Why yoga is like reading

Stay with me on this one. As I branched out with a different yoga opportunity today, I started comparing how two of my favorite hobbies are related, other than comfy clothes being involved. I've been reading since before kindergarten, but have only practiced yoga for the last year and a half. Why do I crave both of these activities? With how busy life can get, why do I always feel so much better after reading or practicing? Here is my countdown of how these activities are similar, with a focus on their benefits.

5) You get to branch out and try new things

Books: When you discover a new book series, you can rest assured that you won't have to search out new reading material until close to the series end. This is comforting until the "to read" pile starts to dwindle. Then what? How do you move on? It is time for something new. You are forced to head to the library, the bookstore or to new recommendations from friends for fresh ideas.

Yoga: With the right instructor, a yogi will always be challenged with new and more advanced poses. One of the first ones for me to conquer was Tree Pose, or Vrksasana. It literally forces you to "branch out" with your arms as you move on in difficulty with this pose. The instructor will offer words of encouragement, much like a friend with a great book recommendation, "grow your branches, move out of your comfort zone."

4) Improve upon your abilities

Books: Have you ever gone back to read a childhood or adolescent-hood favorite? Was it as exciting later on in life? With a few of my favorites of younger days, I've been disappointed or bored re-reading them as an adult. Now I think hard about re-reading books because my tastes have changed and my ability to tackle tougher books has improved. And anyhow, there are so many good books that I haven't read!

Yoga: After the first few yoga sessions, you start to listen to the instructor and move into poses without looking up or thinking too hard about the posture. I have a beginners DVD that I can proudly say is "too easy" for me. I have moved on from supporting my Side Plank Pose, or Vasisthasana, to being able to prop myself up on two feet.

3) Mental benefits

Books: This one is obvious for books. From continuous reading we learn new vocabulary, learn about new cultures in non-fiction, discover entirely new worlds in fiction. Then we take lessons from these sources to apply in every day life.

Yoga: There's no doubt about it, you can get a great physical workout from yoga. For me, the mental benefits are even more significant. The instructor is always gently or enthusiastically encouraging you one to higher levels. I swear their motto in school must be "you won't know if it's possible unless you try." So today I tried Wild Thing Pose, or Camatkarasana. There's nothing like challenging yourself mentally to move into one of these contortions with an audience of other yoginis around you. Maybe one day I will be able to move from Three Legged Dog with a Yogi Toe hold into Side Plank Pose. Until then, the calming breathing techniques will carry me through stressful situation with more calm and poise.

2) There are favorites that you can return to time and again

Books: A great book can be counted to to deliver a fantastic story again and again. You grow to care for the characters even more. There is comfort to know what is going to happen, and you may discover things you did not see in a previous reading. Even a familiar author can offer the promise of more great books to come.

Yoga: In yoga there is also comfort in returning to a familiar pose after trying something new and challenging. Say your calf cramps up in the middle of Scorpion pose, you can move on into Cow Face Pose, or Gomukhasana, for a calming stretch of the arms and legs. Nothing lasts forever, yet it is worth finding a few favorite instructors that you know will be an inspiration in your practice.

1) They clear your mind

The number one reason that I enjoy books and yoga SO much is that they can completely clear my mind of all other worries, to-do items and anxieties. For years I have read before falling asleep to ease that transition. Now I use yoga in a similar way to wake up in the morning and prepare for the day, as well as at the end of the week to transition from work to the weekend. And no matter who the instructor is, I can rest assured that the practice will include Corpse Pose, or Savasana to end the practice.

After reading this, do you want to give yoga a try? From the comfort of your own home, you can view the Yoga Journal 21-Day Challenge to see how you like it.