Just over 2 months ago we moved from studio classes to online practice. As we were coming to terms with our new lives, we were eager to stay fit and keep our exercise and yoga alive. Nothing was going to slow us down!
Today, however, things are somewhat different.
As days get shorter and colder, we get pretty comfortable and rather used to spending more time indoors while exercising less. The one thing I hear a lot from my students lately is that they have not done much yoga at all.
So discipline. Let’s look it up in Merriam Webster Dictionary:
Control gained by enforcing obedience or order
Orderly or prescribed conduct or pattern of behaviour
Punishment
Training that corrects, moulds, or perfects the mental faculties or moral character
Coming from Astanga Yoga background, this word meant a lot to me. I thrived on being disciplined and committed. I showed up on the mat daily and did my rigorous practice.
But as you read through the definition of the word, you can notice its negative connotation. “Punishment, training that corrects, moulds or perfects the mental faculties.”
This is how I felt about my stringent discipline too - while reaping many benefits, I often suffered physically and mentally. It was a struggle.
And while I mature as a person and a yoga practitioner, I’m more interested in creating positive rituals in life. Instead of thinking that I have to do this and that daily, I choose to create a system of rites that bring joy to my life.
Like in the morning, instead of practising meditation, I start my day with a mindful cup of hot water. I try not to do anything else before that. I get up and freshen myself up. While my kettle is boiling, I light a candle and get my essential oil burner going. And then wrapped in a blanket, I sit down with my hot water in peace.
Sometimes I will reflect on events of the previous day. Other times, I will formally meditate or do the practice of gratitude by naming 3 beautiful things in my life that I am thankful for. These precious 15 minutes are so important, they set the mood of the day for me.
So next time instead of pushing yourself to practice, think of it as a ritual with which you start or end the day. Like the morning vinyasa class - is a perfect start to your Sunday. How about lighting a candle and an incense stick, rolling out your mat and setting the mood for the day.
Don’t think of it as punishment for eating or drinking more than you should. But rather as a ritual that brings joy. Something you can look forward to.
Right now I offer two classes weekly:
vinyasa on Sundays at 10 AM - a perfect start to your Sunday
restorative on Wednesday at 7 PM - a chance to unwind and relax after the bigger part of the week.