This post is for those of us that LOVE our Yoga practice. For the obsessive ones that might travel a distance to make a class, will try any type of yoga and still take something positive from it, who after a day of not practicing start to feel strange.
The majority of people do not fit into this category. Many people enjoy Yoga and take a lot from it. But it is something that we do once or twice a week to keep the body healthy. .
When Yoga becomes a lifestyle it can be said to called a Sadhana. By lifestyle I mean the practitioner sees Yoga beyond Asana. The practice initiates a change deep inside.
A relationship with the body emerges and concern for the type of energy we create becomes important. This can translate in the food we eat. Another change could be that meditation becomes enjoyable rather than something we endure.
What is Sadhana?
Sadhana is a collective term for a dedicated and disciplined approach to spiritual practices.
The modern western appropriation of Sadhana has narrowed down its’ meaning to specifically address yoga asana. This post will discuss Sadhana from this modern use of the word, the advice offered here is not based on any particular school of thought neither is it intended dogmatically, as a Yogi you are invited to create a sustainable practices that works for you, it must draw you out from a ‘auto-pilot’ mode of Yoga and be challenging without being aggressively goal oriented.
Here are my 5 top tips for getting deep into Yoga
1. Be gentle with yourself
By paying attention to our inner chatter we can discover the underlying reasons for doing something. Maintaining a steady practice is far more rewarding than a remorseless grinding away in toil. A gentle attitude toward oneself will help keep things fun.
2. Create what works for you
Assuming you are clear about why you practice yoga, incorporate practices that align with this goal. If your goal is to be a more compassionate person – then working on opening in the heart space might be part of your practice. But so will Ahimsa, non-violence in action , speech or thought.
3. Be regular
Probably the hardest thing to do on this list. Practice everyday in some way or another. If you love your yoga you may understand how difficult this can be. Nothing is more difficult than to accept change. Yoga has that transformative power. Cultivate courage.
4. Keep a record
Something as simple as a tick on a calendar can be a great way to keep track of your progress. I have done this and found it an objective means of charting consistency.
5. Keep learning
Maintain a freshness to your practice by going to a regular class. But also breaking up the pattern so that you go to different classes. We stop learning when we think we know something. I’ve never met anyone that would self-identify as a Yoga master, always come to the mat as a humble student. Be opened and take everything as an opportunity to learn about yourself.
If you’re curious about deepening your Yoga practice drop into Yoga class in Hertford this week.