Subtlety in yoga is easy to overlook

~ It takes getting used to ~
 
I'm gradually realising that I've moved to a mini paradise. The garden, the birdsong, the farmhouse vibe that feels homely already, the gorgeous surroundings and dog walks that leave me needing to pinch myself. So far so good (amazing actually). 
 

Convenience is over-rated
 I still don't know things are much of the time. And constantly have to figure out how things work. But I've replaced traffic and sirens with birdsong and wind in the tree tops. ​

It still feels uphill to get things done, but convenience wasn't our top priority. And of course there are frustrations, but they are different from city life, and they are self-inflicted. 
 
It will take getting used to that is for sure. 
 

Yoga takes getting used to
 Same goes for yoga. The first few practices might be a bit over (or under) whelming. Meeting expectations is always tricky. Getting to know your teacher helps. Switching from class to class and becoming a beginner again in a new class where the teacher doesn't know you comes with challenges and leaves a lot of potential behind.
 

Subtlety gets overlooked
You might find yoga feels physically hard, or complex and confusing. Especially as we start our new term.
 
Or perhaps the subtlety get's lost in the mix.
 
Learning how to become more centred, balanced and still, often gets overlooked for more entertaining pursuits. In a short-attention span culture, the benefits of this are obvious but need prioritising. 
 

A lifelong companion
I think yoga is the most valuable thing I've ever learned.
 
If you get the foundations right, it becomes a lifelong companion. Not just one that requires physical aptitude that we only do when we are well. We may start there but it goes far beyond and serves us right the way through life, no matter our physical ability.
 
Learning how to reconnect with our body and breath. Then learning how to work in away that reliably brings us back to harmony, serenity, physical and mental ease (even when health or life is unravelling) and offers the potential for an open heart.
 

It won't always feel hard
If you are in your early stages of practice, rest assured it won't always feel like an uphill struggle. Learning the right effort, but also the right ease is part of what we are doing and these skills are valuable across our whole life, for our whole life. 

Enjoy a brilliant foundation to your yoga with my latest yoga retreat.