New member from Texas

Community Welcome New Members
#1

Hi, I am Mike from Austin Texas. I bought a yoga mat and blocks 6 years ago and used them 3 or 4 times since then. I bought gym equipment 4 years ago and used it less than the yoga mat and have since sold the gym equipment. I then bought a gym membership for a year and went two days with a personal trainer and never showed back up.

Around 5 years ago I got into shape by doing Tae Kwon Do and that lasted a few years until we started having kids. I don’t think I need a gym, it doesn’t seem to work for me. I liked Tae Kwon Do but don’t have the time for it with the kids and new family. I really didn’t get into the fighting with each other, I think what I needed was the classes to keep me going.

After all of these years I think Yoga is the right thing for me, and I really feel better after a session. It allows me to practice on my own time when I have it (usually after 8pm) and I also plan on attending at least one class a week to keep me on track and understand the proper ways to perform each pose.

I want to accomplish the following with my Yoga practice:

  1. Feel better physically
  2. Become more flexible
  3. Reduce stress
  4. Feel more relaxed during the day
  5. Slow down - When I get going I think too fast, I often times talk before others stop talking because I can’t slow down.
  6. Work on strengthining my lower back
  7. Fix my head, it sticks out in front pretty far. I am told my chest is tight.
  8. Stay healthy

We are also changing the way we eat to be healthier.

To get off to a good start I have already had two private sessions in the last 3 weeks to get going. My plan is to attend my first class tomorrow night, the first school I am going to try out teaches a flow-based (vinyasa) style of yoga.

I have been reading this and other message boards and books for the last few weeks and getting lots of good information and will probably be asking some beginner questions, like: What is OM? I have seen that in a few places now.

Thanks,
Mike.

#2

Hi Mike,

Welcome to the forum.

Om is the all pervasive sound with which God created everything, in the Christian tradition: “…in the beginning the Word was God and God was the word…” When you say the Om, the most holy sound of all, you are linking into this Divine aspect within yourself and all around you. You are honouring that place in which the entire Universe dwell, where Love, Light, Peace and Harmony dwells and where we all are One.

#3

Welcome to forum Mike. I was just in Austin last month to visit my brother and sister-in-law; it is really great city.

I think your list of goals looks great and all accomplishable with a good Yoga practice.
I am glad to hear that you are investing in classes and private sessions. This is great way to begin your new practice and to start with proper alignment and focus. This whole thing is no good if you are unable to practice because of a Yoga injury.

Take your time, enjoy yourself and ask as many questions as you think of.

Cheers,

#4

Thanks guys. I had my first real class last night and it was great. :smiley: I definitely plan on asking my questions here.

Thanks,
Mike.