Whenever speaking about Goa, often it’s Portuguese culture, musical festivals, happening nightlife, beach parties and rich architectural heritage come to mind. But, Goa is also popular for being the spiritual capital of India. With a variety of yoga styles, local yoga studios, authentic Indian yoga gurus, a heart-warming community, friendly locals and the amazing atmosphere of Goa attracts yoga enthusiasts and wellness seekers from around the globe. The yoga tourism in Goa has been at its peak over the last decade, especially for the yoga classes in Goa. In this guide, you will be learning ten things to keep in mind when taking a yoga class in Goa.
Research Various Yoga Styles Before Enrolling
One of the most important things before enrolling in a yoga class in Goa is to research the various styles of yoga that Goa has to offer. Since yoga originated in India, and Goa happens to be just the perfect place to acquaint yourself with authentic styles of yoga, it is important to look over and research the various types of yoga. For instance, one may find the discipline and accessibility of Hatha yoga more appealing, and the other may enjoy the strength of Ashtanga or the fluidity of Vinyasa or just the thrill and fun of hanging upside down in the variations of aerial yoga more attractive. Only after thorough research and a fair amount of curiosity can you understand what style appeals to you the most and would be perfect for you.
Finalize the Location
Even though all of Goa is perfect as a yoga destination, inside Goa also you can also segregate your location settings and then finalize the yoga school you want to enrol into. For instance, Northern Goa has more peaceful beaches, which are perfect for isolated yoga practices. You have to prioritize your preferences. Whether you want your yoga school to be situated at a beach setting, or you are more into a jungle retreat sort of yoga spa, or you want a vibrant community in your yoga group. The location completely depends upon your preference. Goa has something for everyone.
Read About Local Yoga Teachers or Their Studios
The reason that Goa is a global attraction for yoga lovers from across the globe is its local yoga teachers and their studios. Most of the yoga instructors in Goa are Indians who have grown up living the yogic way of life and who have themselves learnt yoga from traditional Indian yoga gurus in the most authentic forms. For instance, Bharat Ramji who is a yoga instructor at the AdiYogam Yoga School in Goa, is a traditional Indian yoga guru who has grown up learning yoga in a traditional way and holds a decade of experience in guiding students in doing yoga correctly.
Explore Walk-in Yoga Classes
You can also explore the walk-in Yoga classes in Goa and have a tour to understand the facilities and the energy or vibe of the place. Walk in yoga classes are a new addition in Goa’s yoga trend. These classes give the comfort of practicing yoga without adhering to the commitment of enrolling in a certain session or course. It is perfect for people who have tight work schedules, are travelling, or cannot commit to longer and serious sessions.
Read About the Local Culture
One of the most important investments of time before visiting a certain place is to acquaint yourself with its local culture. Not only does having a basic knowledge about the local culture help you with your day-to-day activities and communications, but it will also acquaint you with the necessities and expected cultural references that can come in handy. You will enjoy your stay as well as have an edge with regard to understanding the local culture, customs, and cuisines.
Align Your Body’s Clock
Most of the yoga sessions, whether they are yoga workshops or yoga teacher training courses, generally start early in the day. The nature of yoga is to follow the sun’s rhythm. That is the day of a yogi in Goa that starts with the rising sun. Meaning that you would have to wake up early mornings, get fresh, and immediately start with your yoga practice, or mantra chanting or engage in other breath work techniques such as Pranayama. Sometimes, some yoga institutes also offer packages that include Ayurvedic therapies or detox programs. Since Ayurveda is the sister science of yoga, it suggests following a comprehensive routine that aims to align the body’s clock with nature.
Practice Mindfulness
It is often advised to prepare yourself physically as well as mentally before committing to Yoga sessions or workshops. Even for online yoga classes, it is suggested to practice mindfulness and conscious living. It’s advised to engage in conscious breathing practices, follow guided meditations or simply cultivate the habit of sitting in the present, doing and thinking nothing – having a zero state of thoughts. Mindfulness not only prepares you to better absorb yoga, but it also enhances your understanding and relationship with your practice.
Prepare for the Community Experience
Since Goa is popular for its pleasing atmosphere, natural surroundings, energetic ocean waves, and therapeutic Yoga and Ayurvedic programs, it attracts fitness lovers and wellness enthusiasts from various places of the world. As a visitor, you get to learn about various cultures and meet new people. This exposure to the community not only enhances your social connections but also improves your understanding of yoga and teaches you tolerance and ahimsa towards people with various backgrounds and scenarios.
Yoga Accessories That Can Come in Handy
One of the most important thing you should definitely learn about before enrolling in your yoga course is the yoga apparel and accessories that could come to your rescue. When it comes to yoga, clothing is especially important. You should carry light, breathable clothes that allow for instant sweat drying and offer you the ease and comfort of practicing various yoga asanas. Your clothing and accessories should not make your practice complicated; rather they should elevate your practice. Therefore, going for fitted, non tacky, good-quality clothes will be a good choice. And you can also go for accessories such as hair ties head bands, sweat bands etc. to enhance your yoga practice.
Listen to Your Body
Last but not least, you should prioritize your body over anything. It might be very tempting to attempt a certain yoga posture for its aesthetic appeal and Instagram-worthy shots. But it is important to allow your body the time and space to naturally and gradually adapt to a certain asana. When it comes to yoga, it is not just about bending your body a certain way. It is about holistically approaching a certain kind of movement with proper breath work and awareness that actually helps you achieve the correct alignment and hence its therapeutic benefits. Therefore, you should listen to your body when it comes to practice as personal as yoga.
Conclusion
If you are coming to Goa to enroll in a yoga class, you are bound to have an amazing and transformative experience. Not only will you get the chance to be trained under certified and authentic yoga instructors, but you will also learn yoga at its birthplace and gain a community experience that is rare to find elsewhere.
