Make Your Yoga Practice Pain-Free The practice of yoga is meant to reverse injuries, not cause them. Maintaining awareness of your body and breath during your practice is extremely important. Everyone's body is different, so focus on yours... the one that matters. There is no perfect yoga pose, only "your perfect pose." By honoring your body and leaving your ego in the dust you’ll be on the right track to a pain-free yoga practice. Try to incorporate these tips in your yoga practice: Breathe In…Breathe Out Breath is the more important part of yoga pose! Focusing on your breath during poses can help you soften and go deeper in poses. Breathe into areas of your body that contain tension. As you exhale visualize tension dissolving and releasing from your body. Release Your Ego Listen to your body and don't force a pose. If you fall out of a pose, are tired or out of breath, simply go into a resting pose like child's or downward-facing dog. This is your practice and your body so make sure you honor it. Practice with Acceptance No judgment means no injury. Some days you may find your balance or flexibility is better than others. Awareness of your body’s sensations is important so make sure you surrender to any discomfort without placing judgment on yourself. Look within Yourself There is no competition in yoga and it doesn't matter who can do what. Do what's right for you... it is your body not the person's next to you with their arms twisted behind the back and head on the floor. Look within and feel what's going on inside with your body. Practice a pose and return to anjali mudra, closing your eyes and noticing any effects within your body from the pose. Move with Grace Use minimal energy and practice yoga with effortlessness, as you float from pose to pose with each breath. You can achieve this by using small muscles to activate large muscles while in poses. Channeling lines of internal energy and power during poses and your everyday life conserves your life force. Whether you are a beginner or experienced yogi, avoid injury by focusing on your body and breath as one. During your yoga practice do what’s right for you. And be sure to find a class that best meets your individual needs and even consider seeking private yoga instruction. Raina Van Cleave, Private Yoga Instructor, RYT 200 http://www.yogainflorida.com/