ABSOLUTE BEGINNERS

Whatever it is that brought you to the crossroads to meet Yoga, Relaxation, and Meditation, you are in the right place.

Firstly, be aware that Yoga is a non-competitive system, and therefore, there is nothing to achieve and nothing to prove. There is only change. Also, be aware that in this rather unhealthy Era of Distraction and Instant Satisfaction, Yoga is a system that is all about restoring your body and mind as stepping stones toward becoming a better version of yourself.

We have become accustomed to using the body-mind in ways that it is not designed for. We cannot reinvent the human body-mind and force it to become something else; we can only use it in an ideal or less than ideal way. Yoga was created to improve people's lives. Let us put it to good use.

The Beginners Series includes six practices that have been created specifically for those who are completely new. Here, you will be guided step by step to build a solid foundation as you explore basic mechanics, exercises to start building strength and flexibility, and exercises to train your breath and your ability to concentrate.

A thing worth mentioning is that nowadays there is too much of an 'entertainment component' in just about anything, and people expect to do different things every time because there has to be variety - it is 'that Era,' after all. That mindset should not be brought into Yoga, and it is important to understand that Yoga needs consistency: any given practice doesn't do much if done just once. Just like training a muscle once won't build it, and just like meditating once won't resolve one's inability to sleep well or relax. Practices are meant to be repeated, and the more regular one can be, the better. Embrace it the right way, and Yoga will work its magic.

You may approach the Beginners' practices in your own way. However, to fully develop yourself at the beginners' level, we recommend that you complete this Beginners Programme (found in the Resources tab below the video - you must be logged in and have an active subscription to download the PDF) and be sure to read the advice for a good Yoga practice before you begin your journey. When more than one practice appears in a week, these are to be practiced on different days (ex. Surya Namaskara one day, Practice X another day), stick to the order suggested and try to leave at least one day between them. If you're unable to practice in a given week, don't skip, resume from where you left off.

Although all Beginners practices are included with any subscription, the Beginners Programme BUNDLE is also available separately, and it grants access to all the videos needed to complete the course.

Some of us may prefer to start off with shorter practices, but this is not ideal for complete beginners; hence, the suggested practices are 60 mins. You will find shorter versions in the video library if you must take that route. You can always take extra breaks and skip some exercises if you feel overchallenged. Conversely, if you find the practices rather easy, be reassured that at this stage you don't need to do any more than what is suggested - a great painting is created one stroke at a time.

CONTINUING YOUR JOURNEY

After completing the 24-week course - congratulations! - you may start venturing into Level 1 practices, which also exist in shorter cuts of 45 and 30 mins. However, for best results, longer practices of 60 mins are recommended over shorter ones. It is advisable to stay with Level 1 for at least six months, practicing ideally twice weekly before starting to rotate with Level 2. At any time, you may return and enjoy any of the Beginners practices!

Going forward, most people will be happy with these two levels, which can be interspersed with shorter practices under 30 mins. There is nothing to achieve and there is nothing to prove, remember?

However, if you wish to move up to Level 3, Levels 1 and 2 should be practiced regularly for no less than 2-4 years if one has been practicing at least twice or once weekly, respectively.