Day 166: Great Vow.

I couldn’t say it any better than this article. The power of yoga every day (thanks, Jill!).


And I probably couldn’t say it any better than this paragraph:

“Sometimes yoga is sweaty and long and intense. Other times, it is subtle, like the generosity to let someone cut in traffic or being patient with our loved ones. It is this mode of living yoga, finding union in our thoughts, words, and actions that provides consistency in practice, which Judith Lasater says, “is the highest form of discipline”. Whereas, if we were to adhere to a strict regimen of asana 90 minutes a day, 7 days a week, but found that we were no kinder, gentler or more peaceful, then we wouldn’t be in the practice of yoga. Instead, it is better to practice your yoga, your way, every day.”

But I do know this:
I can’t remember a time when I couldn’t/didn’t do yoga every day. I mean, really, easy thing to say now when I can look back and remember. But I seriously now question why I didn’t think I had the time or the effort or the patience to do something that has become so simple, so easily integrated, so much a part of my daily life.

I also know it’s because all pressure is now off. As this articles so nicely sums up:

“Plus, when you know you will have another opportunity tomorrow, there’s less pressure imposed on each instance of practice.” 

Yes! So true.
Instead of squeezing every last drop of sweat out of my body for a class I paid $15 dollars to attend and must get my money’s worth — I now gently focus at the end of the night and listen to my body. What does it want? What would feel good?

And then when I do show up for a class that I pay $15 to attend I still listen to my body because I now know what it is saying. I can hear it. I can feel when it says to slow down or amp up or stretch deeper or stay longer. Instead of following along with someone else’s pace or looking up to make sure I am in tune and on time. Instead, I still share space, but I stretch to my own hearts content.

Why did it take me so long?

I suppose starting a home practice is part of the process of letting go. Of expectations around what yoga is. Or what exercise is. And of what levels of sweat constitute a bonafide yoga experience.

I also think there is an invisible power in making a promise. Or a “great vow” to yourself.

When you make a promise to yourself nobody else can take it away.
When you make a promise to yourself you are the only one that may judge it (if at all).
And when you make a promise to yourself you show up for yourself.

It’s not selfish.
It’s self-care.
And to me, that’s a union.
Of head, heart, body, soul — and everyday life.
Your way.
Every day.

More tomorrow.
Lovemore,
Jamie

{stretching?}
#lovemoredomore

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Tags: action, dreams, goals, promise, promises, success, wishes, yoga, yoga every damn day, yoga every day, yoga for a year, yogi365