Complete Yoga

While yoga can encompass many practices, most people incorporate the exercise of
physical postures into their yoga program. The following hints will help you make the
most out of practicing these postures:
■ Try not to eat at least an hour before and after your session. Digestion diverts
circulation to the internal organs and can draw energy and attention away
from your yoga practice. A full stomach might also make certain postures that
put pressure on the abdominal area uncomfortable.
■ Wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing. If possible, wear clothing made of
all-natural products, as they allow the greatest circulation of energy. Remove
contact lenses and any jewelry for optimum comfort. It is preferable to do
some poses, such as certain balancing postures, with bare feet to increase
surefootedness and sense of balance.
■ Be as relaxed and comfortable as possible. If practicing on your own, try to
find a space where you will not be interrupted. Turn off the phone or activate
your answering machine. Dim the lights. Play relaxing music if you like.
Burn some scented incense, light an aromatic candle, or diffuse some pleasing
essential oils if that appeals to you.
■ Make sure that the area where you will be practicing is warm. Keep a blanket
or large towel nearby with which to cover yourself should you become cold
during your practice or when lying in any relaxation poses.
■ Be aware of your body. Pay particular attention to your breath. Synchronizing
your breath with your movements can make your practice even more
powerful and effective.
■ Pay attention to any signals of pain your body might send you during your
practice. Pain is the body’s way of warning of potential danger and injury. If
you should experience any pain or discomfort during your practice, discontinue
the posture in which you feel the pain, and rest.
■ If you wish to use any props during your practice, assemble them ahead of
time and place them nearby. Props that you might find helpful include nonskid,
sticky mats (to aid your balance); wood or foam blocks; straps; belts;
and other accessories that might help you achieve a position more easily and
with greater stability and comfort. (See Chapter 17 for information on where
to acquire such props.)
■ Be as regular as possible in practice. Try to find the most convenient time for
you to do your practice, and do it regularly at the same time. Some people
find early morning the best time to do yoga, while others prefer to do yoga at
lunchtime as a midday break, or in the evening for relaxation after a day of
work or before going to sleep.
Try to perform a yoga session that incorporates a variety of postures that
provide flow and balance. Tips on different types of postures and how they
can be sequenced into a yoga session are presented in “A Complete Yoga
Practice Session for Men.”
■ Most important, enjoy! Practitioners of yoga from its earliest days to modern
times have attested to this ancient art’s ability to refresh, rejuvenate, and
restore.