STARTING….AGAIN….& AGAIN….& AGAIN….NOT JUST YOGA!

No, I am not just talking about yoga. I am talking about every project you initiate, whether it be exercise, healthy routines, meditation, business, art, writing, etc. You name it; the first step is starting.

Next, it is important to know that to keep the project or routine going, you will likely have to start over and over again! If you don’t recognise this common and important cycle of starting and stopping, you may feel like your project or routine has failed. Or worse, that you are a failure in life! Obstacles happen! It takes wisdom and experience to know that when an obstacle arises, it may cause you to stop temporarily. You must keep your vision strong and know that you can work through it; or stop, regroup and start again. Stopping is different than quitting. Just start…again!

Meditation is a great way to practice this principle. In meditation, you try to stay “in the present moment”. The mind will inevitably wander into thought. You must notice when you have wandered and gently bring yourself back over and over again….possibly 30 times in 10 minutes! That is what the practice becomes: wandering – come back – wandering – come back. Some days are better than others. Of course, we would like to stay in meditative bliss for the entire designated time. But unlikely for most of us! Luckily, we get the benefits of meditation even if we wander off many times. Even seasoned meditators will have days when they struggle.

Just like with meditation, we wish we could stay on target all the time, but it is challenging. If you recognize the “start – stop – start – stop” cycle of your efforts, you will not feel like a failure. You can’t keep up a regular practice every day forever. Know that the start/stop cycle it is a natural cycle that happens with everyone. That way, it will not take you as long to get back on target each time. The feeling of failure is the worst enemy of success. Don’t let fear of failure cause you to quit. Fear is a part of the natural process. Develop a healthy relationship with fear.

Want to start a healthy routine to last the rest of your life? Imagine how many times you will be “starting again”. Lots! Some days, weeks, months or years will be better than others. That’s life!
Love yourself for it. Keep going.

One of my favourite quotes has been the Nike quote, “Just do it!”.
Lately, I have changed it to “Just start it…again!”.

See you on the mat!
Dorothy xo
…………………………………………………………………………………
Dorothy teaches classes & retreats locally & worldwide.
Visit www.santosha-yoga-retreats.com or phone 250-537-7675