Common Anxiety-Provoking Questions (CAPQ) about Yoga
When I first started attending yoga classes I found them to be extremely intimidating and, ironically, anxiety provoking at times. It can be challenging to try something new, and for some people it can take a lot of courage. I would really like my yoga classes to be highly accessible and free from stress, particularly for newcomers. To address this familiar issue, I’ve complied a short list of common anxiety-provoking questions that will hopefully put your mind at ease and help you to feel comfortable in class.
I’m too old/young/fat/thin/broken to do yoga.
Yoga is for every body!
I have bad posture, can I really do yoga?
Yes! Yoga is an excellent way to not only develop postural awareness, but also improve your posture while maintaining a healthy spine.
Can I do yoga if I’m not flexible?
Absolutely. The majority of people begin yoga feeling that their flexibility is poor. You honour your abilities and limitations while in class and, over time, you will find your flexibility significantly improving.
What if I’m bored?
Our minds have an interesting way of resisting stillness in the body because it often reveals restlessness in the mind. When you can overcome your mind’s resistance to stillness, you will begin to experience profound changes in your life.
What do I do when I get to class?
When you come to class, make sure to arrive 15 minutes prior to the class start time. Complete any registration forms that may be required and then proceed to get set up for class. You may remove your shoes and leave them near the door. Set up your mat, then quietly perform gentle stretches or simply relax until the class begins. The goal is to be in a calm state before beginning your yoga practice.
What do I wear?
Comfortable clothing that doesn’t restrict movement. Barefoot is best while performing asanas (postures) to ensure that you can find stability without slipping on your mat.
What if I can’t do the poses?
Yoga isn’t about achieving perfect poses. The main goal is to be present to the experience of your body and mind, without judgment. Yoga is not competitive. Always honour your own body.
Why does everyone bow at the end of class?
Often at the end of class the teacher will invite students to bring their hands together at your chest, bow and say “Namaste”. I love Gandhi’s translation of Namaste: I honour the place in you where the entire universe resides.
Yoga is for every body!
I have bad posture, can I really do yoga?
Yes! Yoga is an excellent way to not only develop postural awareness, but also improve your posture while maintaining a healthy spine.
Can I do yoga if I’m not flexible?
Absolutely. The majority of people begin yoga feeling that their flexibility is poor. You honour your abilities and limitations while in class and, over time, you will find your flexibility significantly improving.
What if I’m bored?
Our minds have an interesting way of resisting stillness in the body because it often reveals restlessness in the mind. When you can overcome your mind’s resistance to stillness, you will begin to experience profound changes in your life.
What do I do when I get to class?
When you come to class, make sure to arrive 15 minutes prior to the class start time. Complete any registration forms that may be required and then proceed to get set up for class. You may remove your shoes and leave them near the door. Set up your mat, then quietly perform gentle stretches or simply relax until the class begins. The goal is to be in a calm state before beginning your yoga practice.
What do I wear?
Comfortable clothing that doesn’t restrict movement. Barefoot is best while performing asanas (postures) to ensure that you can find stability without slipping on your mat.
What if I can’t do the poses?
Yoga isn’t about achieving perfect poses. The main goal is to be present to the experience of your body and mind, without judgment. Yoga is not competitive. Always honour your own body.
Why does everyone bow at the end of class?
Often at the end of class the teacher will invite students to bring their hands together at your chest, bow and say “Namaste”. I love Gandhi’s translation of Namaste: I honour the place in you where the entire universe resides.