The benefits of yoga are many. Studies prove it, practical application shows it, and history knows it, that yoga is more than a simple exercise that we "struggle" to fit into our daily schedule. Although our lives are quite busy, many people find time to attend their favorite yoga class, even if they have to travel a long distance sometimes. However, every time it does not leave us with the same feeling of happiness. So what is it that makes a class seem like a true path to self-knowledge and stand out from the rest? Maybe it's not so much the teacher or the school, but what we do to get the most out of a lesson. Below are some points that deserve our attention and help deepen our practice.
1. Come to class with no expectations. Don't expect the teachers to give you the secret of life, don't expect anything from the other students, and don't expect your tired body to "stay" in the "Crow" if you stayed up the night before feeling sick. Let go and experience what is really happening in that moment, and it is your only truth. By entering each class with an open mind, you allow yourself to fully experience the present moment rather than living a constant struggle between what you expected and what actually happens. However, there is so much that is out of your control. Your favorite teacher might be replaced, your ex might show up on the next mattress, or you might get a cramp. Dealing with the unexpected is therefore also a part of your practice.
2. Get an intention. Intention is about where you choose to focus your attention at that moment, not the end result. It is especially beneficial and comforting to free yourself from the expectation of the outcome. Too often in life, you strive hard for the result, let your practice be an opportunity to enjoy "the journey not the destination". So choose a point/intention to keep your mind focused on each breath of the practice. This will allow you to experience each moment separately, rather than constantly struggling with the idea of the end result – like e.g. to open the hips.
3. Free yourself from distractions. In most of a yoga class, the goal is to stay focused. Cultivate a focus on the present, and do not allow the chatter of the mind to overshadow even the teacher giving instruction. This focus helps to keep away any distractions, for example dealing with the other students (what they are wearing etc.) or your own uncomfortable clothes etc. In short, if you are distracted by all these distractions, the end result is that you are not present in your practice. It is so simple!
4. Report any physical limitations to the teacher. Tell him, for example, if you have back or neck pain, if you had a recent surgery, or just a discomfort in your body. Part of his training is to offer variations of poses for every situation. This way you avoid potential injuries because you may have been too shy or selfish enough to communicate your needs.
5. Honor your inner teacher. Let the teacher be your guide, and let your inner voice be your 'guru'. Realize that the experienced teacher standing before you serves only as a guide. Sure, you can learn from it, but the ultimate goal of yoga is to strengthen and balance you so you can honor your own inner teacher. If anything said in class suits you, take it, if anything doesn't, leave it. Remember that this is your own practice. So listen to your true inner guide, who in turn leads you to the next point…
6. Listen to your body. The body is unified with the divine teacher within you. If you are more concerned about looking good than treating yourself well, then you will surely ignore what your body is expressing. Body, mind and spirit make up our entire existence and we need to respect their needs equally. Avoid the body becoming a slave of the mind. Be attentive and detect the voice of the body whispering (sometimes in the form of breath holding) that it is time to relax into Balasana. So respect yourself in its entirety.
7. Turn off your cell phone. Respect the time you spend practicing. Do not bring a watch, phone, or any other device that can connect you to the outside world. Let go of thoughts that pull you out of what you are doing now. In yoga, you are nowhere else but there, so let go of anything else that takes you out of this moment.
8. Bring your own stuff. The personal yoga mat reconnects you with the practice and can lead you spontaneously to a state of calm. It works like Pavlov's experiment. The body and mind begin to relax recognizing that it is time for yoga.
9. Breathe. It's simple and vital! Both during and off the mat practice, mindful breathing helps you get more than you do and think. It will keep you balanced and grounded, help you practice to the best of your ability, and most of all, allow you to fully experience and appreciate every moment of the practice. This brings us to the last…
10. Be grateful. Feel grateful to be in the space, on the mat, and live in the moment. An attitude of gratitude will translate into practice and help ensure that what you've learned in the classroom will stay with you long after you've wrapped your mattress.
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