- Be Here Now! Discard all thoughts of past and future before practicing Yoga, they are dangerous distractions;
- Do not compare your self to others, or even to your own past performances, or future expectations – Such thoughts distract from present awareness, and tempt you to exceed your present capacity;
- Learn to explore your present capacity, making it an enjoyable game. If you are not enjoying a pose you are probably trying too hard. If your face is tense you are trying too hard. If your breathing is not smooth, soft and diaphragmatic you are trying too hard. If any part of your body is shaking, you are trying too hard. If any part of your body not required to hold a particular pose is tense, you are trying too hard!
- Once you have mastered the art of relaxation and enjoyment, then it is time to re-introduce the concept of effort and learn how to strive joyfully.
