Yoga is a discipline that promotes psychophysical balance. It makes you more centered, aware and satisfied with life. Here's how to start practicing it
Read yoga and immediately think of the mat unrolled on the ground and the different positions to do with the body. "Actually, doing yoga does not mean exercising, but it is definitely much more", explains Francesca Senette, journalist and yoga teacher, author of the book The little book of Yoga (Probe), a useful guide for anyone who wants to learn more about this millennial discipline. «Yoga is above all a meditative practice. It teaches awareness, gratitude, concentration, harmony, balance ", explains Francesca Senette. The asanas, on the other hand, «are nothing more than a preparation for concentration and a meditative state in which body, mind and soul reach a condition of harmony between them. In fact, Yoga really means uniting, union: between mind and body, soul and spirit . Another aspect that differentiates an asana from a simple gymnastic exercise is attention to breathing. "In yoga, the long, deep breath with the nose guides the practice."
How to choose the right yoga course
There are many "styles" of yoga. "In choosing, it can be useful to look for a practice tailored to your character," says Francesca Senette. "For example, for those who are a person who loves discipline and rigor and is always looking for certainties, the Asthanga could be fine, in which an unchanging series of asanas are repeated. Who is a dynamic person, for example, could try Hatha yoga or Vinyasa flow. The advice is to experiment with the different styles and practice what makes you "feel at home" . A mistake to avoid? «Forcing the different positions. In yoga it is essential to have respect for your body. "
Two positions to start
The position of the forceps (Paschimottanasana) is ideal for relaxing body and mind. "To perform it you have to sit on the ground with your legs together and grab your knees with your hands and, if you can, your ankles and toes, trying to relax your whole body." Another asana to try is the position of the corpse (Shavasana). «To perform it you need to lie on the ground with your chin closed towards your sternum. The arms and legs are stretched out on the mat, the palms of the hands are facing upwards and the feet outward. While in this position, you must listen to the beating of the heart and the belly that rises and falls with the flow of breath, "says Francesca Senette.
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