Joyful Greetings to all on International Yoga Day 2025!!! There is Magic in Yoga ! When you recognise this, the transformation has already begun. This can happen at various levels with different intensities in those who are regular, but to enjoy this Magic, a certain mindset is invaluable.
“I have so many questions!!”
When you are new to Yoga, several doubts can crop up. This is clear in the way students walk into their yoga class for the first time. Many walk in hesitantly – hello, am I in the right place? Some walk in nervously wondering – what is in store for me? And then there are those that walk in confidently – yes I am here to try this out! Some walk in with big question marks on their faces. They have many questions – what kind of yoga do you teach? is it going to benefit me? does this cause pain? is this suitable for me? and more questions. For most, carrying the yoga mat itself is a new feeling.
Settling In
As the days pass, I see the new students becoming comfortable coming to class. They walk in and pick their spots in the hall confidently. I see more smiles. They get quieter, not voicing their questions – either they are not so fixated on the answers any more, or they have learnt to handle the noise in their minds. It is obvious they are able to breathe much better and actually can relax in Shavasana.
Cultivate these to experience yoga best
Until you actually settle in, here are the new Yoga Student’s Top 10 Attitudes to Embrace and bring into the classes everyday. This will make your yoga journey joyful and transformative.
1. Learning Attitude
Come and be a student first! You may be a highly qualified professional in another field, but here you are taking your baby steps. Bring an open, curious mind. Ditch the need to label every class with words. Every class is a new experience, a new learning. Even for seniors. And equally so for the teacher. Observe what is going on in your mind and body. Learn to stay in a state of mind that helps you best.
2. Patience
This is an essential attitude, because progress in yoga takes both time and effort. Be patient with yourself and go slow if you are new to yoga. Your body & breath awareness will grow, and guide you. Appreciate the small changes and improvements you are sure to feel in yourself. Notice how you are getting 1% better everyday, whether it is in the pranayama, asana practice or mindfulness.
3. Non-Comparison
Yoga is an intensely personal journey. What you experience and feel is unique, only You know it. Only You can enjoy it. There is no need to compare yourself with anyone else in any way. In class, avoid comparing yourself to the super flexible lady or gentleman around you. Your goal may be different from another’s and that is fine. You need not aim for perfection, because there is no need to be perfect.
4. Sincerity
Yoga is a practice that needs sincerity, not seriousness or a sombre mood. You can be playful, joyful and still be sincere. I encourage all my students to do everything with a smile! Give the best that your body and mind allows you to, everyday. If you find yourself half-hearted, snap out of it with a deep breath and smile and see what happens.
5. Gratitude
Gratitude can be highly grounding and a huge stress buster. Be thankful that you have the time, space, and ability to practice. Feel that gratitude deeply and watch it transform your energy and your practice.
5 more yoga attitudes
6. Discipline
Discipline is non-negotiable if you want to see results. Be strong-willed. Show up every single day. Determine not to miss classes. When you miss classes, you have to restart, sometimes all over again. This can be frustrating. Hence, aim for consistency.
7. Mindfulness
Everyone has a 100 things to think about. In class, leave all distractions outside the hall. Learn to be fully in the class. Every time your mind wanders, bring it back to the present with your breath awareness. Soon you will automatically learn to be in the present moment more often. One of the best things about Yoga is that Mindfulness is embedded in the practice. If your mind is elsewhere, your progress will be cut short.
8. Acceptance
Some days you feel really strong. Some days you may feel low on energy & even simple balances may feel surprisingly tough. It is better to embrace what your body feels like each day without resistance. No need to feel frustrated or sad.
Rather, experiment what changes in diet, breathing or sleep patterns make you feel energetic or otherwise.
9. Enjoyment
Come with an “I will enjoy this” attitude. You should find smiles in the class – for the beautiful vinyasas, for the progress you are making, for the positivity in the class, for the guidance of the teacher, and yes, even for the struggle, the aches. Smiles make your classes lighter and fun. Smile such that your smile lights up another!
10. Respect
This is something special and sacred you are doing everyday. Have great respect for this ancient knowledge & wisdom that is being carried forward for centuries, for the teacher, for your fellow students, for the practice space, and most importantly, for yourself.
Do you realise these attitudes will help you when applied to many other areas of learning as well !! 🙂 If this post was useful, do share what you liked best in the comments below. Also share your personal experience of how yoga makes you feel! How did you start your journey? How did you cope when you were new ?
