Be honest. Raise your hand if you have had a hard time stepping onto your mat to practice. Whether it was because you had a hard day or you accidentally hit the snooze button, we can agree that everybody struggles with motivation at some point.
The only thing we feel like doing is lying down for a nice long Savasana…aka naptime! When I lose my yoga motivation, I find that there are four things that really push me to practice despite my initial hesitation.
1. Let Go of the Judgement
Remind yourself that yoga practice is not a competition with yourself or others. Even on your “worst” days, showing up on the mat is a positive experience. So maybe yesterday you hit a beautiful dancer’s pose, but today you can barely touch your hands to the floor in a forward fold. It doesn’t matter! What matters is that you are showing up, building your strength and flexibility in mind, body, and spirit, which is the best motivation out there.
2. Pay Attention to the Journey not the Destination
Yoga is a practice. That means that you are always working. Not one person in the world can say that she reached the end of yoga, accomplishing every posture to perfection because there’s no such thing. Even advanced practitioners can benefit from revisiting a beginner’s class now and again.
Instead take note of the small steps forward each time you practice. Maybe it is locking your knee and holding a posture for the first time. Maybe it is focusing on yourself in the mirror in such a deep meditation that you did not notice other people were in the room. Maybe it was being still in Savasana for an extra minute when your mind kept telling you to get up.
These are all accomplishments to be proud of, so take note of them. Use these small moments to get you back on your mat tomorrow.
3. Take Note of the Way You Feel After Class
We hear it all the time. Be more mindful. In our fast-paced world, this is hard to do, but it is essential. Notice how 10 minutes after class your brain forgot that you had a crappy day at work and came angry into the room. Two hours after class note how you resisted the second helping of dinner because your mind and body are more deeply connected, and you realize you’re not actually hungry. Then the next day observe how for the first time in a week you get out of bed and your back doesn’t hurt.
Your mindfulness of these tiny changes will accumulate to the point where before you know it your life may be completely different than it was before you began a yoga practice.
4. Find Your Community
Whether you are practicing at home on your own schedule or in a studio, it is vital to have accountability as well as a sense of belonging. We all need someone to say, “I’ve got your back.” Or “Don’t forget we’ve got class at 4:30 today. See you there!” If you haven’t found your community yet, check out our Terra Life Yoga community. Our live classes are a great place to meet people who encourage each other in a safe, welcoming environment. We’re here for you on and off your mat.
So what are you waiting for? Go ahead. Your mat is waiting.
If you have other tips for our community on finding the motivation to practice, please share in the comments below.
See you on the mat,
Teriane
