words, the moments before and after the lesson turn into pleasant opportunities for exchange, joy, socializing.
Finding ourselves in a place that meets our needs, within a welcoming group, practicing a style of yoga that stimulates us and with an inspiring teacher will make this weekly appointment even more enjoyable, rich and beneficial both for our body and for its our mind.
