About Yoga Practice
There are many different types of yoga practice out in the world these days, and it can be difficult to decide which one to choose as your main practice. Every body is different, and has different preferences and needs. But I believe that it is important to find one practice that resonates with you and stick to that as your primary practice. No one style of yoga is better than another, what is most important is the intention and the dedication that you apply to that practice. As Swami Rama says in his book The Royal Path "A person who tries to learn the practical aspect of yoga gains nothing by trying a little of everything, and even if he is sincere, his effort is wasted. There are many different methods of yoga, all leading to the same goal of self-realization. The methods vary so as too accommodate varying temperaments and capacities, but they are like different spokes of a wheel, they all meet at the same centre-self-realization. The different paths of yoga are not mutually exclusive; they merely represent a difference of emphasis."
I know from my own limited experience that in the beginning of my experimenting with yoga, I tried lots of different variations. And I enjoyed them all. But it wasn't until I found ashtanga and applied discipline to my practice that I found a grounding in my practice. I'm not suggesting that ashtanga is for everyone. What is important is to find a practice that speaks to you. And then apply discipline and dedication to it. And unfortunately, there's no short cut. It is a practice that needs to be done every day. Traditionally, before sunrise and at sunset are considered the best times for any spiritual practices, due to energy levels. But in today's world, that mightn't be possible for everyone. So pick a time that you can set aside for practice. I have found through trial and error that first thing in the morning is best for me. My body is lighter, and my mind is clearer. In the beginning, even if you set aside five minutes a day, that's a start. It's a lovely way to start your day; it's a setting aside time for yourself. There will be days that you will not want to do it, but over time you learn to disregard the monkey mind and trust that once started you will be thankful you did. And even if not " no effort on this path is wasted." (Bhagavad-Gita) It's not an easy path. But have faith, it is extremely rewarding.
"It is important to have in mind when you are doing any sort of exercise and also in life-that you go with instead of against. It's so simple, too simple to understand. You must only undo. The more you undo, the more you are and the more things come to you. Don't try to become; you are."
- Vanda Scaravelli