Finding Mind Body Balance with Yoga - My Tips

Looking to Book a yoga class with Larissa - CLICK HERE 

I’ve never been shy about it! I hated my first yoga class with the kind of fiery passion usually reserved for exes and pineapple on pizza.

How much did I hate it? Well, let’s just say I left crying, never to return, despite having dropped hard cash on a 10-class pass.

Yep, I ghosted yoga and my bank account in one glorious moment of sheer defiance.

Look, here’s the thing: The teacher, the environment and the vibe? They matter. Like, a lot. And back then, I was already a walking vulnerability sandwich. I’d just had major surgery to remove a tumour the size of a small planet in my head, and the doc gave me the news no sporty girl wants to hear: "No more soccer, no more netball, no more anything that remotely resembled fun for the next 6 to 12 months"

Hmmm identity crisis.

One of my clients, trying to be helpful, was like, “Hey, you should try yoga! It’s soooo good for de-stressing and staying active!”

Sure, Janet, sounds great, if you love awkward breathing, impossible poses, not being able to see the teacher and pretending your life’s together while sweating buckets.  I did NOT love it. I was miserable.

It took me a whole year before I gave yoga another shot - this time on a retreat in Canada. And wouldn’t you know it? Different teacher, different environment, different me.

Turns out, yoga doesn’t suck. Sometimes, it’s just the wrong yoga, wrong teacher at the wrong time.

 This is something I love sharing with beginners: 

1. There's different types of yoga so if this doesn't suit try a different type

2. It may feel a bit foreign at first until you get the hang of it, kinda like when you tried to drive a car for the first time but now you can drive home on auto pilot without even remembering how you got there and

3. Don't worry no ones looking at you judging you, especially me, I'm cheering for you, that you got out of your comfort zone and doing something amazing for yourself

The Amazing Benefits of Yoga

In today’s busy world, many of us feel overwhelmed, stressed, and disconnected from ourselves and even the people around us. Yoga offers a way to reconnect, to find balance, and to create a sense of peace within.  

Many of us start practicing yoga for the physical benefits: the wanting to be more flexible, increase the core strength, help with the back /knee pain etc

 So If you’ve ever wondered how yoga can help you feel more centred and at ease, this blog post will guide you through what yoga is, how it works, and why it’s such a powerful tool for creating inner harmony, not just flexibility (although that's great too).  

What Really Is Yoga?

Yoga is often thought of as a form of exercise, but it’s so much more than just stretching or physical poses. The word yoga comes from the Sanskrit root yuj, which means "to unite" or "to yoke." Yoga is a practice of uniting the body, mind, and spirit to create a sense of wholeness.  

This union doesn’t happen overnight — it’s a journey. But every breath you take, every pose you try, and every moment of mindfulness on the mat brings you closer to a deeper connection with yourself.  

How Yoga Helps Create Inner Harmony 

1. Connecting the Body and Mind  

Yoga bridges the gap between your physical body and your inner world. When you move through poses (called asanas) with awareness, you become more in tune with how your body feels and what it needs. This connection helps you listen to your body and respond with ore kindness and care.  

 2. Calming the Mind Through Breath

One of yoga’s most powerful tools is the breath (called pranayama in yoga). By focusing on your breath during practice, you naturally calm your nervous system, quiet your mind, and create space for clarity and relaxation. Even a few deep breaths can shift you from feeling overwhelmed to feeling grounded.  

3. Embracing the Present Moment

Yoga encourages mindfulness  - the practice of being fully present. Whether you’re holding a pose, flowing through a sequence, or lying in relaxation, yoga teaches you to focus on what’s happening NOW. This mindfulness spills over into daily life, helping you handle challenges with greater ease and presence.  

 4. Balancing Energy

Yoga works with the body’s energy systems, such as the chakras (energy centres), to promote balance and flow. When your energy is balanced, you feel more aligned and harmonious — physically, mentally, and emotionally.  

Yoga for Beginners: Where to Start 

If you’re new to yoga, know that it’s a practice for everyone. You don’t need to be flexible or strong to start, all you need is an open mind and a willingness to try. Here are a few tips to get started:  

Start Small

- Begin with gentle or beginner-friendly classes (I offer yoga for beginners and all shapes and sizes - CHECK IT OUT HERE  )

- Don't worry too much about remembering all the poses. You'll get the hang of them the more classes you do. Just enjoy yourself

Focus on Your Breath  

- Pay attention to your breathing as you move as best you can. Try to match your breath with each movement (e.g., inhale as you reach up, exhale as you fold forward) but don't worry if that's confusing, my rules is "Just Breath however its comfortable"

Be Patient 

- Yoga isn’t about “getting it right.” It’s about being present and enjoying the journey. Let go of expectations and allow yourself to learn at your own pace.  

The Ripple Effect of Yoga

The beauty of yoga is that its benefits extend beyond the mat. When you practice yoga regularly, you might notice:  

- Feeling calmer and more focused throughout the day.  

- A greater ability to handle stress.  

- Improved physical strength, flexibility, and posture.  

- A deeper connection to yourself and the world around you.  

Yoga isn’t just something you do - it’s something you experience. Over time, it becomes a way of life, helping you navigate life’s ups and downs with grace and resilience.  

Ready to Begin Your Yoga Journey? 

If you’re curious about yoga and its ability to bring balance into your life, now is the perfect time to start.

I teach classes in my studio in New Beith, Queensland and you can also join us live online.

My classes are beginner-friendly and designed to help you feel more at home in your body and more at peace in your mind.  

Yoga isn’t about perfection; it’s about connection.

Step onto the mat, take a deep breath, and let’s begin this beautiful journey toward inner harmony together.  

I went from HATING yoga with a passion to loving it so much I wanted to teach and share it with the world.

If you want to learn more about joining a class either face to face or online with me click HERE

Much love and Bodily Wisdom

Larissa xx