Start with a yoga mat.

I think the most difficult part of yoga is getting started. If you are like me, you probably put things off because you aren't perfect at it yet. Like you would rather skip the middle and pretend like you know exactly what you are doing at all times! The positive in that is you don’t want to settle for less, and there can be many reasons why you haven’t begun. Life gets crazy. It’s fine, but you also have to appreciate the fact that you are taking the time to learn a new skill. You have to acknowledge that you are trying something new, something out of your comfort zone, and then embrace it. Especially if it's something for the good of your health.

The first step? For me, as someone who was shy and not entirely comfortable going into a classroom—where I didn’t know what to expect and who would be there—find yourself a mat. Get yourself one thing that you can physically see, feel, and motivate you to begin. It can be a cheap one, find a design or color that resonates with you. You might not step on that mat for a few days, a week, whatever. I will tell you now that one day—or night, as I began at night because I was working days—you will unroll that mat and sit. You will start to move and bend to figure out how you fit on that mat. Feeling the cold floor underneath you, feeling the support of the earth as you lay down. Then, grab a cup of your favorite tea, find yourself a video or a virtual class, and enjoy yourself. Enjoy that time by yourself. Don’t stop yourself for too long because I know after you give it a try for 30 mins, an hour, or maybe even an hour and a half (Fewf!) you will feel a rush of relaxation, of comfort, and increased happiness.

I practiced alone, in my room. I watched videos, and read articles or books for a long time before I ever went to a class. I wouldn’t change a thing about the journey that I had coming into my own practice. I was happy with it, it fit my lifestyle and my personality. I went to a class when I was good and ready. There are benefits of going to a public class: to feel a sense of community, to have external motivators, and the fact that you can get one on one adjustments or answers to any questions you might not have found the answers to yet.

Don’t rush your journey. Slow down and take your time. We are all here for you