“A more meaningful practice will promise no end but will provide a constant journey of learning and discovering.”

~ Ganga White

1. Giggle.

We change physiologically when we laugh with increased oxygen and heart rate. Various studies have shown that laughter regulates normal blood vessel behavior, decreases blood sugar levels, decreases stress (helping with our immune system), and serves our ability to relax and have pain-free sleep.

2. Don’t be so hard on yourself.

Sometimes the older we get and the longer we practice something, the harder our mind is on ourselves. We tend to use a lot of “should’s” instead of allowing ourselves to have some days that are more tired than others.

3. Allow your body to advance as it does.

Whether it’s our society or not, we have such a drive to always advance or improve. Think of all the struggles you’ve been through in your life that have taught you so much of your current character. If life always progresses forward, we would not have been able to rise from the ashes and be who we are.

4. Have no (or few) expectations.

Without expectations, the little we receive feels like millions.

5. Recognize the mind and the ego.

Your mind can limit your practice just as much as your body can. The ego often comes in with discouraging thoughts that will limit your yogic practice of non-judgmental compassionate self-awareness.

6. Allow stiffness.

Stiff areas of the body are not its malicious adversary. It’s a means of intelligence in the body. Without any physical tension, we would fall to the floor from lack of strength and stability. Resisting your resistance will cause more tension.

7. Listen to your body.

It probably knows better! Otherwise, the body stops wasting energy and will just adjusts to your bad habits.

8. Don’t be so goal-oriented (all the time).

When we let go of our goal-objection and constant striving, we enable our intuitive body to move and express itself. We are able to move from this hard place of always doing and we can become a human being once again instead of a human doing.

9. Find your child-like mind.

Be excited about learning instead of the common “I already know” attitude. Don’t let knowledge harden you; allow wisdom to come through instead.

10. Ask questions, be curious and explore.

As much as possible—remain in the moment. Inquire within as well as with people around you.

This yoga “stuff”/life stuff’ will last eternally—by practicing in-the-moment-ness more regularly, yoga ends up giving us time instead of taking it.

Kristie Leahy is a young human being (not human doing) who lives a life of enthusiasm and is always involved in self-learning initiatives. Her lifestyle is full of exploration intrinsically and extrinsically, allowing her to teach a continuous practice of persistence, patience and vigilance. With a degree in education and a 200-hour Kripalu yoga teacher certification, she is a practitioner of non-judgmental and compassionate self-awareness. Shine shamelessly.

 

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Assistant Ed: Josie Huang/Ed: Bryonie Wise

 

{Photo: via Bonnie on Pinterest}