Yoga & the Art of Trying

Trying & Success

This is the essence of our yoga practice…

If we think about it, another word for trying is practice. And that is what we do each and every time we approach our yoga / meditation routine. It is a practice where we try again and again to rise above our prior level. The word for meditation in Sanskrit is sadhana meaning “practice or effort.” By trying, by practicing, by putting forth proper effort we invariably grow. And that is success.

Although the above chart was not geared towards yoga per se, its spirit is quite consistent with our whole approach towards the yogic ideal, both in meditation and the physical practice. Our ethic is to embrace our own starting point and embark on the challenge of making progress. Refining the body and mind demands constant effort and persistence, or trying. And each time we try we re-establish ourself in our practice and strengthen our resolve. And that is the building block of success.

There are so many examples of this on or off the mat. Perhaps by practice our balance is improved, or we can concentrate a bit better, or can reach a bit further, or we gain greater range of motion. Or so many things. And when we don’t try, i.e. don’t practice, then success is a far off dream.

Share with us how you have tried, practiced, and achieved success…your words and your story will certainly inspire others….