Sadhana is the discipline of a routine spiritual practice that surrenders the ego. Within the practice of yoga, keeping a sadhana allows practitioners to align one’s inner self each new day.
I first practiced yoga at the age of 16. For many years after that I practiced asana in different countries with a variety of asana styles. I love the exploration of yoga and how varied it is. It is great to explore but when it comes to our regular daily yoga practice there is power and a transformational energy within consistency. I really have found that a regular yoga practice works deeply into the subconscious and unconscious layers of self, re-programming and purifying our inner workings and conditioning (purifying samskaras).
As yoga teachers we set an example to our students. The deeper we go into our practice, the deeper we can take others. It is a beautiful part of our job to dedicate our self to our own practice.
It is important to develop an intelligent yoga practice, one that supports our lifestyle and energy levels. Our practice will evolve and shift throughout our life. We must listen daily to what our body needs to keep our prana (life force) strong.
Some days your yoga practice may be a dynamic vinyasa flow or Astanga class, some days it may be on zoom, following Youtube, or attending a class, some days it may be Yin, restorative, yoga nidra, meditation, a few rounds of pranayama or a sound healing, and some days it may just be Shavasana and a cry. The most important thing is that you show up for YOU.
Ahimsa is a sanskrit word meaning no-harm., the first part of yoga’s foundational philosophy of the Eight Limbs. On the days you do not make it to the mat practice Ahimsa. Be gentle and kind to yourself, instead of beating yourself up for not getting around to your practice. Breathe deeper. Reflect on what is getting in the way of you meeting you. On those days your sadhana is self-love and self-care, and what a powerful practice that is!
My Grandad Jim, aged 90, sadhana is tending to his garden, growing veg and sitting in his garden reflecting on life. My other Grandad Brian, aged 87, sadhana is walking and taking in the beauty of nature. My Nanny Pat, aged 88 sends healing positive prayers out to the world, even when she finds life tough.
Over time I have found the sadhana that works best for me which I adapt when needed. Every time I practice I come home.
What is your Sadhana?