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Stats say, around 63% of fitness program members attend their practice regularly in the first month, bringing the percentage to 33% by the sixth month. Has it ever happened to you that you started a regular routine of physical practice and then you run out of steam, eventually dropping off from your practice? Then first, give yourself a 'Pat in the back' for taking that effort.
But that's not all! Right? Let's accept that remaining consistent is a difficult game! However, it's not impossible also. In this world, full of distraction around us- stressful work & keeping it up with family demands, it's common for us to derail from our fitness goal at times. In Yoga Philosophy, it is said, that if we can control our mind then we have already won half the battle.
So here's the good news for you! Controlling our mind is NOT a Herculean task! Breaking down big tasks into smaller achievable targets make it much easier to approach our ultimate goal. This blog intends to offer an easy guide to you all on some realisable tasks which you can practice in daily life and see tangible results soon.
Daily Yoga Practices- Patanjali's Ashtanga Yoga
Undertaking a Yoga practice for healthy living but without Patanjali's Yoga Sutras is an incomplete project. Patanjali has right away aimed at our mind first with the 1st two commandments in his Ashtanga Yoga. But before you get overwhelmed with these sanskrit jargons, let me assure you that don't stress upon those phrases, rather try to take the essence of it. Let's now look at some daily yoga practice taking from the yoga sutras, that will help you to control your mind and keep up with your fitness goal.
Practicing Yamas (Ethical Discipline): Yamas are Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truth), Asteya (non-stealing), Brahmacharya (continence) and Aparigraha (non-coveting). How hard are these to follow! Remember here, these are the rules of morality for the society as well as an individual. These are powerful practices to free us from desires and attachments to distractions and make us more compassionate.
Practicing Niyama (Individual Discipline): Niyamas are Saucha (purity), Santosa (contentment), Tapas (ardour or austerity), Svadhyaya (Study of self) and Isvara Pranidhana (Dedication to the Almighty). Once we know how to manage the ethical conduct, it's now time to look at our personal discipline with maintaining purity in all aspects (including our thoughts), a sense of fulfillment in life and the zeal to achieve our goal. All these can be accomplished when we are mindful of our own selves. However, holding on to our modesty by surrendering to the greater power.
Gentle Asana (Posture): Just starting with walking and some gentle stretching will keep the blood circulation activated throughout the body. With your muscles stretching out, you'll slowly feel the release of tension from your mind. At the least, try to include neck rolling, shoulder stretch, forward folds and spine mobility exercises in your routine.
Mindful Breathing (Pranayama): In the words of 'the father of Modern Yoga', Sri T Krishnamacharya, "Mind is the King of senses and Breath is the king of mind." If not proper Pranayama practice, simply take a few minutes every day to practice deep breathing and breathing with retention. Belly breathing and Diaphragmatic breathing are other common practices. Bring balance and harmony to the flow of prana in your body through some mindful breathing.
What Else?!
If you can start with the above four practices in its full spirit, then you are already on the right track and there's no looking back. However, here I would like to specifically mention 2 more practices which has enormous impact on creating a beautiful Mindspace within us.
Mindful Eating: Mindful eating is a yogic practice. How? When you start eating, express your gratitude to Mother Nature to offer you healthy food. Eat slowly and consciously, savouring each bite and appreciating the taste, texture and sensations in your mouth. If we eat in this manner, we are more likely to absorb the nutrients from the food and provide nourishment to our body. This practice also induces a touch of appreciation towards our daily habits which may seem to be insignificant but are valuable.
Gratitude: This practice has the power of intensely transforming an individual but often given very less importance. Gratitude can be practiced every morning after we wake up or before/after our asana practice or even through journaling. Expressing gratitude can be for every small things we have in life, every relationship we have developed or anyone who has crossed our path & taught us a lesson in life. This everyday ritual make us realise the importance of every teensy stuff and be more compassionate towards others & eventually towards own self.
To sum up, focus on taking small steps rather than big jumps. One day when you look back, you'll treasure the long way that you've already covered. It is said "Slow and Steady wins the race". So don't worry about your slow pace but make sure it's a steady one.