How To Maintain a Self Practice
Anytime I do a yoga Q&A on Instagram (which is every week, by the way), one of the most common questions I get from both students and teachers alike is:
How do I maintain a self practice when I have no motivation, when I’m really busy, when I don’t have time….(you get the point).
Here’s the thing, you might not like this answer, but that doesn’t make it any less true.
We make time for the things we want to do.
Think about it, I’m sure there’s many components in your day, your week, your month, your YEAR, that are totally for leisure. How about all of the hair, nail, brow, skin, appointments? How about all of the social time, or travel? And let’s not forget about all that scrolling.
Look, I’m not saying these things are BAD by any means- because they’re not. They’re simply a reflection of your priorities. I mean, truly, I can totally relate.
I can (admittedly, although not proudly) say that when I was a dirt poor student in college, we used to steal toilet paper rolls from restaurants and bars so we could use our extra money to buy alcohol for parties at our house instead (I told you I wasn’t proud of this one). As ridiculous as that is, it’s still a perfect example of what our priorities were (clearly health and wellness). When you have a finite amount of something (like money and time), the first step in figuring out how you want to use it is making a priority list.
So, if you’re someone writing in about wanting to maintain your self practice, then it sounds like you WANT to move your practice up the priority list, but you don’t know how. I hate to break it to you, but the only way to do it is through your own action, discipline, and self responsibility. Most importantly, you just have to START.
Here’s what you need to do:
Name self practice as a top priority in your life as a way to keep you on track, and give you direction in your purpose.
Make small, attainable goals that you can actually stick to. Think of these goals like promises you’re making to yourself. Instead of overpromising, and underdelivering- choose to start SMALL, so that you can keep the promises to yourself and build confidence.
Remember, starting small doesn’t mean you’re thinking small. It doesn’t mean you don’t think you can do more, big, better. Starting small is actually all about the big picture, because it’s keeping longevity and sustainability in mind- as opposed to a quick burn, turned burn out.
3. Check in with what limbs of yoga you intend to self practice (let’s not forget that yoga is not only asana).
4. Create a realistic schedule and commit to it!
A sample schedule might look like this (although it’s important to keep in mind your OWN person life, need, environment, travel habits, family, etc etc.):
Tuesday and Thursday: 30 minute asana practice with 3 minute savasana.
Monday, Wednesday, Friday: minimum 10 minute asana practice with 1 minute savasana.
Saturday and Sunday: minimum of 3 conscious breaths and intention for each day.
Look, I know what you might be thinking:
This is not a self practice! I need 60 minutes minimum in order for it to “count.” A few rounds of breathing isn’t going to do anything!
That’s where you’re wrong :)
The great thing about this method of SMALL, attainable goals as opposed to committing to 60 minute studio classes only a few times a week is the CONSISTENCY factor.
Sure, yoga is all about contorted, twisty shapes, and cool hand balances. AND, it’s also about self-discipline, and consistency with our words and actions.
If you commit to rolling out your mat every single day, EVEN for those 3 conscious breaths and intention setting, you’ll get in the habit of being on your mat every.single.day. This is what integrates your practice into your LIFE, as opposed to a fun hobby to make your body look or feel a certain way.
The purpose of our self practice is to show up.
Period.
Just show up.
Even if you’re in bed on Saturday night, and you realize you forgot to take those 3 conscious breaths for the day. Right then and there, close your eyes, put your hands on your belly, and take a moment to SHOW UP for yourself for 3 measly little breaths. Call me idealistic, but I swear if we all did this more consistently- the world just might be a better place.
