If you kind of want to try yoga, but aren’t sure it’s for you…read this.

If you’re the kind of woman who’s “not sure you’re a yoga person.”
Who’s also heard people rave about it and recommend it.
And, are low-key considering trying it out. 

I see you, and to be honest for a long time I was you. It might surprise you to find out that I didn’t take my first yoga class for years because I was terrified. 

What if I look stupid?
What if I get embarrassed?
What if I can’t do it?
What if the people aren’t welcoming and kind?

My insecurities far outweighed my desire back then. Because truthfully I had no idea what yoga was and no one had ever taught me to relate to myself in the way that yoga asks you to. 
Sound familiar?

Let’s talk about what’s really keeping you from trying yoga or actually giving yoga  a real chance to make a difference in your life. 

First off, it’s scary to try something new. Especially if you feel insecure about how you look, struggle with self-worth, have pain or health concerns, have felt unwelcome in the past or worry you’re going to suck at something. 

Secondly, it’s hard to actually comprehend that yoga might just be the exact thing that’s missing in your life. Especially when mainstream and social media projects the image that yoga is for $80 yoga pants wearing thin young white women in flashy poses. Which is deeply ironic considering that yoga is from India and was mostly practiced by people in their pajamas. 

Here are some things you should know about yoga, from someone who’s worked in the field since 2009 and practiced since 2006. 

• Yoga spaces are usually quite welcoming (but not always). It’s important to do a vibe check on the teacher or studio if you can before you go. Look for teachers and studios that make you feel comfortable, welcome as you are and genuinely care about your experience. 

 

• Most people start practicing because they’re having a hard time in some way or another. Some of the most common reasons are pain, anxiety, life transitions, loneliness, grief, etc. So just know that if you’re going through something - so are others turning to this wisdom tradition. 

 

• Yoga is a practice of inner focus where you’re asked to pay attention to yourself. Believe me, the other people pay as much attention to you as you would think. 

 

• Most people try it at home first these days. But here’s the thing, not every yoga teacher is teaching the same yoga. So try different kinds, different teachers, different approaches to find what you like. 

 

• You will get confused, fumble, maybe even fall over or get emotional. But you will also become stronger (inside and out), more graceful, feel stress you’ve carried for decades unwind, feel lighter - centered - more free than when you started. 

 

• Yoga is very holistic and more than exercise. It’s a wisdom tradition, an embodiment and spiritual practice. A set of tools that are designed to help you with the four pillars of your life: your body, mind, spirit and life. 

 

• Yoga could very well be the solution that you’re seeking. The doorway into feeling more comfortable in your own skin, playful, and simply put - like you are whole and at ease. Like the empty parts of you are filled and the weight is lifted. 

Now that you know all of this, I’m going to challenge you to take a step forward. 

Click here to take a peek at this 21 day home based yoga program called Daily Devotion that I made for you. It’s where you can find out what yoga can actually do for you and you can find a free yoga practice on this page. 

If you like it, consider signing up for the course and I’ll walk you through 10 minute a day practices that are designed for women who are genuinely wanting to practice in a way that benefits you. But also, honors a depth based practice. You won’t just find yoga that moves your body in this course, 

You’ll also find a varied “yogic diet” with energy and breathwork, meditation, relaxation and yoga philosophy that you can do in bite-sized chunks. 

Find out more about daily devotion

Keri Marino is a yoga therapist and yoga teacher since 2009 and the founder of The Nourished Woman. She works with self-aware women weaving depth and devotional based yoga practice with nervous system tending and inner work. She runs The Nourished Woman Podcast, works with women 1:1 and offers opportunities to practice and learn in person and online. Based in Greenville, SC.