5 Reasons Why I Love Yoga
August 11th, 2011 § Leave a Comment
Allow me to preface this by saying: I’m no yoga master. However, I’ve spent the past 4 years working on and deepening my practice. Admittedly, there have been day, week, and even month-long breaks I’ve taken from that practice. That said, here’s what I’ve learned.
1. Everything will be better.
Your posture.
Your breathing.
Your stress level.
Your alignment. (No one likes a sore back.)
Your happiness.
The overall way you feel.
Everything.
2. There are no rules.
Don’t feel like doing yoga today? No problem. You’re just not getting your balance poses? Skip ‘em. Just not feeling the rhythm? End early.
And the bonus? You don’t have to feel bad about a single one of those things!
3. You can do it anywhere.
I’ve always thought that practicing in non-traditional places was the best. I’ve recently carved out a cozy spot on my deck to practice, but my favorite place is the beach (and as it turns out, there are a ton of added benefits of practicing there).
The point is: yoga is versatile enough to practice anywhere – the girl in the picture above is on top of a mountain for crying out loud. So, find the places that work for you or, better yet, try some impromptu sessions wherever you go!
4. It’s just as good exercise and stretching as it is meditation and relaxation.
I never feel in better shape than when I do yoga regularly. I never feel as flexible as when I do yoga regularly. And I never feel more relaxed (what I like to call zen Nicki) as when I do yoga regularly.
I’d call that a win-win-win!!
5. It’s all about your own journey.
It doesn’t matter if you’re taking a class or doing yoga on your own, it’s all about you. There are days when I feel like working on my balance or inversion poses, so I do. There are other days where I want stronger warrior poses, so I do more sun salutations (Surya Namaskara) than I’d care to admit.
More than that, though, there’s an even important element at work here. It may sound hippie dippie (ok, it does), but your relationship with your yoga practice is key. Like a relationship with a person, you have to work at your yoga practice to strengthen and enrich it so that you can enjoy all of the benefits I’ve mentioned here. So, make sure you enjoy the journey 
Obviously I can’t say enough good things about yoga. What has your experience been like?
Photo credit: lululemonathletica
