Why Yoga Is Not About What Happens On Your Mat

Struggling with your yoga practice? Consider these important questions for some internal motivation…

Yoga can be difficult. It can be challenging. It can push us to our limits – both physically and mentally. Sometimes, it just doesn’t feel like much fun (although other times it can make you feel wonderful). We all have moments when we might stop and wonder – “is this really worth it?” But if you’re feeling frustrated with your yoga practice, before you give it up you should stop and think long and hard about what yoga really is all about.

Ultimately, it is not just about how well you can do the poses. It’s not about whether you can get your heels to the floor in Downward Facing Dog, whether you will ever master the Headstand, or how long you can hold Warrior III. It’s not even about how strong and good you feel after a great yoga class. It’s about so much more…

When you think about what your yoga practice really does for your life, yogi and instructor Rachel Scott suggests you ask yourself the following questions:

  • am I more centered?
  • am I kinder?
  • am I more focused?
  • am I more present?

When it comes down to it, the answers to these questions are what really matters. When you think long and hard about the questions above, most yoga practitioners of all levels find that the answer to each question is a resounding “YES” since starting a regular yoga practice.

If you stick with it through the challenging times, you will not only find yourself answering “yes” more frequently and more definitively, but you will also rediscover the joy and fulfillment that yoga can and does bring to those who dedicate themselves.

Or, as Rachel says:

Do your practice. Just show up. In whatever you find. Some days, practicing asana will feel light and free; some days you will feel as if your insides have been replaced with lead. Your practice will not develop in a linear pattern; you will circle back, fail, spiral, start again. No matter. Just show up. For five minutes or two hours. Success or failure. Just show up.

Because the quality of your practice isn’t determined by the “success” of your asana, but by your evolving connection to your heart.

Read more at RachelScottYoga.com

 


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