If you have been to Hemma lately, you may have noticed that people 
here are participating in 30 Days of Practice. Nearly 90 brave souls have added their name to the chart and reward themselves with a sticker for each day of practice. I have been lovingly referring to it as “a sticker club”, though it is much more than that. Each sticker represents someone’s commitment to their practice; their commitment to themselves. Practice will look different for everyone and we welcome all practice at Hemma, at home, or our in the community. Whether your practice is yoga, meditation, or something else, the most important thing is that you practice regularly.
We had a lovely opening circle on March 1st to set intentions and meditate as a community. If you participated in this, recall your intention you set for yourself this month, and remind yourself of it each day. This is your spark for practice that you need to keep burning bright! If you want to join now, or participate on your own in the future, here are 6 tips to keep you going:
1. Set an Intention
In Yogic terms, a Sankalpa is an intention you set to bring you closer to your full potential. It is a simple, positive statement in the present tense. It is best to state your Sankalpa mentally during Yoga or meditation. In this way, you plant a seed deep into your subconscious. What do you need right now?
2. Identify Obstacles…..and solutions!
Change is constant and life will often through you surprises. Certain habits, thought patterns, situations, and people may try to get in your way. Be proactive about some solutions. For example…
Obstacle: I don’t have time to practice every day
Solution: I will schedule time each day – even if it’s only 15 mins.
3. Make a Plan
It may happen that you naturally fall into routine and find yourself floating to your Yoga mat everyday….but more likely you will actually need to plan it! Have a look at the class schedule and your personal schedule then see what classes you can attend. Commit to these times. On days when you can’t make it to a class, have a plan for a home practice, online class, or meditation.
4. Practice with Community
You are not alone in this! We are all working towards a similar goal – practicing Yoga daily. Find a “Yoga Buddy” – someone who will help hold you accountable and practice with you. Be your own Yoga buddy! Reach out to this community to share challenges, and celebrate your goals. And remember that we are doing this together, so if you practice early in the morning at home, know that someone else is probably doing the same!
5. Keep a Journal
As you embark on this journey, you may notice changes in your body, your mind, your emotions, your relationships, your whole Self. Keep track of how you feel. If you already practice Yoga everyday, then this tool may be especially helpful to learn more about yourself.
6. Celebrate!
Be proud of yourself for even stepping into this journey. Celebrate little milestones like “one week of practice”, or the fact that you are practicing more than you normally do. We are only ten days into this and already I can feel the momentum building. It’s incredibly inspiring to see so many people committing to their practice. Keep it going!
Be well,
Kelly