Oct
2009 9
2009 9
Light On Yoga – Iyengar?
I just bought this great yoga book as reccommended by a uni friend.
What I want to know is – can you just start practising the asanas or should you really be taking a class and using the book as a guidance?
I’m a beginner so am not sure whether my posture is right and cant really see for myself but right now I am not financially able to attend class regularly..
Please give me some advice.
Thanks!
it is best to go to a class at first, even just a couple of classes will put you on the right track. a teacher can simply explain alignment to you, with a book it is hard to know when you are doing it right. however thereafter, using a book can be very helpful – the more you read about yoga the better you will interpret the postures on a deeper level.
light on yoga is a classic yoga text, if you read all of that you will be very knowledgeable on the subject!
another thing you could try is to approach a teacher and ask if they would give you a concessionary rate for a few classes, given your financial situation. most teachers *should* be willing to consider this.
“Light on Yoga” is an all-time classic.
It contains a wealth of great info, but even so, there are some details that will be very challenging to learn on your own without being able to ask questions of, and interact with, a knowledgeable instructor.
By all means, continue to read the book and glean what you are able.
Hopefully soon you will be able to take classes from a knowledgeable instructor.
One other piece of advice: when seeking an instructor, unless you feel absolutely certain you need an instructor in a particular style, sample instructors teaching other Hatha yoga styles.
In my opinion, finding a teacher you enjoy is more important than the specific style.
When I started taking classes, I was more interested in Astanga style, but I felt the Iyengar instructor I found was the most knowledgeable of the various instructors in my area, and, that she most closely matched my philosophic and spiritual values.
Namaste’,
dwb
by yogi on October 9, 2009 at 10:22 am.
Work out in front of a mirror. You’ll be able to see your form and where you may be lacking.
by Dances with Buddha on October 9, 2009 at 2:24 pm.