27/07/2026
There are many ways we trip ourselves up when it comes to a regular practice and the biggest one I see is people making the excuse that they lack discipline.
What I've come to realise is that discipline is a muscle you build, not something you're born with.
So, if getting to a yoga class regularly has been tough for you lately or if you're trying to build a regular practice at home, changing these three things will make a big difference.
Because consistency is where the real change happens and the magic of yoga really starts to blossom.
Firstly, stop waiting to feel motivated to do yoga.
This is why it's so important to book your yoga class for the term and make it a priority every week to go. Making excuses and giving yourself an out just makes it harder to stay consistent.
Go anyway and ask your teacher how to adjust the practice if you are tired or working with an issue.
If you want to practice regularly at home, choose a time and stick to it. 30 minutes on the mat a few times a week is better than trying to do an hour and a half and then feeling overwhelmed and not even starting.
Start small and grow!
Second, focus on how you feel after you practice.
I'm sure you've all experienced that post yoga glow! How after class somehow you feel lighter and more spacious in body, mind and spirit.
Yoga has a way of changing the way we see the world. We get a fresh perspective on things that have been bothering us. Anxiety and stress are eased.
And when we are going through something difficult, like I am at the moment with disturbed sleep, after I practice, I feel better able to cope.
This is the reason we practice, not to get thinner or change the way we look.
When we feel good on the inside, we glow. It doesn't matter what shape we are.
Third, stop aiming for perfection.
Perfection is a useless standard. Who gets to be the judge of what perfect is anyway?? You're giving your power away chasing an ideal if you don't practice because you're afraid you won't get it right.
You don't tell a toddler who is learning to walk and falls over a lot that they made a mistake and that they aren't doing it right. You encourage their attempts every time they fall down.
We should all practice this way. Be a beginner. Know that sometimes you'll make mistakes and in the mistakes is where the best learning happens.
Perfection stifles your creativity and your open mindedness. Leave it aside and just get on with it.
So go ahead and practice. Looking forward to seeing you all back on the mat soon!
https://www.janinemurphyyoga.com
