There are many reasons people believe themselves to be unsuited to beginning or maintaining a yoga practice. Often people consider themselves too; old, stiff, inflexible, tired, time poor, unmotivated, unconfident or simply don’t know where to start.
As long as you have breath in your body this yoga is for you. There’s nothing you have to be able to do – you are not a performer, you are not being judged, you are working solely to encourage your body (and mind) to work in a more efficient and integrated way
Here are some suggestions that may help your practice:
- Read ‘Awakening the Spine’ by Vanda Scaravelli
- Study with Diane Long, either in a group or, if possible, on a one to one basis
- Study with a teacher who has worked with Diane Long for many years: Sophy Hoare, Christine Borg, Liz Warrington
- Practise daily
- Sit and observe the breath every day
- Watch videos of Diane Long teaching others and doing her own practise
- Never doubt
- Don’t be afraid
- Be kind and patient with yourself
- Be playful and approach your practice as a child might approach a playground
- Think ‘I don’t care what I do on the mat as long as it’s beautiful’
Remember that Vanda Scaravelli, who could have done so many wonderful things with her life such were her talents, chose to devote her intelligence, time, life and love to this yoga.