How to Create a Consistent and Fulfilling Wellness Practice
Dear Community,
Summer has arrived, and it's hard to believe how quickly the days are passing!
Many have shared with me the struggles of building and maintaining habits in these times. Believe me, we’ve all been there.
The disruption caused by the 2020 lockdown broke many long-standing wellness routines. Many are grappling with the loss of pre-lockdown patterns and some positive habits we developed during that period. One common theme I've heard is difficulty regaining the rhythm of a consistent yoga practice.
It's essential to remember the grace contained in the word "practice." By definition, practice is the customary, habitual, procedure or way of doing something.
In yoga, practice means consistently showing up on the yoga mat. Not with any destination or end goal in mind, but with an openness to receiving whatever the practice has to offer that day. It’s about the journey!
We live in an age of instant gratification which erodes our patience and makes us value convenience over all else. We can get sushi delivered at 2 a.m. We no longer experience the anticipation of waiting for a letter from a loved one. Algorithms show us an endless reel of exactly the content that we want to see more of.
As awesome as 2:00 am sushi and a doom scroll is, this impatience extends to our wellness and fitness routines - the very things that help us feel more human and alive. We want immediate results and often give up when they don't materialize, we move on to the next thing. This mindset is incongruent with the essence of practice.
During lockdown, many students showed up to virtual classes every day. Because they already had a strong practice, they knew that their yoga mat was the place they could go to find mindfulness, joy, and connection during a chaotic time. Their dedication and internal strength continue to inspire and humble me.
These students are a testament to the power of commitment and consistency - which is available to all of us if we stick to it long enough.
So, how do we recommit to our practice?
1. Set an Intention: Understand why you are practicing. Whether it's for spiritual, physical, or other reasons, keep that intention in mind. Goals like mastering a headstand or finding more calm can fuel your forward movement.
2. Welcome the Perfectly Imperfect: Embrace the fact that perfection is unattainable and unnecessary. Our bodies are influenced by many factors, and meeting yourself where you are is crucial. Progress, when it comes slowly, is more rewarding and sustainable.
3. Schedule Your Practice: Plan your practice times and add them to your calendar. Use tools like the "add to calendar" option on your booking confirmation email to help you remember and commit.
4. Try Different Classes or Teachers: While it's great to have favorite teachers, trying new classes can challenge and inspire you in unexpected ways!
5. Bring a Buddy: Practicing with a friend or family member increases accountability. I have a standing Wednesday morning yoga date with a student, and the thought of letting her down motivates me to get out of bed.
6. Give Yourself Grace: If you have an off day (or week!) don't be hard on yourself. Jump back in and pick up where you left off.
We are here to support your wellness journey! We understand the myriad distractions that can pull you away from your practice. Every time you commit to yourself and show up, you demonstrate bravery and strength which makes the world a better place.
Thank you for supporting small businesses like ours. Your dedication helps sustain our community and allows us to continue offering the personalized, consistent practice that larger, less personal services can't match!
Keep practicing. I’m right there with you.
With gratitude,
Justin
