01/02/2023
Food for thought. Are Yoga Challenges Yogic? Well, as with most things, it depends! I believe it’s all about your intention. Why are you on your mat? If you plan to take part in a challenge with the goal of finishing at all costs, or to beat everyone else, or pushing yourself with no mindful awareness to your body’s needs, then maybe it’s not so yogic. However, if you go into it with the intention to mindfully practice, regardless of what that looks like (maybe one day it’s a Power Vinyasa practice, taking all the chaturangas, the next day, still Vinyasa but with cat/cow instead of chaturangas and exploring a new pose with curiosity, and the next day restorative, yin, pranayama, self-study, or meditation), remembering that yoga can and will look very different every single day, then I think it is very yogic. Remember the first two limbs of yoga, the yamas and niyamas, each time you come to your mat. A few to keep in mind with regard to this topic: Ahimsa (non-violence or honor your body), Brahmacharya (non-excess or know when to rest), Aparigraha (non-possessiveness or letting go of the result), Tapas (self-discipline to get on the mat), and Svadhyaya (self-study or inner exploration). So enjoy the challenges, but remember to take care of YOU and let go of the attachment to the result. Happy New Year!