We have the best of intentions, and we take our commitments seriously. Alas, sometimes this translates into too much for too long. Here are four signs that you need to make changes, with suggestions for how to bring the luster back.
#1 – You’re overtraining.
We know that yoga is good for your body, so we do as much of it as possible, right? Not so fast – depending on what style you practice, you can find yourself in a cycle of too much physical activity without enough rest. Signs of overtraining include general fatigue and, conversely enough, insomnia, as well as mood challenges, decreased performance, and increased injuries. If that sore glute doesn’t seem to ever heal fully, maybe it’s time to back off on the vinyasas.
WHAT TO DO INSTEAD: Try mixing things up. Include a session of restorative in your weekly practice. If you’re committed to a certain class, remember that you don’t have to practice every pose to the ultimate limit of your physical ability. Use props whether you think you need them or not, and remember the yama of ahimsa, or nonviolence – it’s neither necessary nor appropriate to beat up your body in the pursuit of enlightenment.
#2 – You’re focused exclusively on asana.
Classical yoga is composed of eight different “limbs,” or paths, with asana being only one of them. If that’s all you’re doing, it’s exercise rather than yoga.
WHAT TO DO INSTEAD: Try taking a gentler class that focuses more on breathing and less on movement. In your home practice, take the time to study the yamas and niyamas. Find a book on yoga philosophy or a complementary practice and take the time to read it. Attend a kirtan session if you can.
#3 – You don’t see changes in the rest of your life.
What we do on the mat is supposed to influence what we do off the mat. One of the niyamas, svadhyaya, focuses on self-study for the purpose of making positive changes.
WHAT TO DO INSTEAD: One way to study yourself is to journal, perhaps writing about how you’re doing with the rest of the yamas and niyamas. You might borrow an idea from the various Anonymous programs and try writing out a personal inventory before making needed amends. Or you might try keeping a gratitude list as a form of ishvara pranidhana (the fifth niyama, or surrendering to the Divine however you conceive of that force.) If you find meditation difficult, perhaps a gentle walk in nature might help you find a way to move beyond your own ego.
#4 – Your practice feels lonely.
Over the past few years, it’s gotten way too easy to lose contact with people. With the ending of the pandemic emergency, it’s time to re-connect with the people who invigorate your yoga.
WHAT TO DO INSTEAD: Branch out. Try practicing outside in a park instead of at home – you’ll connect with nature and possibly with interested passers-by. Find a studio or community center class and attend at least one session. Put out a “hive mind” blast on Facebook or Instagram to see if anyone is interested in starting a yoga book club, or find one that’s already going strong and go to a meeting. Or take a meditation course in person instead of on-line.
Doing the same thing repeatedly will lead to the same repeated results. Take care of yourself and make needed changes. This will prevent or cure burnout and allow your practice to continue. Remember, if you’re not getting the right results, you’ll need to change what you do!
Yoga Cielo Stellato 