If you’re like me you may have noticed that the short cloudy days of January have had an impact on those previously bright and shiny new year resolutions. That original intention that seemed so clear, so strong, seems less so on this cold morning, and the motivation that felt so effortless is suddenly an enormous weight of entropy pulling you back under the covers.  Fear not, it just means it is time to readjust your original motivation!

Most of us start out with an intention that is extrinsically motivated as opposed to internally motivated. We want to beat our time in a running race, stand on our head, fit into our favorite pants, or touch our toes. But what happens when we get there, or, when we don’t? Our motivation vanishes and often sends us in the opposite direction of our desired goal. Intrinsic motivation involves falling in love with the task itself, the process as opposed to the end result.

Within the practice of hatha yoga it is similar, there is no end point to a yoga pose — no place where one can say, “I did it”! Instead, like playing an instrument, there is a never ending journey of self exploration, forever deepening and expanding. A process as opposed to a product.

The reward itself is never enough to sustain us, that is why we must come to love the process itself. The process of practice that deepens the connection to our Soul and, as a result, allows us to share this greater Self with others. Remember, it’s not how far you go, it’s how you go far!

February is a short month, and just enough time to readjust to a committed mindset for 30 Days of Practice, from March 1st-30th. We are and continue to be here to support your practice, your process, your journey. See you on the mat!