Devoted Practice
Last week somebody asked me why I referred to doing yoga as practicing. Much like martial arts or playing a musical instrument every day, each time you engage in yoga it is a practice, constantly evolving and changing as your body and life goes through changes. The purpose in yoga isn’t to work towards a certain level of achievement but to enjoy the art of practicing.
This brought me to revisit the Yoga Sutras from The Secret Power of Yoga by Nischala Joy Devi. Sutras 1.13 & 1.14 speak about practice (it refers to the spiritual side but this can also apply to the physical practice or anything you do).
“Devoted Practice cultivates the unfolding of consciousness.”
“Devoted Practice is nurtured by a sustained, steady rhythm and a dedicated heart.”
Making the time and scheduling important parts of your life like family time, exercising, date nights with your partner, eating a healthy meal can all be part of your devoted practice and sustained because you continue in it with a steady rhythm. Taking this attitude of devoted practice into other areas of my life has really helped me to enjoy the journey, thus getting to more of my desired destinations without pushing and really appreciating it once I’m there.
So adopt the attitude of devoted practice with a sustained, steady rhythm and dedicated heart where you can and see your life unfold.