We all come to our first yoga class knowing we have a lot to learn from the teacher and the more experienced members of class. But have those of us who’ve become seasoned veterans considered all the gifts new students bring to class?

New yogis are swamped with information about what they need to know: what to look for in a yoga teacher, what to look for in a yoga studio, what clothing to wear to a yoga class, what style of yoga is right for them and what all the different styles of yoga mean, anyway.

But as with any interest, long-time involvement in yoga can make it easy for the experienced practitioner to forget what it feels like to be a new yoga student.

When teaching a class contain new students, a privileged moment presents itself. This experience will shape my new student’s perception of yoga for years to come.

Regardless of the experience being positive or negative, these five traits of a new yoga student always inspire me:

1. Courage

Walking into a yoga classroom for the first time can be daunting. A new person often knows nothing about yoga and feels self conscious about many things: yoga clothing, the odd language, uncomfortable poses and the vulnerability of being in a room full of strangers.

The new yogi faces a great deal of internal fear, doubt and resistances. And they demonstrate the ability to integrate and go past those fears. That takes courage.

2. Open to possibility

Taking the time to learn something new shows a certain openness, a willingness to try things in a different way, to be a learner and discover fresh life perspectives. This approach is recognized and even has a name: the beginner’s mind.

The beginner’s mind allows a person to listen, observe and learn. It’s essential for continued growth. Paradoxically, the beginner’s mind becomes more essential as a person comes to know more. Seeing a new student in this way can be an inspiring reminder to remain present.

3. Hope

Everyone comes to yoga looking for something—flexibility, strength, stress management,  self-discovery, community, spirituality, to healing physical injuries. The scope of motivations is vast.

Even though each new student may have a different reason for walking through the door, their reason always contains hope.

4. Determination

Let’s face it. Yoga postures can be challenging mentally and physically, and they present even more of a challenge for someone experiencing a yoga class for the first time. Finishing that first class requires sheer determination. Some people feel as if they’ve suffered through a torture session. Others feel as if they’ve just climbed Mount Everest and conquered the world. Who knows what kind of experience a person will walk out of class with?

5. Wonder

Some students walk out of their first class with a sense of wonder. Some wonder what just happened. Others wonder what in the world they were thinking.

Seeing how new experience is integrated is always an opportunity for us to learn, to be present and to relate.

This is a moment of appreciation for each courageous soul who begins the yogic journey and shows up to class.

With deepest gratitude for your inspiration, namaste.

Author: Keith Artisan

Editor: Evan Yerburgh

Image: Flickr