WELCOME FIRST TIMERS

Yoga has almost nothing to do with flexibility. So, please, do not be intimidated with the degree of
your flexibility. Balance, strength and flexibility are all bi-products of yoga practice. Yoga’s underlying
purpose is to consciously bring us back into mental, physical, and spiritual harmony.

As we practice yoga, the mind becomes still which enables us to listen to ourselves. For most of us
this is a totally new phenomenon. As we learn to listen to what our body needs, it becomes our
greatest teacher. This is what allows us to work hard, yet safely.

Yoga literally means “union” and “balance”. It is a union of the body, mind, and soul. Our body and
mind work together as a team. An emotion is our body’s reaction to our mind. As we teach our mind
to approach our body with kind, compassionate, and non-judgmental thoughts, our body will
understand that energy as love and will respond favorably. As we heal our mind, our bodies’ health
will naturally follow.

Yoga by it’s very nature is challenging. It is a non-competitive exercise. Sincere effort is it’s only
requirement. You will learn how to work with yourself, not against. It is important to take it easy
in the beginning and remember straining will not expedite your practice but will only impede it.
If you cannot breathe normally, you are pushing too hard and need to back off. Remember,
breathing is the main function of the practice.

The path of yoga is truly self-acceptance. We all have different bodies and that is what makes
each of us unique. Do not get caught up in what others are doing around you, just stick to your
own body and do the best you can. It is not a contest between you and yourself or anyone else.
Yoga will lead us to greater health and vitality the moment we stop competing and comparing
ourselves with others.

Your first class will help you release stress and allows you to experience deep states of being such
as peace, joy and love. As you learn to make your body your friend, you can miraculously transform
your whole life. That is our hope for you!

Namaste