Yogi’s don’t just do yoga. They take on a practice. To become good at yoga (or anything really) takes a significant commitment.  When we develop a practice, our commitment takes on a life of its own. Only through the physical, mental, and spiritual trial and error in our endeavors, do we begin to embody our practice.

Inherent within the idea of developing a practice is so much juicy goodness: commitment, mindfulness, improvement, balance, growth. Fulfillment. Getting better at something just plain feels good.

I like the idea of practice.

Practice, as a way of being, gives us a soft way of experimenting. Permission to try, fail, and repeat, driven by larger commitments. Always improving, even if only in the smallest way; practice is permission to play.

Within the yogi mindset, is another concept I love. “Mantras.”

Mantras, are an ancient philosophy (a Sanskrit word really) that a group of words uttered together can have a physiological, even spiritual power. Derived from the roots, “man” and “sound” when literally translated mean using the sound vibrations to channel our minds. (Ohm – Ω)

Mantras help me stay grounded by narrowing my focus to my practices.

When I remind myself that I am a writer, I find the time to practice my writing. When I feel resistance to practicing for triathlon (i.e. my training), I ask myself, what would a champion do? And it’s that much easier to lace up my run sneakers. If I feel myself becoming stressed, I take a few deep breaths and remind myself of my mantra that I am peace.

Where in your life can you borrow a frame of mind from our yogi friends?

What dreams are growing in your heart that deserves a focused effort? Develop a mantra that feels good, and never be afraid to practice.