The Journey Back to Yoga
“Yoga is a journey of the self, through the self, to the self.”
-The Bhagavad Gita
This one is for my fellow yogis of past and present! Life has a funny way of pulling us in different directions, and sometimes our yoga practice takes a backseat. I’ve felt this recently as I’ve attempted to reignite my practice that has dwindled from daily to very occasional.
Almost a decade ago, I was practicing yoga just about daily at a studio. This practice helped me stay centered and focused through graduate school, internships, and clinical residency, supported me as I navigated the dating world, and kept me (relatively) flexible and strong as I taught and performed in theatre and dance productions. I noticed the benefits of bringing together mind, body, and spirit truly integrated into one another as I began to gain a new cognitive and felt sense of what self-care really means.
With changing schedules, a new relationship and introduction of new hobbies, a new job, and my personality trait of being drawn to new and exciting things, my yoga practice took a back seat. While yoga has always remained a love of mine, less practice meant that when I’d return to it, my practice looked and felt different (“worse” as my high-achieving part would remind me). This proved to be a difficult cycle to get out of because I began to find frustration rather than peace with my practice. My body has changed, my poses look different than before, and I’ve suffered several injuries in the past few years. To rekindle my yoga practice, I need to begin to embrace those changes rather than resist them.
As someone who's been through it, I wanted to share some valuable insights on how to reconnect with your practice and reignite that inner spark.
1. Embrace Self-Compassion
Start by letting go of any guilt or judgment about taking time off. Life happens, and it's essential to approach your return to yoga with self-compassion. Be kind to yourself, acknowledge that everyone's journey is unique, and honor the present moment with grace.
2. Adopt a Beginner’s Mind
Adopting a beginner’s mind means exploring your practice as if it’s your first. Be aware of any ways in which you might be projecting your previous experience onto your current practice, including any expectations or “should” statements. Instead, meet your mind, body, and practice where they are in this moment with gratitude and appreciation.
3. Begin with Mindful Moments
Ease yourself back into the practice by incorporating small moments of mindfulness throughout your day. Take a few minutes to focus on your breath, stretch gently, or find stillness in meditation. These mindful moments lay the foundation for reestablishing a connection with your body and breath.
4. Start Slow and Gentle
Remember, it's not a race to pick up where you left off. Begin with gentle and restorative yoga practices that nurture your body and mind. Choose slower-paced classes or online videos that cater to beginners or those reentering the yoga world. Honor your body's needs and listen to its signals.
5. Create a Sacred Space
Designate a peaceful corner in your home as your personal yoga sanctuary. Clear the clutter, add soothing elements like candles (my go-to), plants, or inspiring quotes, and roll out your mat. This dedicated space will invite you to show up and practice with intention and focus.
6. Balance Motivation with Patience
The balance of effort and ease is in the roots of an intentional yoga practice. When getting back into a yoga practice, we can notice our motivation can be amplified while our patience is muted. See what happens if you acknowledge the part of you that is wanting to push with gratitude and instead choose how to engage with that urge with mindfulness and patience.
7. Explore Variety
As you ease back into your yoga routine, explore different styles, classes, or workshops. Experiment with Hatha, Vinyasa, Yin, or Kundalini yoga to find what resonates with you in this new chapter. You might find that you resonate with a style that is different from the one you used to practice most frequently. Be open to new experiences and embrace the diversity yoga has to offer.
8. Seek Support and Community
Consider joining a yoga studio, participating in workshops, or connecting with fellow practitioners online. Engaging with a supportive community will inspire and motivate you on your yoga journey. Share your experiences, ask questions, and celebrate the energy of like-minded souls.
Remember, the most important aspect of restarting your yoga practice is to approach it with love and curiosity. Embrace the process, honor your body's wisdom, and savor each moment on the mat. Namaste, friends!