Befriend Yourself (and Your Yoga Mat) with a Regular Practice

What does it mean to befriend yourself in this moment? Sounds a bit deep, right? But stick with me—it's not as complicated as it sounds.

In the world of yoga (and life, honestly), there's this concept called Abhyasa. It's a fancy Sanskrit word that basically means practice—specifically, regular, consistent practice. And here's the kicker: It's not just about mastering poses or achieving peak flexibility. Nope, it's about creating a routine that lets you check in with yourself, listen to your body, and just be you.

So, What Does It Mean to Have a Practice?

Let’s break it down. Having a practice is like setting up a little date with yourself. It’s creating a space and time where you show up for you—no expectations, no judgments, just you and your mat (or wherever you feel most comfortable).

You see, our minds are sneaky. They love to find reasons to skip that date—“I’m too tired,” “I’ll do it tomorrow,” “I need to finish this Netflix series first” (we've all been there). But Abhyasa is about showing up anyway. It’s about making a habit out of taking time for yourself, even when your brain tries to stage a mini-rebellion.

Why Does It Matter?

Because when you practice regularly, you start to notice things. Maybe your mind feels a little clearer, your body a bit more flexible, or your stress levels not so sky-high. It’s like watering a plant—put in a little bit of effort consistently, and you’ll see growth. Plus, there’s something pretty magical about knowing you’ve carved out time just for you.

And here’s the secret sauce: Even a small practice can give you back so much more than you put in. Show up for a few minutes a day, and the benefits will surprise you.

The Never-Ending, Always-Changing Journey

Yoga isn’t about a finish line. There’s no "perfect" pose or final destination. It’s a continuous, ever-evolving experience that’s yours to explore. Some days, your practice might feel effortless and energizing; other days, it might be a struggle just to unroll your mat. And that’s okay.

What’s important is that you keep showing up. Abhyasa is your commitment to that journey—knowing that each time you practice, you’re growing in ways that go beyond the physical. You’re building consistency, resilience, and a deeper connection to yourself.

So, befriend yourself in this moment. Make that little date with your yoga mat a priority. Even if you start small, you’ll find that the rewards are huge.

Namaste, and happy practicing! 🌟

Click HERE to view a playlist on YouTube, where you can start with short practices, and then move around the channel for longer practices. Find variety each day, depending on how much time you have.