Do you think you can’t do yoga?

If you’ve ever struggled with yoga, felt like you weren’t “a yogi,” or believed that yoga wasn’t for your body, this episode is for you.

Yoga is not about flexibility, contorting into complex poses, or standing on your head. It’s about movement, breath, and nervous system regulation—and with the right approach and teacher, yoga can work for every body, at every stage of life.

What Keeps People from Trying Yoga?

Many people avoid yoga due to misconceptions about what it is. Here are some common barriers:

❌ All-or-nothing thinking – Believing you need to do everything in class or that you must be "good" at yoga. ❌ Thinking there is a right way to practice – Yoga is adaptable, and there are many ways to experience its benefits. ❌ Feeling uncomfortable needing modifications – A good teacher will encourage variations and make yoga accessible. ❌ Not understanding different styles of yoga – Restorative, Yin, Gentle, and Chair Yoga are all powerful options. ❌ Not knowing the purpose of yoga – Yoga is about nervous system healing, stress relief, and well-being, not just fitness. ❌ Not understanding the structure of a yoga class – Feeling unsure about what to expect can keep people from trying.

Yoga is Medicine – Not Just Exercise

Yoga is an ancient practice rooted in Indian philosophy that weaves together movement, mindfulness, and breathwork to create physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

✅ Regulates the nervous system – Helps balance the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems for stress relief. ✅ Supports healing – Yoga has been shown to improve pain, mobility, and chronic health conditions. ✅ Shifts mindset – Helps cultivate new perspectives and resilience in the face of challenges. ✅ Teaches you how to breathe – Optimizes breathing for stress reduction, energy, and relaxation.

What Makes a Good Yoga Teacher?

A skilled yoga teacher will meet you where you are and guide you through a practice that fits your unique needs.

👥 Adaptable & Inclusive – They offer modifications, variations, and support for all bodies and abilities. 💛 Compassionate & Nonjudgmental – A good teacher creates a safe, welcoming environment for healing. 🧘‍♀️ Deeply Knowledgeable – They understand anatomy, physiology, trauma-informed practices, and nervous system regulation. 🌍 Philosophically Rooted – Yoga is more than movement; a great teacher understands its deeper purpose and benefits.

If you have significant medical concerns, consider starting with 1:1 yoga, in-person sessions, or working with a yoga therapist.

Where to Practice Yoga with Jessie

💛 Live Weekly Mindful Yoga on Zoom (Free!): www.jessiemahoneymd.com/mindfulyoga 💛 Yoga on YouTube Anytime: www.youtube.com/@JessieMahoney 💛 In-Person Yoga at a Retreat (Best Way to Learn!): www.jessiemahoneymd.com/retreats 💛 Bring Jessie to Teach at Your Retreat or Conference: www.jessiemahoneymd.com/speaking

The best way to experience yoga is in person. Retreats allow you to learn how to practice in a way that works for you while receiving hands-on support and guidance.

Help Spread the Healing of Yoga

📢 Share this podcast with a friend, colleague, or patient who might benefit from yoga. ⭐ Leave a review on your favorite podcast platform—it helps others find this valuable content! 💬 Invite someone to practice with you—the more we all embrace yoga, the healthier, calmer, and more resilient we become.

Yoga is possible for you. Give yourself permission to start.

#YogaForEveryone #YogaForHealing #MindfulYoga #YogaAsMedicine #RestorativeYoga #GentleYoga #PhysicianWellness #HealingTheHealers #StressRelief