is not a thing. Take an inhale. Now exhale. Great job, you just practiced yoga… and it was perfect.
Last week I just started teaching an in-person class to a mostly beginner group with a broad range of mobility and ability. Before the class series began, I got to speak with students who were interested in joining but were also quite nervous.
Here are some of the most common hesitations and questions I received followed by my responses:
“Do you think I can do it?”
Absolutely! You just do what you can and listen to your body.
“I can’t even touch my toes.”
That’s not important. We’ll work on gradually improving your flexibility and mobility.
“If I get down on the floor I won’t be able to get back up.”
You can do the entire class from a chair.
“I’ve never done yoga before. Is that okay?”
I’m so happy you’re willing to give it a try! You’ll be in good company. It’s a beginner class, I think you’ll really enjoy it.
I’ve taught many beginners before, but teaching a mixed class with some students on the mat and others in a chair was a new challenge for me. Nonetheless, I felt confident and fully equipped to take it on.
The responses have been better than I even imagined:
“I did even more than I thought I could do!”
“I already feel a difference after only 3 classes.”
“Do you have any chair yoga videos so I can practice at home?”
I’ve never turned over a video project so quickly… and here it is, a 40-minute Chair Yoga practice on my YouTube channel! Give it a try, or please pass it along to someone who could benefit from this accessible yoga class:
Wherever you are in your yoga practice is exactly where you are supposed to be. There is no point when you magically cross over from being "bad" at yoga to being "good" at yoga. The whole journey is magical and full of all kinds of breakthroughs, big and small... you are always discovering new things about your body, finding new experiences in postures, learning new breathing techniques.
Just be present in your practice, compassionate with your body, and eager to learn.
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