Yoga has many benefits. And I don’t necessarily mean the just the asanas. Breath work, meditation, and the practices of non-violence and self-study are hugely beneficial. But only if you practice yoga. And if you happen to be one of those yogis who can discuss the Eight Limbs in Sanskrit while doing a headstand, then yoga on with your bad self. As I have previously written, I consider myself to be a sort of non-traditional yoga instructor. So I’d like to start a series here at MMW. Yoga for the Rest of Us.

Let’s talk about the basics of yoga. Let’s talk about the different asanas and how to modify them if you are having an inflexible day or if you have an injury. Let’s talk about breath work, the physiology behind it, and how proper breathing can make a huge difference. Let’s talk about meditation, it’s unique challenges and hurdles, and the possibilities it holds. Let’s talk about ethical behavior and non judgemental self- study and why those things are important to seeing ourselves and our future success.

And, hey, what if we talk about these things from the standpoint of a beginner? Because as I said, the physical, mental, and spiritual/soulful benefits only happen if you are practicing yoga. Not knowing that Vriksasana means Tree Pose shouldn’t stop anyone from practicing the posture. Not knowing that moving your arms out to parallel or shifting a foot lower on your calf can alleviate pain in the shoulders or create more stability in Tree Pose shouldn’t keep anyone from the lower body strengthening and stretching benefits. Not knowing how to breathe into the hip in the pose shouldn’t hinder anybody from realizing a deeper, more challenging Tree Pose.

So, let’s yoga!