Written by Kerishma Ramnath | @stellartoearthyoga

It's more about how the pose feels than how it actually looks on you.

You may think "I will never be able to do that pose" or even "This pose looks too easy to do, I want something more intense." The pose's intensity differs for each individual and it is important to perceive it from your own strength.

Any pose (eg. downward dog) can feel relaxing for you and intense for the next person. Explore how the pose feels for YOU! Yoga is limitless. There are adjustments and modifications of the poses that can be done to suit your body.

Pay close attention to the words the teacher is instructing instead of focusing too much on what the teacher is actually doing.

This will shift your focus from trying to look the same way as the teacher does in the pose to noticing how your body feels - giving you the ability to achieve your optimal yoga practice.

Be patient with yourself.

Allow yourself to experience the practice instead of rushing. I know sometimes it can be frustrating if you aren't able to achieve a certain pose or to think that you're doing it wrong. See it as an opportunity to practice patience and kindness to yourself. Each practice is a journey, give yourself time! Be persistent but patient, listen to your body as you go along.

Set an intention.

Introduce mindfulness at the start of your practice by setting an intention, this helps with mind-body connection and will guide you to a deeper yoga practice, not to mention train your mind to be mindful in your daily life.

Let your breath guide you.

Your breath is your life force and it is equally important as the pose.
You can deepen your practice and change the way you feel emotionally, physically and mentally. It is the connection between the mind, body and subtle energies within. Notice how you feel as you let your breath guide your every movement.

These are just a few simple tips that I've picked up since I've started my journey with yoga.
I hope you find it helpful. Have any questions? Comment below!