Yoga is often called "a practice," and if you're like me, you've probably referred to it that way more times than you can count. But recently, I had an epiphany (well, more of a gentle nudge from my teacher). They looked at me and said, "The best time to plant a tree was ten years ago. The second best time is today." And there it was. Yoga isn’t just a practice, it’s a discipline. Let me explain—no judgment here, I struggle with motivation too!
Over the past three decades, as both a yogi and a teacher, I've seen people approach yoga in different ways. Some people dip their toes in, coming to class here and there, maybe to stretch a little or unwind after a stressful day. Others stick with it for a bit, and then there are those who truly make yoga part of their lives. The latter two types of people experience the deeper transformation that yoga offers. They start to see the real benefits—not just physical flexibility, but mental and emotional resilience.
But here’s the thing: yoga isn’t designed for instant gratification. I get it, in today’s fast-paced world, everything seems to revolve around "quick results" and "get it done now" mentalities. We want that zen feeling right after the first deep breath, but yoga doesn’t work that way. It's like planting a seed—it takes time, patience, and, dare I say it, discipline.
Now, discipline can be a bit of a loaded word, right? It feels serious, strict, and maybe even a little intimidating. But discipline in yoga isn’t about being rigid. It’s about showing up for yourself, consistently and with kindness, even when you'd rather hit snooze on your alarm (trust me, I’ve been there).
In fact, I often tell my students, "How we do anything is how we do everything." The way we approach our practice on the mat—whether with focus and clarity, or with distraction and rushing—mirrors how we live our lives off the mat. Yoga has this sneaky way of rewiring your brain (thank you, neuroplasticity!) so that the calm and focus you cultivate in practice seeps into your daily routines. You start handling stress a little better, you breathe a bit deeper, and life becomes a bit more manageable.
For those who pop in and out of yoga classes, there’s hope yet! I truly believe that through discipline, even the occasional practitioner can eventually find their way to a more consistent practice. But it does require letting go of the expectation for quick fixes. Slowing down and being patient is a learned skill, and it’s one that’s especially hard to come by in a world where even our coffee is “instant.”
Here’s a little something I repeat to my students (and sometimes to myself, when I’m in need of a pep talk): "We make excuses for what isn’t important. We show up for what is." Sounds simple, right? But it’s a powerful reminder. We all make excuses—too tired, too busy, too stressed. And that’s okay; we’re human. But when we consistently show up for what’s truly important, especially for ourselves, that's when the magic happens. After all, we are the only person who is with us 24/7, 365 days a year. If we don’t show up for ourselves, who will?
So, whether you’re on the mat five days a week or once in a blue moon, remember this: yoga is a discipline. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about showing up, day after day, even when it’s hard. And when we commit to that discipline, the rewards are far greater than any quick-fix solution. They’re the kind of rewards that last a lifetime.
Now, let’s take a deep breath and get back to it. After all, the second-best time to plant a tree is today.
Namaste, my friend. You’ve got this!
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