Take Your Time

Can we approach yoga in a way that is free of the time constraints we impose on ourselves?

One of the first questions teachers here from new students is, "how long will this take?" The question not only refers to how much time will be necessary for practice, but also to how long it will take to actually learn and master yoga. Time has been called the poverty of our era. The hurried pace of modern life drives us to feel we have little time for the things we need or want. Time has always been precious, but too often we allow our lives to become frenzied and stressed. The new student wants to know how much time he or she must dedicate, how much of the day the yogic endeavor will require, and how long it will take to reach the goal. I have often answered these questions by saying, "it will take the rest of your life." This is actually good news. Yoga is a not a goal at all - it is a lifelong process of living and learning that nurtures our being and enriches the quality of our days. Realizing the significance of this insight removes unproductive pressures we may otherwise bring to our approach. We have our entire lifetime.

We will always have much to learn in the ways of skills and techniques, but the essence of yoga is deeper- it is always immediate and available as it grows from refining our attunement to the flow of life, and life force. Our bodies constantly change and adjust to our internal and external states, not only from day to day but also through many stages of a lifetime. That is why a more meaningful practice promises no end but provides a constant journey of learning and discovering.

Advancing our practice implies refining our ability to see and listen to our body on deeper and subtler levels. Cultivating this internal perception is more important than merely attaining more exotic postures. We can develop great strength or flexibility but miss the heart of the practice. Someone may be able to twist into a pretzel while balancing on one finger and still be a novice who misses the heart and experience of yoga.

Making the time for a yoga practice means honoring and loving ourselves enough to dedicate time each day to our own well-being. Serving ourselves is a part of serving others. Only when we take care of ourselves can we have more abundant energy to give to others and to our endeavors.

When a student tells me, "I can't find the time to take out of my daily life for practice or exercise", I reply, "Neither can I." I don't have time to "take out" for my yoga practice either, and yet I keep up a regular practice. I certainly know that I have much more energy, much more quality time and freedom, and much better health than would have been possible without having allowed myself time for asana. In truth, yoga doesn't "take time" - it gives time.

**Excerpted from Yoga Journal Magazine. November 2009 Issue.