Always Listen to your Body

Let's face it, your body talks to you all the time. It's a wealth of information and always looks out for your well being. It lets you know the basics like when you're tired and hungry, but it also let's you know when you're pushing your body too hard physically. When in the yoga class, (or ANY class for that matter), LISTEN to how your body talks. Your muscles will tell you if you're stretching too hard, your back will inform you if your backbends are getting to be too much to handle and your body will give you signs that you've had enough yoga for the day. One of the amazing aspects of yoga is that its meditation allows you to become in sync with your body. It lets you be present and to receive the messages your body is sending you. Don't deny these messages. Ignoring them can only harm you and possibly even injure you (which I'll cover in a future post). Be patient, you will reach your goals in time.

As in dance, true raw emotions are bound to come out. Let them out. Backward bends, for example, are known to open the heart chakras and expose pent-up feelings. It's completely normal if you've experienced sadness, anger, joy, laughter and even tears during and after this posture. All day long we bend forward - picking up the kids, working at your desk all day, reaching to clean up dirt on the floor, getting something we've dropped etc. When do we ever bend backwards? Hardly ever. Always embrace the feelings, for they will pass. Don't be scared to face them.