Is Yoga right for me?
Yoga can be of benefit for many people but should always be approached with care. You should consider your current circumstances and particularly health issues.
If you have any medical conditions some forms of yoga may not be suitable for you, so always consult your health professional and yoga teacher before commencing lessons.
Adaptations can be made for your practice but your teacher needs to be aware of your specific needs to do this and should be appropriately qualified.
If you have a recent injury you may need to rest the specific area and maybe focus on pranayama (breath techniques) and meditation.
Is mindfulness right for me?
Mindfulness can be of great support at times of difficulty but this may not be a good time to start more in-depth practices.
Particular care should be taken if you are currently experiencing a significant mental health difficulty, have had a recent loss or have experience trauma. In these situations you may wish to discuss mindfulness with your mental health practitioner if you have one or your doctor.
If you feel very agitated or over whelmed when practicing you may want to consider using a mindful movement practice, such as yoga or qigong and taking time to care for yourself.
What equipment do I need for yoga?
This varies depending on the type of yoga practiced. If you do not have a yoga mat and want to try some yoga makes sure you are on a smooth, supported surface particularly for standing postures. It is important that the surface is not slippery. When lying or kneeling it is important to have a soft rug or towel to soften the pressure.
In some forms of yoga blocks, belts, cushions and bolsters are used. In classes these are usually supplied if needed; at home other items can be suggested to replace them.
However, if you are practicing regularly it is useful to have a reasonable yoga mat that supports practice and helps to prevent slipping.
Anything else I need to prepare for a yoga session?
To be comfortable while practicing the asanas (poses), as well as sitting and lying we suggest wearing loose or stretchy clothing. Standing poses, in particular, are best done with bare feet. However, sometimes when holding long supported poses or when relaxing at the end of a session some people find socks can help keep their feet warm.
It is best not to eat a full meal for at least 2 hours before practicing.
Do I need to sit on a mediation cushion for mindfulness?
No, mindfulness can be practiced sitting, standing or lying. Some people find a cushion helpful to support longer periods of sitting but the important thing is to be comfortable while having an alert posture.
How do I access a MYA class?
MYA generally only provides courses and sessions to partner organisations. If you think we could be of benefit to a voluntary or caring organisation that you attend or work for, please contact us.
We will be providing some open sessions during the year to increase awareness of our work and raise funds. These will be advertised on this website and our social media pages.
