5 WAYS TO DEEPEN YOUR YOGA PRACTICE in 2018
by Libby Scanlon
It’s likely that most of us began our yoga journey with the physical practice of yoga, or asana. We felt better almost instantly. With time our body changed, our practice shifted, and eventually we started to realize that the practice of yoga really wasn’t all about the postures. We realized that there is a depth to this ancient practice and we had only started to scratch the surface.
How do we navigate these deeper waters? What can we do to deepen our practice in this new year?
1. COMMIT.
Renew your commitment to your physical practice. While asana is the metaphorical tip of the iceberg it is still an essential part of a complete yoga practice. In yoga, as in most everything else in life, showing up is key. Author Brene Brown eloquently said, “Sometimes the bravest and most important thing you can do is just show up.”
The more you “show up” the deeper you will naturally go. If you currently practice once a week, challenge yourself to doubling that to two. Consider upgrading to a Prana Yoga Center membership that includes two classes a week at significant savings.
“Do your practice and all is coming.”
~Sri Pattabhi Jois
2. ADJUST.
Consider the style of practice that you began with and ask yourself if it’s continuing to serve you. We can go deeper in our practice by paying attention to how we are responding to our practice and adjusting as need be.
The body has a finely tuned natural intelligence that gives us feedback as we move through our practice. How easily do you maintain your breath through the practice? At the end of practice is your energy level depleted or invigorated? Where are you mentally when you practice? Is it a chore or a treat?
Be willing to be curious and to question your practice. Make the changes and adjustments that will allow your practice to more honestly suit the body you are practicing with today.
3. COMMUNITY.
Being a part of a community of diverse and committed yogis is a sure way to spark motivation to deepen your practice. Join the Prana Yoga Center Book Club and make new friends, enjoy good literature, and feel more engaged in our yoga community. We meet one Thursday night a month at 7:00pm. This month we meet on Jan. 18th to discuss the book Tattoos on the Heart: The Power of Boundless Compassion by Gregory Boyle. Please join us (even if you haven’t read the book!)
4. CHALLENGE.
In February Prana Yoga Center is once again is fundraising for Anderson Animal Shelter for a 21 Day Challenge for a Cause. Practice 21 days in February between February 5-23rd, 2018. The more you practice, the more you win.
“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”
~Mahatma Gandhi
5. YOGA BEYOND ASANA.
Yoga Beyond Asana is an enrichment study program that will progressively reveal the time-tested art, science, and ancient wisdom of yoga while relating it to modern life. Deepening your practice is what this program is all about. It will transform your yoga practice, your innermost self and your life. You will learn the practical application of yoga that will inspire you to become your best self bringing you greater joy and fulfillment.
As we begin 2018 we invite you to: commit, adjust, join our community, challenge yourself, and take your practice beyond asana into the true heart of yoga.
“True yoga is not about the shape of your body, but the shape of your life. Yoga is not to be performed: yoga is to be lived. Yoga doesn’t care about what you have been: yoga cares about the person you are becoming. Yoga is designed for a vast and profound purpose, and for it to be truly called yoga, its essence must be embodied.”
~Aadil Palkhivala
