Whenever I am reminded of the results that yoga brings to people that I know - and people that I don't know personally - it occurs to me that there are so very many people who would be delighted to know those benefits but who haven't ventured into the territory of yoga because of their perception of what yoga is.
Because of some yoga books, DVD's and videos, it might look quite unreasonable to successfully do yoga.
Perhaps because of certain postures or certain elements, it might look as if it's not going to work along side you and who you are.
Or perhaps, with a little interest in trying out yoga, a good starting point is hard to find.
Yoga is very much experiential.
Once you've taken a good yoga class (one that's right for you), you will know for yourself.
It's possible that it will take several tries to find a class that - in all senses - really feels right.
But what if you don't know what's actually involved and think it could be something that you really don't want to do or be involved in? Would yoga classes respect you - exactly as you are - and not impose anything that would make you uncomfortable in any way? That depends.
And if it's not in your nature to explore the possibilities without knowing for sure what's involved - then it's possible that you are missing something that you would absolutely love and come to enjoy real, long term, benefit from.
Chances are excellent that there is a way of doing yoga and a yoga teacher somewhere that is absolutely right for you.
So how then do you find one? How do you dip into yoga to see what happens...
without it going wrong for you? Researching the different traditions of doing yoga - in any method open to you - is definitely worth whatever time is involved.
In yoga, there are different degrees of intensity and different movements and also, different elements in the practice.
If there is a yoga tradition that sounds promising, why not research the instructor who is offering it...
better still contact the teacher with lots of questions.
Any yoga instructor who isn't open and warm to all of your inquiries possibly isn't what you are looking for right now.
Some yoga classes are all about fun; some about sweating; some designed to relax and peel away some stress; some that will simply leave you brighter, rather than exhausted.
And everything in between.
Ask the instructor all of the questions that you are wondering about.
If you want to know, ask what yoga elements will be incorporated into the class.
Ask what provisions there might be for an injury or medical condition that concerns you.
It is all very important.
Most yoga instructors will welcome you to try a class without a commitment of any kind.
Some courses will require you to sign up for 12 weeks at a time...
other courses / classes can offer more flexibility.
Yoga involves all of the moving parts of your body and "one size does not fit all.
" Pain is not gain in yoga.
Finding a way where the yoga works for you and your hopes is very worthwhile.
And as my husband always says: "No time on reconnaissance is ever wasted!"