Here are some of my tips to improve your yoga practice:

1. Deep, long, even breaths throughout the entire practice
   The breath is the main tool that leads the practice. The more we breathe deep, long, even breaths, the more we will experience the benefits of our yoga practice.
   
2. Body awareness and listening to the body during the practice
   Our body is dynamic and constantly changing. It is, therefore important to practice with compassion and awareness. We want to strengthen our body, however, there is no need for causing pain or harming to body.
   
3. Yoga is not a “competition”
   Our practice is a personal and intimate experience. Each pose has numerous variations that we can integrate and practice so that our practice is tailored to our specific needs.
   There is no intention in “competing” with others (competition isn’t yoga, only ego!).
   Each and everyone of us is special and unique and we must learn to accept and love ourselves and give our 100% in our practice.
   There is no benefit or added value in trying to copy others or be something we’re not.
   It is highly recommended to consult with an experienced teacher regarding the variations that are right for us.
   
4. Mindfulness
   It important to practice mindfulness during our yoga practice, be present in the moment and release thoughts, fears and worries.
   If thoughts arise, focus on the pose, the breath and the teacher’s instructions, which, in addition to teaching, are aimed to keep us mindful and present in the moment.
   A mindful yoga practice will improve the quality of the practice, reduce anxiety and stress and help us to connect to our inner peace, inner strength and improve the quality of our lives.
   
5. Implementing the Principle “Sthira Sukha” in our Practice
   Yoga philosophy describes the principle of “Sthira Sukha” which means “finding the ease within the effort” or “the comfort within the discomfort”. (See “Yoga Philosophy” article).
   In every pose that we practice we must find the ease within the effort, release and let go while holding on and making an effort.
   The more we practice “Sthira Sukha” in our practice on the mat, the more we will be able to implement it in our daily lives, find the ease within the effort and learn to release and let go while working hard to achieve our goals and dreams.
   
   
6. Practicing the Principle of “Grounding and Lifting Up”
   In every pose that we practice on the mat, we learn to apply the principle of “grounding while lifting up” and finding the balance between the two.
   In standing poses, our lower body pulls us down and grounds us, while our upper body lifts up and helps us reach for our goals and dreams.
   The more we practice this principle on the mat, the more we can practice it off the mat in our daily lives:
   In order to reach our goals and dreams, we must ground ourselves, build a strong base, stabilize and only then can we reach for our goals and dreams.
   
   
7. Focus (Drishti)
   Yoga teaches us the principle of “drishti” which means focal point.
   In every pose we practice on the mat, we must find our focal point: a static point to focus on.
   Practicing drishti allows us to remain stable and steady and practice the poses more accurately, especially in balancing poses.
   When we practice drishti and focus on the mat, we can practice drishti of the mat:
   Set goals and intentions, focus, stabilize ourselves and reach our goals and dreams.
   


8. Listen to the teacher’s instructions
   The teacher’s instructions during the class help in practicing the poses more accurately and correctly both in the physical and spiritual sense.
   Listening to the instructions also aids in focusing, releasing “inner and outer noises” and being mindful and present in the moment.
   


9. Self-acceptance, self-reflection and personal growth, being grateful for the experience and for what we learned about ourselves.
   Being aware of what we are feeling at the end of the practice: empowerment, peace, tranquility, inner joy.
   Feeling grateful for the practice and for its effect on our lives.