Salcedoop

Take it easy when starting out with yoga. If it doesn't hurt it's probably nothing to worry about. If you're a beginner though, find a class with a well trained yoga instructor as he/she will be able to guide you and properly limit your practice when you begin. Why is this important? because when you're out of touch with your body (assuming this is the case), you forget the notion of serious pain -the pain that comes from damagin something- and workout pain -the pain you get from fatigue-. To avoid injuries, your mind must learn to sort this out. It's a process so give it time and patience. Never discard help from and experienced source. (btw, I'm a 4 year dancer and intermediate yoga student)

@Faceless Self-knowledge mostly... that and in my case, reconciling it with my environment.

@thehero Welcome to the journey of self-actualization friend! I believe this is not something you may openly talk to people about unless they ask!! why? because in a sense it's your new value system and it's going to play out similarly to when somebody brings up their new found religion or when they read the bible for the first time.. do you remember anyone doing that in your presence? ...and it being really awkward? Lead by example, that's the only way to get people interested…that's where you gotta find the strength to do the work by yourself until you get to the point where you're exemplary to others.

@Max_V I completely agree with you on this one. I've seen it happen... I've been there both as the lower-conscious being and the higher-conscious one.

Faceless: I think asking a question to answer one may steer us off topic -even if it is rhetorical-. Nevertheless I would like to respond saying that, in my opinion, it's not at all the case that a self-actualized person is a high conscious one. It's a process and once you begin you may very well call yourself "self-actualized" even though there will be many far ahead of you, the tag doesn't make you a master. It's like when you begin any activity, at what point do you receive a title for it? -i.e. I play chess, thus I'm a chess-player is not to say I'm a pro-. If it's a hobby, that's sort of arbitrary huh? Those who know better will know... others will probably express their points of view on the matter, externally and unknowingly.