Yoga 101: 5 Things Every Beginning Yoga Student Should Know
If my disadvantage and restriction to continue promoting yoga in Kuala Lumpur have somehow inspired you to start (taking up) yoga seriously – please find this sharing helpful!
( From Spoiled Yogi )
I’m always amazed at the rampant misconceptions about yoga. Even here in the San Francisco Bay Area, where yoga studios are as common as Starbucks, people think yoga is all about stretching and being healthy. I guess it can be that, but it can also be much more. Here are the things I wish everyone understood about yoga.
. . . . .
1. It doesn’t matter how flexible or inflexible you are.
Really. Being flexible won’t make you happier. There’s no prize. Stop suffering and learn to love the body you have!
I can only do the split at my fourth year of yoga, don’t kid yourself.
2. Don’t get hung up on how you look in a pose.
Everyone else in class is focusing on their own pose. They don’t care how you look (unless you’re wearing a thong). Let this be your first lesson in ego management.
Take it from Madonna, don’t get ‘HUNG UP’!
3. It’s OK if you don’t know what the Sanskrit words mean.
The only people in the room who do are teachers or big yoga dorks.
The name of this Ashtanga Primary Series pose is Kukkutasana,
go figure what it’s called in English
4. It’s not religious!
—unless you want it to be. Your practice should be unique to you. You’re allowed to make it as spiritual, religious, fitness oriented (or not) as you want. (If someone tells you otherwise, please have them call me.)
Assalamualaikum AND Namaste mean the very same (Peace Be Upon You)!
5. Yoga is an art form, a science, a lifestyle, and a philosophy.
But more than anything, it’s a way to get to know yourself better. And that’s something that benefits us all.
. . . . .
JUST get on the mat and soon enough you’ll be standing on your head (and look 10 years younger. And weigh 10 pounds lighter. And feel 10 inches taller, I can keep going on and on and on..), before you know it!
Love and have fun going crazy watching World Cup final!
An NYC-inspired yoga practice space along the lush green neighbourhood of Saujana Resort, Malaysia. For class schedule, fees and location, visit 
Ninie, I tgh kemalasan nak practise yoga (but still do it once or twice a week la) and after reading this post, bersemangat balik I nak merajinkan diri like I used to). You never fail to inspire me, babe
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Nina@Nas
12 Jul 10 at 11:00 AM
Ah.. Thanks for this one babe!
I have always felt intimidated by smaller, skinnier people who do yoga. I feel I am much too big, (aka fat) to do yoga and back then was feeling a bit embarrassed to do my 20 minutes map time outside of my room.
Flexibility is not my forte too.
Now, it’s getting better but I am still a bit self conscious nevertheless. The good thing about working out in the morning is that the gym is not full of people and I have all the mat time in the world, at that nook where no one goes to.
Love you babe, even though I bumped to you several times and never had the time to say hi (Because I was rushing!!!) I respeito you always. God Speed!!!!!!!!!!
Sarclover
12 Jul 10 at 7:29 PM
Of all the fixes I’ve had to exercise my body Yoga is the best thing I’ve done and will do.
P.S. I think your venturing out into the world in travel is a good thing. It would be an awesome event to have you practice in the same Houston studio one day.
Christopher
12 Jul 10 at 8:47 PM
Hi Ninie,
I do not know you personally, but reading about the challenges you’ve been facing about trying to promote Yoga, really makes me sad. I feel sad that there are still so many ppl with misconceptions about Yoga.
Your blog has been so positive, inspiring and uplifting.You are an inspiration to me to be a better person towards my body, the people around me and the environment.
I wish you good luck in your journey and I pray you will find what you are looking for.Keep up your good work. Take care my dear.
CherryBerry
15 Jul 10 at 4:51 PM