Embracing the Beginner’s Mind – Yoga, Hula & the Joy of Learning

’ve been thinking a lot lately about what it means to be a beginner.

In my yoga classes, I try to create a space where you feel safe to explore, ask questions, and move at your own pace. Still, I know how intimidating it can be to start something new — especially when that little voice inside whispers:

“I’m not good at this.”

But then there’s that other voice — the one that nudges you forward and says:

“Go on, give it a try. It’s a wonderful way to take care of yourself — body, mind, and soul.”

Last weekend, I found myself listening to that second voice. I stepped right out of my comfort zone and into a Hula and Ori dance workshop.

Hula (from Hawaii) is slow, grounded, and full of grace; Ori (from Tahiti) is fast, rhythmic, and fiery. The workshop ended with a drum circle that began as joyful chaos and somehow transformed into a shared heartbeat of rhythm and laughter.

Now, let me be honest — I am not a dancer.I never took lessons as a child. I love to dance when the music takes over (usually in my kitchen), but coordination? Timing? Grace? Let’s just say I have... creative interpretations of rhythm.

And in that class, I felt it.

First, simple steps: right, left, forward, back. Then came the hips — sometimes swaying side to side, sometimes tracing a figure of eight, sometimes moving like a bowtie (yes, a bowtie!). Then the arms joined in, the gaze followed, and my brain was officially on fire trying to keep up.

I didn’t master Hula or Ori. Not even close. But I showed up, I laughed at myself, and — most importantly — I had fun.

And something beautiful happened: curiosity took over.Now I want to learn more — about the dances, the traditions, the stories they tell through movement.

That experience reminded me of what I often tell my yoga students: we are all beginners, again and again. Every class, every pose, every breath invites us to rediscover patience, humility, and joy.

So here’s my little reminder:You don’t need to be good at something to start. You just need to start — and maybe even laugh a little along the way.

When was the last time you let yourself be a beginner?