Yoga and the Rule of Threes

by Hannah Moran, Yoga Teacher and Director of Operations

There’s just something about the number three…

Three Breaths: Even after just three slow, deep breaths, we can start to feel our brain chemistry shift. When we breathe deeply, slowly, and rhythmically, we send the signal to our body that it is safe to “rest and digest” (as opposed to “fight or flight”).

Three Classes: After your first three yoga classes, your body will start to feel more comfortable in the heated rooms, acclimating faster than your first class. You might also start to feel more confident on your yoga mat as you begin to learn the names of the poses.

Three Weeks: After your first three weeks of practicing regularly (2-4x/week) you’ll really start to feel a routine taking shape, as well as the physical and mental benefits of that routine. You might start to feel stronger in certain areas of your body, perhaps more flexible, and even less stressed in your day-to-day life.

Three Months: After your first three months, you’ve really honed in on a routine of classes that works for you. Your mind and body are starting to transform with some of the longer-term benefits of yoga, including better posture, enhanced mental focus, perhaps you’re sleeping better, and maybe you even notice some improvements in your relationships. You’ve unlocked something really special at this point!

Three Years: After three years of a dedicated yoga practice, you are not just practicing Yoga – at this point, you are a Yogi. You live and breathe the practice not just on your yoga mat, but off the mat, too. Your mind and body are basking in the transformative benefits of a long-term yoga practice, and because of that you will likely never go back to a yoga-free lifestyle.

Three Decades: After three decades, you’re probably a yoga teacher now and are sharing your passion for yoga with others :) The rest is history!

Which phase of Threes are you in? Tell us about your yoga journey in the comments!