As yoga practitioners, one of the most gratifying experiences we can have is sharing the practice with those that we love. It doesn’t have to be forceful and it doesn’t have to be immediate. But over time we can explain the benefits that exist and the reasons for practicing.

When I first came back from a transformative yoga retreat in Thailand two years ago, I insisted that all of my family members start practicing because of the amazing physical and mental benefits. I realize now that this was a flawed approach. We can suggest that our loved ones practice but to push something on someone is counterproductive.

In the beginning, the person you suggest yoga to might not be ready. Remember that, when the time is right, they will find the practice.

Nowadays, I don’t usually outwardly recommend that someone start practicing unless I’m asked. Sometimes people ask me, “Why are you so calm all the time?” or “Don’t you ever get angry?” and it’s at this point that they’ve given me a perfect segway to recommend the practice.

It’s important to anticipate your friend or acquaintance’s response when you recommend the practice. Keep in mind the misconceptions of yoga in the West and consider your friend’s probable perception. Often times, it’s questions like, “Do you do the hot yoga?” or “Can I do the video I bought from Walmart?” Be prepared and know how you’re going to respond to these questions.

Recently, I was able to recommend yoga to two of my friends. Two drastically different people (one woman in her 60s, one woman in her 20s) separately asked me about the practice and I gladly referred them to read certain books and visit select teachers and studios in the area. In the ensuing weeks, my two friends have been so grateful for the physical and mental benefits or the practice — and I’ve been so grateful to have the opportunity to do my small part in guiding them down the path.

“When the student is ready, the teacher will appear.”

Stay lucid ~