Beginning the Yoga Journey

by Brian
(Weaverville, NC USA)

Hello, I am starting my yoga journey and trying to figure out how to do it. I have actually decided to leave my former beliefs because I am so fascinated by the yogi philosophy. Any advice someone could give me on how to do this would be great. Thanks

Brian

Yogi Mir:

Brian, Congratulations!

Being fascinated is a great place to be. Often, the hardest task for intermediate yogis is to stay fascinated with the world and the meaning of life.

There are several yogic paths you can take. The most common path is the physical Yoga, or Hatha Yoga.

However, there are other 4 traditional Yogic paths:

- Raja Yoga - Yoga of controlling the mind through different practices such as Kriyas (cleansing techniques), Pranayamas (breathing), and meditation techniques;

- Jnana Yoga - Yoga of knowledge, or discovering our True Self though self-analysis of the mind, reading spiritual texts, and joining a spiritual group;

- Bhakti Yoga - Yoga of Emotion, or developing a loving relationship with the natural world and seeing everything as a manifestation of the Divine;

- Karma Yoga - Yoga of Selfless Service, or performing all your actions as a way to serve and help others.

The absolute one best thing you can do for your practice and yogic journey is to find a guide, or a teacher who is experienced and has walked this path.

I would recommend visiting a community of yogis, full of spiritual insight and guidance. You'll get your inspiration and direction there. Plan a visit to Yogaville as you are not too far from Charlottesville, VA, if you live in North Carolina.

Good luck and Happy Journey!

~ Yogi Mir