“A habit is a routine or behavior that is performed regularly and. in many cases, automatically.”
- James Clear, Atomic Habits
I didn’t want to attend my first yoga class.
It was 2004, I was newly divorced, and the wounds were fresh.
I was searching for something that would take my mind away from the pain and heartache that every day seemed to deliver.
But touching my toes or leaping into a handstand just didn’t seem like the answer. Grudgingly, I joined my friend Greg for a beginner’s workshop.
In two hours, I had found a new love.
It became a daily experience. My days always contained a session of physical and mental integration. Each class represented a reunion with some of my favorite people, and I relished the opportunity to direct my attention to my own practice.
We often underestimate the power of daily practice.
We think that because something is challenging to do, it should be done in moderation — as often as possible, but not too often.
So, last November, with Covid starting to feel when I resolved to start going back to yoga classes, I thought that a couple of times a week would be enough.
But I quickly realized I was wrong.
Despite my best intentions, it was all too easy to skip a session and make up for it tomorrow — but tomorrow never came.
After a month of inconsistent hitting the studio, I stopped altogether.
This is when I realized I needed to make a conscious effort to switch my approach: I needed to make yoga-going a part of my daily life.
Even if it meant 5 minutes on my bedroom floor.
Little did I know, this decision would completely confirm my outlook for the better: what was once a Herculean task became a default action. The daily practice removed the need for willpower, and instead became an instinctive habit.
It made what used to be difficult … simple.
…
This Week’s Challenge: Adopt One New Practice for a Week
“The easiest way to increase happiness is to control your use of time. Can you find more time to do the things you enjoy doing?” - Daniel Kahneman, Thinking, Fast and Slow
This week, take time to start one daily practice. Something that you will commit to each and every day for one week. Here are 10 ideas for you:
1. Practice personal gratitude: As you open your eyes each morning, let yourself remember all of the abundant blessings for which you are grateful and offer your deepest appreciation to the generous Universe for all of its blessings, and thank the universe for your good fortune.
2. Exercise more: Exercising daily is an essential component of a healthy and balanced life. Set aside time to get your heart racing, from a leisurely stroll to intensified training, and make it a priority to nurture your body on a regular basis. Move and become stronger in both body and mind.
3. Eat better: Commit to fueling your body with nourishing and healthy foods. Go vegan, vegetarian, gluten, or sugar-free. Let for diet nourish you, allowing for greater clarity of thought, sage emotion, and sharpened physical vigor.
4. Reduce daily stress: Take time each day to relax and unwind. From reading a book to meditating or taking a hot bath or shower, find ways to help your body and mind recover from the stresses of the day. Take time to just be.
5. Connect with others: Spend time with family and friends or reach out to someone you haven’t connected with for a while. Commit to one new reconnection every day.
6. Learn something new: Take up a hobby or craft, enroll in a class, or propose a project that you’ve always wanted to do. Learning new things can help keep you engaged and inspired.
7. Give back: Give back to the community or help out someone in need. Even just a few hours a week can make you feel more fulfilled.
8. Laugh more: To grasp the power of laughter, seek out those who bring it to you, watch something funny, or seek ways to bring lightheartedness to your day.
9. Live in the present: We can so easily become trapped in ruminating on what’s already been or obsessing over what’s to come. It’s important to recognize the power of the present moment and make an effort to simply be, right here and right now.
10. Make time for yourself: Take a little time each day for yourself, attending to your own well-being. Use this time to nurture your spirit, whether it be with a yoga session in the morning, a run, or writing in a journal.
Good luck,
Listen to Scott on the Mind Love Podcast
Sharing your Success
What new practice did you pick up? Share your journey and let us know what you thought of today’s challenge on Facebook and Instagram, or just email us! Use hashtags #scareyoursoul and #mycouragemoment.