Exploring The Power Of Determination In Yoga

Whether you’re new to yoga or an experienced practitioner, all it takes is that first moment you step on the mat to realise that this is far more than just a physical practice. You only have to approach your practice with an impatient mindset to know that you’re never going to find balance in Tree Pose. Or witness the deep release you feel in pigeon when you come from a place of kindness.

Yoga literally means “union”, the unity of body, mind & soul.

It has a direct cause and effect relationship, meaning what you bring to the mat mentally will present itself physically, and what you bring in body can affect the mind. The key is in influencing one element with the other, working towards finding true connection and balance.

Determination can be a dangerous term if it is considered something rigid and absolute – “I am determined to do full chaturanga, even though I have a shoulder injury.” Approaching determination in your practice with a closed mind is being so committed to a plan that it obstructs your ability to be open to the present moment.

“If you can’t fly, then run. If you can’t run, then walk. If you can’t walk, then crawl. But whatever you do you have to keep moving forward.” ~ Martin Luther King

However, a healthy way to approach your practice with determination is by setting a Sankalpa, intention or focus such as “I will step on the mat every day”, but being flexible enough to accept what you discover when you get there.

Discipline is a key component of yoga and the great Sages placed emphasis on our ability to bring discipline to our practice. However, that doesn’t mean pushing yourself beyond your limits and driving yourself to injury by not listening to your body. Focus and determination is about setting that intention, but being prepared to honour the journey.

“Yoga is not about touching your toes, it is what you learn on the way down.” ~ Jigar Gor

The power in ‘determination’ is not the end goal but in the process or journey of getting to that goal. What determination does is set us on a path and gives us the motivation to keep moving forward.

How can you harness the power of determination?

Resolve to make a commitment to your practice. Weave the power of yoga into your schedule by aligning your tasks and actions with your practice. Set aside non-negotiable time for yourself by committing to stepping on the mat regularly. 

Be committed to your intention but flexible in your approach. Learn to go with the flow and honour how you feel each and every day. Some days you’ll be firing on all cylinders and that Power class will align perfectly, other days you may resonate with the nurturing practice of Yin. The key is to listen to your body to honour where it’s at and nurture your mind by letting go of any judgement or expectation.

And lastly, embrace your growth on and off the mat. That is the true beauty of yoga, that we are always growing under its influence, both in our practice and in life, physically, emotionally and spiritually. 

‘Determination’ is your power.

How are you going to approach determination in your practice? Perhaps set yourself up with a positive affirmation to give you focus on and off the mat.

Strengthen, Energise, Release & Thrive!
Team Kula