Excuses, Excuses...

Dear Yogis & Yoginis,

I am back on Saipan and the practice of yoga. During my trip to the States, I realized how easy it was to put my practice on hold with various good reasons (excuses.) I was too busy; the weather was too cold and I didn't want to take my shoes and socks off; it's too hard to stretch and bend wearing several layers of clothing; etc. etc. I had planned to continue my practice throughout the trip, but it was so easy to find any excuse not to.
In the past, I always carried a traveling yoga mat whereever we went and I would faithfully spread the mat out even in small hotel rooms. But during winter months, it becomes a real challenge. For me, the cold weather, even though I am getting more used to it, is still a tough time to get motivated. It is especially difficult to get up when it is still dark and the thermometer is registered in the 30's and 40's. Eventually I did manage to attend several classes at a nearby yoga studio and thoroughly enjoyed them.
We all have our own challenges in getting a regular yoga practice. I know some of you probably set yoga practice as one of your New Year's resolutions. But daily busyness, at home, at work, at social activities, and at sporting events, often offer convenient excuses. I am not one to condemn anyone for not following their New Year's resolutions. But by knowing and recognizing the challenge you are facing on a daily basis, you can set priority in your daily activities.
Patanjali's Eight Limbs of Yoga set Svadhyaya as "deligently studying of the scripture and of one self." If we study and know ourselves well enough to direct our attention to the right path, we will overcome some, if not many of the excuses facing us daily, not only in the practice of yogs, but also in other important aspects of our lives.
"What we hope ever to do with ease, we must first learn to do with diligence."
---- Samuel Johnson ---
Namaste,
Clarie