Cultivating Consistency in Your Yoga Practice and Beyond

Happy New Year! As we step into another year, many of us reflect on how to create meaningful, lasting change in our lives. Consistency is a cornerstone of this transformation—especially in our yoga practice. Yet, consistency often feels elusive, even though it’s essential for growth.

I’ve struggled with this in my own life. In my younger years, I frequently found it challenging to show up for myself. I envisioned the life I wanted but struggled to take daily steps toward it. Over time, I learned strategies that helped me cultivate consistency—not just in my yoga practice but in my personal and professional goals as well.

Here, I want to share how you can nurture consistency in your yoga practice by drawing on yogic philosophy and incorporating practical strategies into your daily life.

Yogic Principles to Support Consistency

1. Tapas (Discipline)

Tapas, one of the niyamas from the Yoga Sutras, is often translated as discipline. It’s the fiery energy that propels us forward, even when challenges arise. Think of tapas as your inner fire—a mix of determination and devotion.

When life gets tough, reflect on what or whom you’re devoted to. For me, my daughter often serves as a source of inspiration. Even on hard days, my devotion to her helps me take one step forward. Similarly, in your yoga practice, tapas might show up as holding a challenging pose or flowing through a heat-building sequence.

Tapas also teaches us to embrace resistance as a friend. Just like strength training requires resistance to build muscle, our inner strength grows when we meet challenges with courage and resilience.

2. Abhyasa (Practice)

Abhyasa refers to a consistent, intentional practice over time. According to the Yoga Sutras, a practice must meet three criteria:

• Long-term commitment: Yoga is not about quick fixes but a lifelong relationship.

• Uninterrupted effort: Even when life disrupts your routine, return to your practice with compassion. Consistency matters more than perfection.

• Joy and respect: Approach your practice with enthusiasm and gratitude, letting go of perfectionism.

3. Vairagya (Non-Attachment)

Vairagya is the practice of letting go of attachment to outcomes. This doesn’t mean we stop caring about our goals; instead, we release the need for perfection and approach our efforts with curiosity and acceptance.

Think of your yoga mat as a laboratory where you experiment with self-study (svadhyaya). Some days, you’ll feel strong and balanced; other days, your practice might be gentle or even wobbly. Embrace it all with compassion and without judgment.

Practical Tips for Building Consistency

1. Start Small

Begin with manageable goals. For example, commit to 10 minutes of yoga daily or a few sun salutations each morning. Small, consistent actions build momentum and create habits that stick.

2. Create Rituals

Designate a consistent time and space for your practice. Whether it’s rolling out your mat first thing in the morning or scheduling classes through the True Love Yoga app, make it part of your routine. Rituals simplify decision-making and help anchor your practice in your daily life.

3. Track Your Progress

Use a journal or app to reflect on your yoga journey. Note insights, challenges, and accomplishments. Over time, this record becomes a source of motivation and a reminder of how far you’ve come.

4. Plan Ahead

Set yourself up for success by planning your week in advance. Schedule classes or block out time for your home practice. Planning ensures your goals don’t get lost in the busyness of life.

5. Celebrate Imperfection

Remember, consistency is about showing up, not being perfect. If your practice one day is simply lying in Savasana, that’s enough. What matters is that you honored your commitment to yourself.

Moving Forward

Consistency is the key to unlocking growth—both on and off the mat. By embracing tapas, abhyasa, and vairagya, you can approach your practice with devotion, resilience, and acceptance.

Whether your intention for the year is to deepen your yoga practice, laugh more, or prioritize self-care, remember to start small, create rituals, and show up imperfectly yet wholeheartedly.

Ready to commit to your practice? Explore our classes at True Love Yoga and take the first step toward a year of consistency and transformation.

For additional resources on cultivating mindfulness and yoga practices, please explore True Love Yoga and my podcast, Deepen Your Yoga Practice, for more guidance on deepening your journey on and off the mat.