In my experience, the most difficult thing about starting a regular home yoga practice is just showing up. The most difficult thing about maintaining a practice is continuing to show up. Once you show up, you’ll probably stay and do something interesting. Maybe you’ll stay and do something boring. That doesn’t matter much in the short run.
Why are simple things like showing up sometimes so hard?
Let’s call it friction — all the little things that rub against us including laziness, poor time management, distraction, and doubt. The first step is identifying and addressing common sources of friction.
Have a place.
Find somewhere that doesn’t require too much rearranging. Keep your props there. It helps if it is pleasant. If you are sharing your space with others (dogs, cats, children), clearly communicate your boundaries. For example, I allowed dogs and cats but I NEVER interact with them while I practice (give them an inch…). I explained to my young children that they could talk to me, but I might not answer. They weren’t allowed to touch me unless they warned me first (that last rule came after my son mistook me for a play structure and jumped on my unsuspecting backbend).
Make a plan.
Begin with clear expectations about what you’re trying to do. How many days a week? How much time can you take? Write down your expectations. I use a small paper calendar sent to me by some charity. It’s always in my practice space and doesn’t offer the same distractions as a digital tool, but do whatever works for you.
Be accountable.
Once you have a plan, observe your compliance, and note it on your calendar (or whatever). This is another easy but hard thing to do. It’s not difficult to make a check mark or give yourself a star on the days you practice. But what about the days you fail to practice? Mark those without judgement. You probably can’t sustain success if you are critical. Can you observe your behavior with equanimity? There’s a life-skill! See the blog Accountable to What?
As you begin, focus especially on listening to your body’s needs and desires without judgement.
Next blog, I’ll talk more about how to shape an interesting conversation that can deepen over the months and years. Oh, what you’ll learn!!
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