The practice transforms the physical and mental state, this is how the understanding and the level of personal commitment gradually increases. The practice must be systematic, always starting with the simplest postures and advancing in depth in these positions before moving on to the more difficult asanas.
Why? Because our spine needs to be flexible, this is achieved gradually accompanied by breathing (inhalation and soft, slow and deep exhalation). It is thanks to the breathing and the permanence in the asanas that we can make our CV and our muscles more flexible. In the future we will talk about the differences between Yoga and traditional gymnastics.
At the beginning the advance is fast. After a period, a level is reached where progress seems to be minimal. Over time this level is also exceeded. According to Patanjali, the domain of the asanas is reached when the practice is carried out without effort. Attention to precision is also necessary. At the beginning the alignment of the posture is only approximate. When the posture is aligned correctly there are no breaks in the flow of energy and all our organs benefit.
Some indications:
There are no age restrictions. It is important not to exhaust yourself and work slowly and calmly. Yoga is not competitive or violent. Respect the messages of your body. If today you can not reach a position respect your body. There will be days that you will achieve it and others that will not. It is natural, do not punish yourself or injury.
Women: Interrupting the practice during menstruation, mainly the postures with the legs elevated. Test and see how it feels.
- Children: Advanced positions are not recommended. Make them simple, relaxed, fun, imitating animals or with games.Place and clothes: Look for a quiet space, well ventilated, with no draft, with a comfortable temperature. Avoid noisy places and the possibility of being interrupted during the session. Wear comfortable clothing that allows total freedom of movement. Dispose of metal objects, watches, chains, medals, glasses. Do not run asanas after having been hours in the sun. Perform the postures (asanas) on a mat, never on the floor or naked.
Cleaning and feeding: Practice fasting. Wait 2 or 3 hours after important intakes. If it is possible to practice every day at the same time. The most favorable moments are sunrise and sunset. Wait 30 minutes after the session to shower or eat.
Bath: Before practicing the asanas, the urinary bladder should be emptied and the intestines evacuated. Asanas appear easier after a bath. A good bath before and after exercise refreshes the spirit. After exercise the body sweats and the elimination of toxins is completed with hygiene.
Breathing: Do not forget to breathe! Unless otherwise indicated, breathing is through the nose in a relaxed and natural way. Some postures will hinder breathing (this is not dangerous because the pressure of the organs oxygenates the body and cleans the blood).
Take into account the “step by step”, the armed and gradual disarming of each position.
Do not submit to useless fatigue and pay special attention to which body muscles are involved in each asana. Always control having a relaxed face.
Close your eyes between asana and asana to feel your body and quiet your breath, but keep them open during the asana to learn.
Finish the session with a full body relaxation of about 20 minutes. (there will be a complete post about the yogic relaxation)
