Why do you practice yoga?

“Vogue and Self are putting out the message of yoginis as buff and perfect.  If you start doing yoga for those reasons, fine.  Most people get
beyond that and see that it’s much, much more.” ~~ Patricia Walden

I know it’s been a few weeks since I’ve posted, and I sincerely apologize. It’s been really busy for me all around, and I just totally and completely had no time to think of anything brilliant or interesting to write about. Please forgive me…I promise to be better from now on.

This week, I am curious to know something. What is it that brings you to the mat to practice yoga? When you have days where your energy is tapped, or your emotions are all over the place, what makes you hop on the mat, over and over again?

For me, it’s the way yoga makes me focus. I have so much trouble focusing, especially when I am stressed (which seems like ALL the time!). No matter what I am going through, and no matter how stressed I am, I am always able to focus on my breath, my body and my mind when I’m on my mat. It’s amazing how during that time, all my cares just don’t seem to matter. And then I realize…they DON’T matter. At the end of the day, my worries don’t define me, and all I can do is the best I can do. Right? Right! Being on my mat makes me remember that. Amazingly, I am able to take that with me off the mat, at least for a little while.

So what about you? I’d love to know the reasons you all find a way to get on your mats, no matter what. Some of you may not be able to answer this question right now, and that’s OK. Maybe reading this post, and the responses I hope to get, will provide that reason you’ve been looking for. Think of this as a potential source of inspiration. 🙂

I look forward to reading your comments, and I most especially look forward to practicing with each and every one of you in some way.

Namaste,

Melanie