A recent question from a reader: How can I take my yoga practice to the next level? I'm kind of in a rut. I do the practice, but I'm not inspired. I don't feel the post-yoga high I once felt. How can I get out of this funk?
Answer: That happens to me from time to time. No, you're not doing anything wrong. This is all part of the journey. Sorry, I know that sounds like a cheese fest, but these highs and lows you feel- it's all part of the experience. But I know what you mean, and I think it happens to all of us- you feel like you're learning so much, progressing so much, and then all of the sudden you're kind of at a plateau. You've scratched the surface and it seems there's no where left to go. But there is. Here are three ways you can jumpstart your practice and go a little deeper.
1. Commit
I once heard yoga described as the martial art of the soul, where your biggest opponent is your ego. Yoga, like with any great art, takes dedication and practice. You need to show up to the mat consistently and put in the work in order to reap the rewards. Commit to a consistent schedule, and think of it in your head as a meeting with the boss. You don't cancel on the boss.
2. Be inspired
Try something different to inspire a great practice. Create a playlist, light incense, start with a reading or a guided meditation, try a new breath-work technique. Sign up for an arm balance workshop or an introduction to meditation. Do something out of your comfort zone and see what that brings up on the mat. Observe your thoughts, but don't hold on to them.
3. Acknowledge the pose
Instead of going through the motions of your regular practice, slow it down just a bit and give yourself a chance to acknowledge every pose you do. Take a mental note of how the pose is affecting your mind, your breath, and your physical body. Observe, and move on to the next pose. Consider recording your observations after the practice to look back on later.
I hope that helps! Do you have any other ideas for going a bit deeper into the practice? Share below in the comments section or let me know on twitter.