Most of us are well aware of the physical benefits of a strong, dynamic yoga workout. Long gone are the clichéd ideas that yoga is a) only for enlightened gurus meditating on a mountain top b) only for skinny, bendy people, who look good in spandex c) a bunch of spaced out hippy types, burning incense and chanting.

Whether you believe it or not, yoga is for everyone, and it is really just like any other business; it’s good to shop around. Why? Because every yoga teacher is different and has a unique style and method of teaching, and his or her style will shift and change over time, as a reflection of experience. So, just because you didn’t like one class, do not write it off as something that does not suit you. Try again. Find another teacher. Please! Regardless of it being your first time and regardless of the preconceptions you have about yourself and yoga, I beg you, shop around and try again. Eventually, you will find the right centre, or teacher or style and with a little commitment, a whole new world will begin to open up; a world of self-discovery, heightened awareness, trust and so much more. (You will know when you have found the right teacher[s]—it will just feel right, almost as if the teacher is speaking directly to you.)

Don’t let excuses stand in your way. Some common excuses for not doing yoga:

• I am not good enough
• I am not flexible enough
• I am not fit enough
• I do not know enough about it
• I am too old, too young, too scared, too fat, too poor, etc.

RECOGNIZE EXCUSES and get rid of them!

First things first, yoga is not a competitive sport and chances are you will be better than you think. Remember, it does not matter how flexible you are, more importantly, it’s about having the courage to get to know and love yourself better. The worldwide yoga craze is spreading fast and seeping into unlikely territories. It seems that even hard-hitting business types are getting themselves a private yoga instructor, claiming it helps them to focus and can inspire great business ideas. More and more schools are embracing yoga into the curriculum and it would appear that new yoga studios are opening by the day. So, if you live in North Devon and would like to find your yoga, get in touch with us at: www.pollyclinics.com

Happy yoga-ing!

Namaste x