“Nothing will work unless you do.” This quote got me thinking about the importance of working consistently towards any goal we may have. For instance, there is no benefit in merely wishing for good health or a toned body or enhanced flexibility or better balance unless we are willing to work towards those goals. In other words, there is no substitute for discipline. This is true as much for yoga as for our lives in general. Let us talk today about why discipline is important in yoga.
The concept of ‘tapas’
The concept of discipline in yoga is not a new one. This is something that ancient texts and yoga gurus have spoken about for a long time. The Patanjali Yoga Sutras speak about the concept of ‘Tapas’ or ‘Tapasya’. Tap is to heat, or shine, or to burn – a spiritual activity that helps to burn away bad karma and liberate the soul. In modern terms, we can say that this translates to sincere effort or self-discipline.
The concept of tapasya speaks about self-isolation and the ascetic practices of renunciation and penance. While this is not really practical in our modern lives, we can draw on the basic concept of self-discipline to invite positive change into our lives. It can apply not only to yoga but to our relationships, professional life, and emotional well-being. Committing to something and remaining focused on it is bound to have positive results.
The importance of ‘shashan’
Another concept that underlines the importance of discipline in yoga is ‘shashan’, which means regulation or governance; more particularly anushashan or self-regulation. When discipline is imposed upon us, it may not be effective. For instance, a teacher or parent telling us to study as kids was not effective until we ourselves learned the importance of applying ourselves to our work. That sense of self discipline is important for yoga as well.
Finding the motivation
So we do understand why discipline is important in yoga. However, with our busy lives and the thousand demands upon our time, the consistent practice of yoga can be difficult. If one is not a naturally active person, it can be difficult to create the yoga habit right away. Even for someone who is naturally inclined towards activity, taking out the time and being consistent about something can be difficult.
Firstly, prioritise your yoga class. While there will be a thousand and one things that need doing, tell yourself that doing yoga daily is a priority. Remember, prioritising your own well-being and health is not selfish. It is actually important for others in your life who depend upon you.
It is important to concentrate on the small but visible gains that you will start to see with the regular and proper practice of yoga. Observing your improved flexibility and range of motion will help you be consistent and disciplined with the practice of yoga. Concentrate on those gains to remain motivated. Doing yoga regularly helps create a virtuous cycle that helps perpetuate itself.
A good yoga class with a trained, experienced teacher can be a big plus. A good teacher will help identify your strengths and work with them, while ensuring that you don’t overdo things in a way that could result in an injury. Doing yoga each day with other students or yogis who are committed and enthusiastic about their daily practice can be another great motivator that will help you remain motivated and committed. Another way to stay motivated in your practice of yoga is to learn about the many physical and spiritual benefits of doing yoga regularly. Read up about this, listen to a yoga podcast, or ask your yoga teacher. As a yoga teacher of many years, the importance of discipline in yoga is very clear to me – as it is to my students as well.