HOW TO BUILD A REGULAR YOGA PRACTICE
10 tips for practicing yoga regularly
What can be done to ensure the budding yogi continues to practice over time, maintaining their interest in the practice without losing the joy of rolling out the mat? By Véronique Mathonnet-Wake
Reading time: 5-6 minutes
At the beginning, practicing yoga combines a mixture of enthusiasm, curiosity and maybe a little apprehension too. There’s a desire to discover a technique from India that promises us a better future, that’s what compels us to the mat, often in a room with a group of strangers and a mysterious teacher. The classes begin and, little by little, many of these budding yogis disappear over time. It doesn’t have to be that way. Here are 10 tips that will help you maintain a regular practice:
1. Find the yoga that suits you
Hatha yoga is yoga that uses the body as a tool for transformation. It includes several types of yoga. Depending on your profile and preferences, you may prefer dynamic yoga such as Ashtanga Vinyasa, technical yoga such as Iyengar, yoga with a calmer approach to movement such as Yin, or other methods. Explore them all. Don't hesitate to experiment and find the yoga that suits you best.
2. Have confidence in the method
Trusting these age-old techniques is essential if you are to stay on the path to transformation. They have been around for thousands of years and are proof of the seriousness of this process. In fact, yoga is an art that requires techniques that you can learn with complete confidence.
3. At your own pace
Yoga classes have a set timetable, which allows you to practice at a more regular pace. It's important to attend classes to learn the techniques with a teacher, but it's also a good idea to practice at home as well, because yoga is first and foremost a personal discipline that no one else can do for you. The best practice is the one you do while rolling out the mat, however long it lasts. Even five minutes is beneficial and sows the seeds of transformation.
4. Be indulgent with yourself
Sometimes your schedule gets thrown off course and your yoga class can't take place. Don't feel guilty if another event prevents you from taking part in the class. It may be possible to find a little time during the day or the next day to practice on the mat, even if it's very short. Regularity is important, but sometimes unforeseen events take over and that's okay. The best time to practice is when you are available.
Face-to-face classes with a group and a yoga teacher make you feel part of a community. It's also important to vary your interactions with other media, such as online courses with videos made by other yoga teachers, listening to mantras, podcasts on Indian philosophy, taking part in workshops, lighting incense and candles to help with meditation, for example…while enjoying yourself and having fun!
6. Create a space that suits you
The idea of creating a ‘Zen’ space is welcome, but the most important thing is to have a space where you feel good. Why not decorate your little corner with a rug, some of your favourite photos, a plant you like, warm light that soothes you, colourful curtains and cushions, an essential oil diffuser, a stick of incense or a candle? The important thing is to create a space that invites you to daydream and offers a pampering environment. You'll want to return to it as often as possible.
7. Choosing the right clothes and accessories
Clothing designed for yoga combines comfort with technical materials and is often available at prices to suit all budgets. Having a top that stays in place during inverted postures and bottoms made of breathable material are very practical if you want to feel comfortable during asanas. But bear in mind that when we think of yogis in India, they are far from wearing the latest technical innovations and fashionable colours. The clothes and mats are there to give you comfort and motivation to start practicing, but they won't replace your assiduity and your desire to transform yourself on the path of yoga.
8. Reading for enlightenment
By reading specific literature, yogis can also keep in touch with their practice thanks to the many testimonies of yogis, philosophers and scientific researchers. It also helps to reinforce learning and to discover the shimmering world of Indian culture. These books are testimonies, precious aids and are timeless; these spiritual texts will elevate and enlighten you on the path of yoga.
9. Listen to your body
With practice, the attention you pay to yourself evolves. You become much more attentive to what's going on and the ego tries less to get the upper hand. The ego often pushes us towards too much, which causes frustration and sometimes pain. This refined attention will enable you to observe what's going on inside you, to listen to your body and let it guide you. The mind pauses and the senses turn inwards. This is yoga.
10. Don't feel guilty
Decrease your sense of guilt when nothing goes according to plan, or when a class is cancelled or you are unable to attend. Decrease your sense of guilt when you go to practice, or when you think it's selfish of you to think of yourself. On the contrary, by taking this time on the mat you become more available. In fact, the path of yoga is a place of transformation where you reveal your true self, which is welcoming and caring. Creating the best version of you will also serve to uplift all others around you. Everyone benefits.
Om Magazine
First published in November 2009, OM Yoga magazine has become the most popular yoga title in the UK. Available from all major supermarkets, independents and newsstands across the UK. Also available on all digital platforms.
