A very new beginning

[RedEmbers]

Hello.

Where would an absolute beginner learn the very basic practices of traditional yoga.

I do not necessarily mean all the poses we do in the west I mean the stuff which comes before that.

I've been swimming alot lately and using it as a time to intuitively guide myself to a state of emptyness and unity conciousness. I also do approx 1/2 hour mindful meditation most days before I get on with my general activities and studies. It is extremely benificial for me and has been the only thing which balances my deppresive and anxious tendancies... I am guided now to continue expanding my swimming practice in conjunction with something extra to deepen my connection...
I am quite happy to start somewhere very basic. I am a happy learner.
I have about 1.5 hours available day to combine swimming and yoga if that helps (not always in the same session).

[Shivani Devi]

Hello.

Where would an absolute beginner learn the very basic practices of traditional yoga.

I do not necessarily mean all the poses we do in the west I mean the stuff which comes before that.

I've been swimming alot lately and using it as a time to intuitively guide myself to a state of emptyness and unity conciousness. I also do approx 1/2 hour mindful meditation most days before I get on with my general activities and studies. It is extremely benificial for me and has been the only thing which balances my deppresive and anxious tendancies... I am guided now to continue expanding my swimming practice in conjunction with something extra to deepen my connection...
I am quite happy to start somewhere very basic. I am a happy learner.
I have about 1.5 hours available day to combine swimming and yoga if that helps (not always in the same session).I'm sorry I didn't see this before. Back in my day (it seems a lifetime ago now) I actually taught traditional yoga.

For the basics and before any postures are done:

Sit on the floor comfortably, legs stretched out in front of you and put them as wide open as you can...then:

Ankle rotations - making sure your big toe and little toes touch the ground as you rotate your ankles inwards 3 times and outwards three times.
Calf stretches - walking your hands down in between your legs, towards your feet and then back again - do this three times as well.

Then..

Purvottasana:
http://www.yogabasics.com/asana/inclined-plane/
Tarasana :
http://livetaos.com/community/yoga-pose-of-the-week-tarasana-star-pose/


After you have done these, lay on your back and rest for about 5 minutes.

Then:

Pavanamuktasana:
http://eyogaguru.com/pavanamuktasana-wind-removing-pose/
Supta Jaṭhara Parivartānāsana:
http://www.pocketyoga.com/Pose/supine_spinal_twist
Bananasana:
http://www.yinyoga.com/ys2_2.0_asanas_bananasana.php
Savasana:
http://www.chopra.com/articles/why-savasana-is-the-hardest-yoga-pose#sm.00015gqiq5qj3f6ir471au1l5rh5e

Stay in Savasana for 5 minutes.

Then, hop up on your hand and knees and do:
Marjariasana:
https://www.yogajournal.com/poses/cat-pose
Balasana:
https://www.yogaoutlet.com/guides/how-to-do-child_s-pose-in-yoga

After that, just sit in a comfortable position and do neck rolls and eye rolls:
http://athomeyoga.typepad.com/at_home_yoga_with_laura/2010/10/yoga-exercises-for-beginners-how-to-relax-and-warm-up-with-neck-rolls.html

Actually, that last page I linked you to is pretty good.

All this takes about 30-40 minutes.

All the best.

[RedEmbers]

Thank you Necromancer for all the information.

It actually arrived in perfect time. I have been feeling so run down the last few days and barely able to get out of bed and function so was not quite ready before when I posted.

I'm on the mend now and very slowly adapting to more self loving activities in small increments as I begin to gather my resources for all the changes which are coming to me.

I've been draw to mantras as well lately - specifically in the kaballah vein at this time.
They feel very comforting at this moment.
I took some other advice from you in the aromatherapy section as well and I am making 2 sensory kits - one for me and one for my daughter who is a sensitive child. I love the idea so much.

Thanks again for providing all this information :smile: