Simple Magic
Although I consider myself a seasoned yogini, I often drop in beginners’ classes. I just like to go back to the basics, be a newbie again, and refresh some key alignment points that I might have forgotten down the road. But most of all, I am curious how every teacher designs a class that is foundational, inspirational and enjoyable.
Some teachers manage to fulfill their students’ needs and others don’t. But there’s always something new to learn and experience. Most likely, though, the class would be limited to only a few key poses that are held for too long, and accompanied by clichéd phrases that circulate in the established yoga verbiage. Most of the time the class gets either too boring – because it is too static; or too physically strenuous – because the students are given too many anatomical and energetic alignment instructions while bombarded with philosophy, physiology and incoherent Sanskrit names. If you google “beginner’s sequences” on YouTube you are most likely to encounter the same sequence, in a different order. The cuing, transitions and variations are basically the same. You just are lucky to get a different instructor with a different outfit. The content, though, is always the same – good old “Sun Salutes”, “child’s pose” and “cat & cow.” I do agree that it is quite daunting to create a challenging and accessible sequence that keeps students awake, and yet flows unimpeded and is fun to do. That is why I deem ingenuity and creativity to be the key ingredients to a universal beginner’s practice.
Through years of working with beginners both privately and in groups I have discovered that a varied practice yields best results. When students are led into the same sequence of poses and the same transitions and variations, their bodies and minds no longer work in synch. They tend to slack off and to mark the poses without fully indulging into the flow. They improve as much as their natural flexibility allows and then they stop. They continue their practice for another two years and they always remain beginners. How come? Simply put, they are given the same food every time, and when they try out something new, they cannot digest it properly. They get injured for life, or simply put off by the practice. Beginners should not be underestimated. In many respects they can accomplish much more than seasoned yogis, as they are still open to soak up the magic of the practice. They’re ready to probe any new approach –and are not yet tarnished by the grey monotony of some Yoga styles.
Every beginner is a whole new yoga universe. He’s ready to embark on a life long journey – and the most important thing is to usher him into a space where he could be nurtured and also led. I also feel beginner’s classes ought to be well-rounded so the whole body can awaken. They should not be formatted and standardized because the beginner is not only assuming a series of poses, but also trying to grasp core principles. The class should not be repetitive, or reiterate the same truths in the same way, but instead fuel fresh perspectives and allow students to experience the simple magic of Yoga. I call it simple magic, because it is a seamless, but entrancing feel. It takes you on a trip through the Universe and back.
This trip spans a life-time and beyond and is never limited to a certain number of poses, a bunch of concepts and a handful of mantras. It is an ongoing exploration of the soul and its purpose here on Earth. Because I feel a beginner every time I roll out my mat, because I allow the practice to take me on this unchartered journey into boundless possibilities. Here are some of my insights from being a beginner that might resonate with you, too. Whether you’re a newbie who still believes that lotus is a next-life resolution, or a master who has limited the physical variety of poses for the sake of spiritual absorption you might find these Tao nuggets tasty or wise.
As a beginner stop trying to fit into certain poses, and start enjoying the whole flow. Poses are only signposts en route.
As a beginner do not concern yourself with what you have accomplished, but honor every stage of your work
As a beginner favor the ongoing self-inquiry over the quick fix.
As a beginner adjust the practice to suit your physical and spiritual anatomy – edge playing is key.
As a beginner find time and space to practice every day, even if walking mindfully on the street.
As a beginner test the truths from reading and practice in real life.
As a beginner be present and curious, but also laid back and relaxed.
As a beginner be inspired from nature and rediscover its vibratory coherence in you.
As a beginner bring the mind into the wisdom in every cell.
As a beginner feel plugged into the circuit, but not too hooked to the result.
As a beginner know that there is no right or wrong, but just authentic and true.
As a beginner stay open to infinite possibilities to re-create your vision anew.
As a beginner, do not be restricted to the same format, but allow yourself to think out of the box.
As a beginner soak up the spirit of simple wonder – the magic that resides in your heart.
And know that you are the destination of the journey, and you have already arrived.
Yes, we from Yogea Artflow have arrived home – in our inner pool of creativity – from where we continue to generate new practices, to weave new tapestries of ingenious yoga and reinvent the Yoga magic in simple and exhilarating ways.
15 min Beginner’s Yoga Routine: Simple Magic
This brief beginner’s Yogea routine works out the entire body, while stimulating the glands and promoting a sense of energetic flow and postural alignment. It offers safe, but challenging sequencing and integrates stabilizing postures with core strengtheners, accessible back bends with healthy twists, semi-inversions with soothing forward bends. The intense and invigorating flow will leave you centered, productive and eager to practice more. The short relaxation at the end is intended to bring you into alignment with your inner purpose so you can perform optimally and live healthily.
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