Having a beginner’s mind in yoga is a beautiful thing. A beginner may not have the body awareness that a seasoned yogi may have, but what they lack in awareness they make up for in willingness to try. A good teacher instructs from the present moment and, therefore, will queue a little bit differently in each class.
In addition, each teacher has something different to bring to their students based on their personality, life experience, etc., and this flavors their teaching. Staying in the present moment and following instructions from moment to moment during class breeds opportunity for expansion in your yoga practice. As the saying goes... if you do things the way you’ve always done them, what you’ll get is what you’ve always gotten.
Another way you can keep your beginner’s mind fresh is with where you place your mat in class. I have noticed many yoga practitioners arrive early to class to”get their spot.” Instead of placing your mat down in the same spot, pick a new spot each time. Keeping your surroundings new and fresh will also help you break old patterns, even if it means you are in the sun, the air is stuffy or a higher temperature. Adding new elements to deal with each time will help you step out of your comfort zone in more ways than just the physical.
Above all, a yoga practice of any kind is better than no practice, so take my words lightly. As with all lessons learned on the mat, you may end up taking this freshness into work or at home. Oh, the possibilities!
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