My experiences with yoga so far, and why I think you should try it

Here at OTI House we host free yoga lessons every Tuesday (however for the holidays we’ve ceased operations until the new year! Watch our Facebook for updates…). I remember my first yoga session with the incredibly skilled Elena, our most generous yogi, mere days after I had arrived in Cyprus, and I’ve participated in every session since.

I’ve found yoga to be an amazing activity to really wind down and relax, which is great for someone like me – my mind is constantly active and it can get very exhausting at times, so finally getting to slow down is something I’ve grown to really appreciate.

But alongside being calming, yoga is also physically challenging. I find this balance quite impressive. A lot of people nowadays, especially in our increasingly sedentary society, find exercise and physical strain very stressful. It’s something a lot of people avoid. Yoga pushes your boundaries while simultaneously acting as a balm over a restless mind.

Furthermore, during our sessions, Elena always starts with a guided mediation and finishes with another one. The difference between them is impeccable – as I lie on the ground in the beginning my muscles are often a little bit twitchy, and I find it difficult to shut off mentally. But after our 90 minute session and taking to the floor once more, the relaxation is bone-deep. It’s amazing!

For you high-strung types out there, perhaps take the time to give yoga a try. It’s really not difficult to get started – a beginner yoga mat comes cheap, and you just need to wear clothes that won’t get in the way and impede your movement. Go with an open mind and for the purpose of self-improvement and not comparison between you and your fellow yogis in training. Yoga is not an activity for the ego! Relax, have fun, and make mistakes. 😊