Are you wondering why everyone keeps talking so enthusiastically about yoga? Would you like to experience the benefits for yourself? Getting started is the hardest part. Once you find your flow, you will be amazed at the unfolding of your unique journey.

You may find yourself discouraged by the dominant portrayal of yoga––one that is focused on fitness––but the truth is that you can make your practice whatever you want it to be. Yoga is an ancient tradition that centers awareness, compassion, acceptance, and inner calm. The stress relief alone is worth it! Here are some suggestions for diving right in.

Set Yourself Up For Success

Start by setting an intention. Why would you like to begin a yoga practice? How are you hoping to feel as a result? No matter what you decide to focus on, you are bound to experience the heart-opening, humbling, and empowering qualities of yoga. Consider the gift of self-love it takes to do this on a regular basis, and create the space for yourself to stick to it.

To form your new habit, pick a time of day that you want to set aside for practice. An hour in the morning or the evening is perfect. Even four days a week is enough to solidify your routine.

Make sure you are drinking plenty of water and eating fresh, organic foods. Dietary supplements like Thrive may also be of interest to you. What is Thrive? It provides a lifestyle blend of multivitamins that can give you the energy boost and mental clarity you need to fuel your fiery intent.

Begin With At-Home Yoga

The beauty of yoga is that it can be practiced anywhere. One of the most relaxing settings of all could be your own home.

Designate a yoga room for yourself and fill it with objects that will support your ritual. Plants, candles, pillows, soft lighting, essential oils, and herbal teas are all wonderful allies.

At-home yoga is a wonderful foundation for your practice. As you learn the basics and reunite with your body and breath, you will feel nurtured by the calming environment you've created for yourself. All you need is space to spread out, a mat to keep you grounded, and access to virtual classes.

There are thousands of beginner courses available online for free. Alternatively, you could subscribe to a monthly membership with more customization options. There are several yoga disciplines to choose from. Explore what's out there and ask for recommendations. You are sure to find something that works well for you.

Practice Because You Want To

Pressuring yourself to practice actually defeats the point of yoga altogether. It is there as a meditative tool to help you align yourself with your values. It is there for you to fall back on when you feel absolutely terrible and just want to be alone. It is a self-care practice for all.

Regardless of how often you practice––and even if you take a six-month hiatus––you will notice positive changes in your inner and outer landscapes. Whether you become more conscious of your breath, your body, or your thoughts, yoga will help you to accept yourself more lovingly.

With that in mind, remember that the best way to start a new routine is to make it fun. Celebrate your commitment to yourself and be your own cheerleader. There is no obligation to become a yogi master, so drop the judgment, and practice because you want to.

Share the Journey With Others

It can be uplifting to share yoga flows with others at any point along your path. Whether you decide to attend in-person classes, go on an extended retreat, or simply unwind at home with a friend, the encouragement you give and receive will inspire you to grow your practice even further.

Yoga has been around for thousands of years and it is adaptable, to say the least. Allow it to carry you wherever you want to go.

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