Why Yoga Newbie Needs To Know

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5 Things A “Yoga Newbie” Needs to Know
Despite the many benefits, one of the biggest barriers to taking up yoga and meditation is figuring out how to begin and what to do. Let's take a look at a few things to remember before you start your “yoga journey.”
1. The Types of Yoga
Though most of the western world thinks of asanas when they hear the word "yoga", yoga was traditionally said to be of four kinds: karma yoga, which worked with a person's physical body, gnana yoga, which worked with a person's mind, bhakti yoga, which worked with a person's emotions, and kriya yoga, which worked with a person's inner energies. These four types of yoga correspond to the four basic components of a human being, namely the body, mind, emotions and energy. …show more content…

Often, investing the time to learn a meditation process can go a long way in creating the physical and mental ambiance to take the next step. So pick up a meditation CD or try one of the many guided meditations available for free online.
3. Find a Reliable Teacher
Learning something right is as important as what you learn. Especially with yogic practices, doing them wrong could have undesirable side-effects, so ensure that the teacher you go to knows what he or she is doing. Look for someone with a good knowledge of both yoga and the human body, who also respects the sanctity and responsibility that comes with conducting a yoga class.
4. Clothes and Other Necessities
Avoid overly tight-fitting clothes. Find something that is comfortable for the body and allows you to move and sit with ease. Clothing made of organic material is a good option to go with. Choose silk or cotton apparel and avoid synthetics. You may want to consider wearing a rudraksha. These are the seeds of a particular tree (Elaeocarpus ganitrus), which are usually strung into malas or necklaces of 108 beads. For a yoga practitioner, rudrakshas are a great support to maintain focus and awareness. Be sure to get your rudraksha from a reputable source though, since there can be a lot of fakes out

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