Building a Yoga Foundation for 2025
As we move into this new year, you may be feeling inspired and motivated to try a new hobby. The beginning of the year provides a metaphoric “clean slate” where we are invited to see things with a fresh perspective and to envision just how we want to show up for ourselves in the
months ahead. But while we may also feel pressure to immediately jump into something full force — or worse, we have an expectation that we should immediately be “good” at it — we can instead think of our journey into a new hobby or activity as just that: a journey. And that journey begins with a single step. Each step along the way lays the groundwork for something strong, reliable, and sustainable.
Perhaps 2025 is the year you’ve decided to begin your journey into yoga! You’ve probably heard about the myriad of benefits of a dedicated yoga practice: improved balance, strength and flexibility, enhanced mental focus and well-being, better sleep and digestion (just to name a few). Studies have also shown that yoga can affect the anatomy of the brain and improve memory and cognitive function as well as slow age-related degeneration. Other studies suggest that yoga is an effective way to mitigate chronic pain and inflammation. With all this in mind, it’s no surprise that the CDC reported that nearly 17 percent of U.S. adults practiced yoga in 2022!
So where does one begin? With so many studios, styles and resources, you might feel overwhelmed with knowing where to start. As someone who has been practicing yoga for over 20 years and teaching for 15, my best advice is to start where you are. Because the truth is, you can LITERALLY start right where you are. Yoga is a practice of presence. So right now as you are reading this, take a moment to feel where you are in space and how it is you are sitting. Notice the sounds you hear without straining. Take a deep breath in. What does that feel like? Let the breath out. Notice how that feels. Now check in with your body: is there something that wants to move, stretch or wiggle? How does it feel to allow your body to move the way it’s requesting? This, my friend, is yoga!
Being present in your mind, body and breath is the foundation of any yoga practice. Once we take the mystique out of the practice and realize it truly is that simple, it can be less intimidating to take the next step, which may be putting on a yoga video or signing up to take a class. And as you take that next step, know that there is no pressure to perform — it’s called a practice for a reason! Every time we step onto our mat, we are practicing: practicing being present, practicing balancing, practicing breathing with awareness, etc. You don’t need to already know how to do any poses, and there is certainly no expectation to do them “right”. And no, you do not need to be able to touch your toes to take a public class. Here’s a tip: try bending your knees and you just might!
So are you ready to start? I encourage you to explore a variety of different studios, styles and teachers with an open mind and a sense of adventure. Many studios offer introductory specials, and your local library or neighborhood park will often host free community classes. Some styles may feel too slow for you — or too fast. You might not jive with some teachers, and that’s ok. You may prefer to practice in the comfort of your own home using resources like videos or books so that you can learn and move at your own pace. These resources are a great way to set a foundation as you can practice the same sequence of poses again and again and discover new insight each time. A home practice is also a nice way to tailor your time on your mat to meet your individual needs on any specific day. For instance, my book Foundational Yoga Flow is a comprehensive guide to 90 poses that will help you awaken, deepen, and soften your practice through detailed descriptions and accompanying photographs, all inspired by the evolving energy of the day. I’ve arranged some of these poses into sequences at the end of the book to support your needs from waking up to winding down.
It may take some time exploring, but I do believe there is a teacher and a style that WILL speak to you, if you’re willing to be curious. With that foundation of curiosity and a gentleness toward yourself, I know that your journey into yoga will be filled with moments of joyful discovery and growth!
Bio: Collette Ouseley-Moyan has been teaching yoga and mindfulness in Austin, TX since 2010 and is the author of the newly released book “Foundational Yoga Flow” with photographer Weston Carls, published by Human Kinetics Publishing. You can find out more on her website www.ColletteOM.com.
