5 Yoga Mistakes

I have practised yoga for over 30 years and as you can imagine I have made numerous mistakes along the way to become the person I am today,  imperfect but with far more understanding than I had previously.  Here are 5 of my yoga mistakes.

Comparing myself to others.  I used to often spend time comparing  the strength, suppleness and balance of other students to myself.  However, I found the more time I spent doing so the less progress I made in my on practice.  When I stopped watching others and focused my mind and energy internally on my own practice I achieved more.

Trying too hard.  I was one of those students who in Baddha Konasana (Cobbler)  pressed the knees to the floor with all my might to achieve the pose. However, I only got there when I learned to relax and soften the stretch.

Giving up too soon.  My first tutor love Bakasana (Crane) an arm balance. I had weak wrists at the time and used to make just a feeble attempt. I preferred deep stretches as I was supple.  My tutor encouraged me to keep trying and I will never forget the sense of achievement when my feet lifted and I achieved my first Bakasana.

Wishing for things to be different.  I still do this from time to time, wishing I had more time for my own practice or meditation.  Yoga is not about creating the perfect life it is about enjoying life’s journey and your life just as it is right now.

Being over critical.  Generally we are more critical with ourselves than we would ever be with our best friend.  In yoga I found my body respond more effectively when I focused on what I was doing well rather than being critical about my imperfections.