Yoga has been a struggle for me since 2014, when I initially set out to start my practice. It was mainly a struggle because of the simple fact that I thought I couldn't do it. I was/am not flexible at all. I don't work out at all and my diet is still a little shaky. I thought all of these aspects of my life made me incapable of practicing and being successful at yoga. Little did I know, the only thing that was truly holding me back was my fear of failing. I was afraid that I wouldn't be good at it. That my body wouldn't bend the way it should. That I just was not fit enough and flexible enough to make it work for me.
Now, here we are in 2016 and I find yoga to be the most exciting, relaxing and revitalizing thing to do on a daily basis (or as often as I can). I am still learning each day. I am still not at all flexible (yet) and I am still a beginner but the progress comes with trying. So here are my suggestions on starting, trying and making yoga work for you.
The first step I made to ensure that yoga was apart of my daily life was deciding that it was for me. Deciding that my practice was not going to be like the other yogis out there on Instagram. Deciding that my strength was not going to be like everybody else when starting out. Deciding that the journey was not going to be an easy one but knowing that I was more than capable of taking on the heat. By making these decisions and affirming that I could do it, I was able to muster up the courage to being my practice and stick to it.
Next, I had to find the best way for me to practice. I found it easier for me to practice with an instructor, either online or in person. I would suggest that you start out the same way because you want to make sure you are moving your body in the correct ways when surrendering into poses and transitioning out of them. This is not to say that you can't start a successful at home practice. This is to say that it is always better to consult a professional first before going out on your own.
Lastly, I didn't give up on my self and I stayed consistent. Once I got into the rhythm of it and did it daily, it became apart of my ritual/routine. I forced myself to get up in the morning. I forced myself to make time in the evening. Now, don't get me wrong it is still a struggle. Some days, I take Ls, some days I neglect the practice all together. But again, the progress comes with trying. 
I know I made starting the journey sound easy so some of you are rolling your eyes but truly it is easy to start. Just like it is easy to unlock your phone and go to social media. You just do it.
So for those of you thinking about starting your journey. Please, just do it! It won't kill you to start it out. Go to a yoga class and see how you like it. Feel it out for yourself and decide if it is for you. You will not become a pro overnight and you will not be happy/content with your practice everyday but you have to try. The happiness you will feel just by trying will outweigh the feelings you have toward your execution of each pose.
Just take a look at the photos above. They are action shots from my practice this morning. My poses are not at all perfect but I could not be happier with my determination and how well I surrendered my body throughout the practice. Each day you will learn and you will succeed. Believe in yourself.
-patiencetamarra
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