Maintaining a committed practice

In January the gyms are all packed with people working out there new years resolutions. So most are probably off to a flying start to the year. Come March there’ll be tumble weed blowing across the circuit training area, I’m exaggerating slightly for effect here : )

I’m in my 2nd year of Mysore style practice and am committed to practicing 3-4 days a week. This feels sustainable for me at the moment, but I know that there are many ups and downs on the road ahead.

Something I’ve been thinking about over the break was this: I love yoga and particularly Ashtanga Yoga, with the constant repetition and refinement of the primary series.  But how does one sustain the commitment to this rather demanding practice over a long period of time?

Here are some things that I’ve found useful:

1. practicing regularly in a group – despite the fact that I’m ultimately developing a deeper relationship with myself through self-practice, doing it in a group is really supportive and motivating.
2. practicing regularly with a good teacher – having a teacher who cares and is familiar with your body and can give adjustments where necessary is also great.
3. workshops – I recently did a 2 day workshop where we spent half the first day breaking down each of the stages within Surya Namaskara A. This really had a profound impact.
4. coffee – I often share the trials of my practice with regulars and this has can lead to a sense of identification when others share their own experiences. We each have to find our own answers but others can shine a light on things in a different way.
5. reading – Despite the practical nature of regular practice reading books has been an invaluable way of achieving a greater understanding.

I’m curious, how do you sustain your practice?