September 18, 2024

Do’s: Śauca (Cleanliness): Ensure cleanliness of your surroundings, body, and mind before starting your yoga practice. Practice on an Empty Stomach: Perform yoga on an empty stomach. If feeling weak, a small amount of honey in lukewarm water can help. Empty Bowels and Bladder: Make sure your bladder and bowels are empty before beginning any yogic practices. Begin with a Prayer or Invocation: Start your session with a prayer to create a peaceful atmosphere and relax the mind. Move Slowly and with Awareness: Practice asanas in a relaxed, slow manner, staying aware of your body and breath. Warm Up: Always begin with stretches or loosening exercises to prevent injury. Progress Gradually: Move into advanced postures only with practice and patience. Eat Satvik Food: Aim for a Satvik diet, avoiding meat, eggs, onions, garlic, and mushrooms. Stay Hydrated: Drink water before practice to stay hydrated. Wear Comfortable Clothing: Use light, comfortable cotton clothing that supports movement. Choose a Ventilated Space: Practice in a well-ventilated room with good airflow. Use a Good Yoga Mat: A mat with good grip ensures stability during asanas. Mind Your Breathing: Focus on breathing through the nostrils unless instructed otherwise. End with Relaxation: Cool down with relaxation techniques, ensuring a complete session. Don’t Hold Your Breath: Avoid holding your breath unless explicitly stated in the practice. Gentle Movements: Avoid giving jerks or straining your body. Practice Regularly: Yoga requires persistence and regularity to see benefits. Know Your Limitations: Keep in mind contraindications for specific yoga practices. End with Meditation: Conclude your session with meditation, silence, or a peace invocation. For spiritual seekers, the ethical guidelines in yoga, such as the Yamas (restraints) and Niyamas (observances), are critical. The Niyamas include: Śauca: Purity of mind and body. Santoṣa: Contentment and acceptance. Tapas: Discipline and perseverance. Svādhyāya: Self-study and introspection. Īśvarapraṇidhāna: Contemplation of a higher power. Don’ts: Avoid Yoga When Exhausted or Ill: Don’t perform yoga in a state of exhaustion, illness, or stress. Pause During Menstruation: Women should avoid regular asanas during menstruation. Opt for relaxation and pranayama instead. Don’t Practice Right After Eating: Wait 2-3 hours after meals before doing yoga. No Immediate Shower or Food: Avoid eating, drinking, or showering for 30 minutes after your session. Rest After Illness or Injury: After surgeries, sprains, or fractures, refrain from yoga until cleared by a health expert. No Strenuous Exercises Post-Yoga: Avoid strenuous activities immediately after yoga. Watch the Weather: Don’t practice in extreme weather conditions, whether too hot, cold, or humid. For those on a spiritual path, it’s essential to follow the Yamas, which include: Ahiṃsā: Nonviolence. Satya: Truthfulness. Asteya: Non-stealing. Brahmacharya: Sexual restraint. Aparigraha: Non-possessiveness. Other attributes like Patience (Kṣamā), Fortitude (Dhrti), and Measured Diet (Mitāhāra) are also important. Always consult a health expert if you have a medical condition or are pregnant before beginning yoga.