does your practice have rhythm?
"Life is about rhythm. We vibrate, our hearts are pumping blood, we are a rhythm machine, that's what we are."
– Mickey Hart
Hellllloooooo Practitioners,
Yoga-asana is the lynchpin for my body/mind/spirit. It keeps my physical form fine-tuned. Creates sacred space for my mind. Encourages communion with Spirit.
AND… every ounce of me savors a morning walk. My fiery-side gets a kick out of strength training. My nervous system needs full diaphragmatic breathing. My soul feel parched without meditation. But how to make time for everything?
Years ago, I thought if I diversified my practices, I would make “less progress” with yoga-asana. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Multi-dimensional practice has brought creativity, spontaneity and sustainability.
For me, rhythm is the key. When I have a rhythm for my practices, they flow and fold into one another.
To set up that rhythm, I needed to know the instruments I was playing with. So I broke my practices into 4 categories: Movement, Stillness, Resilience/Poise, Inspiration/Reflection. (If you haven't already, watch the Practice Compass Tutorial)
With rhythm, practice doesn’t need to be the same every day or every week because dancing with those key categories brings balance.
Next week, I’ll share more about my practice rhythms and how I shift to meet changing life circumstances. (Getting marriage and becoming a step-parent has been rich for this!) You'll also get a tool for a practice inventory and audit.
For now, get curious:
Do you have a rhythm with your practice?
What practices are vital for you? Why? What do you get from them?
Is there anything you do because you “should” but it’s not really nourishing (anymore)?
Is there anything you crave but haven’t figured out how to fit in?
Chew on these questions. If it brings up something big, I'd love to hear about it.
May your practice provide rhythm,
Alison
