Motivation to Practice Yoga
Motivation is the reasons for our actions. It’s a willingness to stick with new goals or healthy choices we’ve made. Motivation is what drives us to continue, even when we may not want to.
So, what does this have to do with yoga?
Well, if you’re not motivated, you may not stick with it. Let’s explore this topic a bit more to see if it helps us stay on track.
Motivation vs. Demotivation
Picture this. You signed up for a yoga program. In January. It’s frigid cold, dark when you’re supposed to leave your house for class, and possibly icy in some spots.
Are you ready to jump in your car and head to class?
Probably not!
In fact, I bet you’ve started to conjure up all the reasons why you cannot make it to yoga today. That, and you’re subconsciously sabotaging yourself without even knowing it! Sheesh!! Double whammy.
Motivation Helps Us
How does motivation help us? And, how do we figure out ours?
Motivation can help us stay on track because it is the reasoning behind why you do something. Let’s continue with your winter-weather yoga example.
You’re cold. Tired. Feeling cranky. Want to stay home. BUT… you signed up for this program. You paid the money. Agreed to be there. Committed to the class.
Let’s backtrack a bit, shall we?
Why did you sign up for yoga in the first place? What were you hoping to get out of the classes? What do you expect will happen as a result of joining the program?
It Has to be Personal
When I ask my yoga students why they practice yoga, nine times out of ten, I hear things like, “I want to be more flexible…” or “I’d like to improve my balance…” or “I need to relax…”
While these responses are well and good, they’re not great.
These answers are vague. They’re impersonal. They don’t conjure up any feelings. I’m not getting an emotional attachment to anything.
If you are going to overcome the 20-degree weather and dark, icy roads, you’re going to need something stronger than that. Otherwise, the objections are going to win. Every time.
Your motivation to practice yoga (or any healthy modality, really) has to be personal. It must be unique to you. And it has to be meaningful. Your reasons need to apply to your life.
Make it About You
So, what does motivation sound like when it’s meaningful? How do I make my reasons more personal?
Here are some example ideas to get you thinking. I’m taking this yoga course because:
- I’ll be traveling to Italy in the summer this year and I need the stamina to walk several miles a day.
- I’m starting to watch my grandchildren this school year and I need the flexibility to get down on the floor to play with them.
- We’ve gotten ourselves a new puppy and I need the energy to walk and train it.
- I notice I’m irritable if I don’t get enough sleep. After yoga, I feel so relaxed and always get a good night’s rest.
- My boss has really been getting on my nerves. I’m worried if I keep getting frustrated with her, I’ll be in trouble at work. I need a way to cope with differences of opinions and rules that I don’t really like.
- Drivers on the road are just out of control these days. I need to practice deep breathing when I’m behind the wheel, so I don’t get into an accident.
Do you hear the difference? See how these are personally attached to a specific situation? Notice how they apply to an individual’s life circumstance?
Sure, we all want more flexibility, less stress, better balance, and peaceful feelings. But what do those words MEAN? More importantly, what do they mean to you?
Apply Motivation to Your Practice
Think about flexibility. As a concept, it means you can reach more. You can bend further. Maybe even contort in tight or odd spaces.
Now, take that idea of flexibility and apply it to your daily life. Where in YOUR LIFE do you need to be more flexible? Is it to get in and out of that 1967 convertible classic car you love? Perhaps, it’s not even a physical aspect. Flexibility also applies to our mental/emotional states and relationships. Hmmm… think about that!
What about balance? Sure, we’d like to improve it. We definitely don’t want to lose it altogether. But what about in real life? I’m sure by now we’re not attempting to become ballerinas in our adult age. So, what does balance have to do with day to day living?
How about avoiding slipping on the ice? If you’ve improved your balance through yoga, maybe you can catch yourself before the fall. Ever find yourself riding on a crowded bus or train? If you weren’t lucky enough to grab a seat, having good balance is certainly going to make your ride a teeny bit easier. Think about that packed coat closet. If you need to stand on your tippy toes to reach that scarf, it might be a tad bit easier if you’re feeling steady on your feet.
See how these examples are a bit more personal? In fact, they’re pretty specific, right?
Motivation Keeps Us Going
There are definitely going to be legitimate times when you must miss a yoga class. Everyone falls ill from time to time, making it impossible to attend a program in a group setting. And, sure, the car will break down.
But don’t pull a “dog ate my homework” kind of move when it’s time to practice yoga.
If you’re connected with your personal reasons, you’ll be less likely to skip. When you know your unique “why” for doing something, it’s more likely you’ll continue to do it. Motivation keeps us going when the going gets tough.
Figure out what’s motivating you to practice yoga, and I bet you that you’ll miss a lot less of your classes!
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About the Author: Elizabeth Scala MSN/MBA, RN, RYT (200) is a holistic nurse, registered yoga instructor, and reiki master.
Elizabeth received her dual master’s degree from Johns Hopkins University. She is a certified coach, nature lover, and avid meditator.
Elizabeth lives in Maryland with her supportive husband and playful pups. She enjoys gardening, jigsaw puzzles, baking, music, and hiking.
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