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Yoga as a Priority

by Viki Distin

One of the most popular statements that I hear students lament is "I love yoga, I just don't have the time for it!" Even yoga instructors struggle with this problem.

The irony is that on the days where we don't have time for yoga are the days that we need it the most! One thing that has been helpful for me has been to prioritize my activities so that I can eliminate the things that no longer contribute to the fullness of my life. I decided to stop watching TV and reading the paper so I could free up time for family or yoga.

My friends get frustrated with my lack of "being informed", but that is a risk I am willing to take in order to have more time. This sacrifice may not be an option for you, but investigate where you can be discerning about your activities.

Another option is to get up earlier. Cascade Yoga has two early morning classes @ 5:45am which is popular for people who work or parents of young children who have a sitter at home. Over time and a consistent practice, yoga will provide you with better sleep so that getting up earlier will become easier.

Something else that has helped me create more time is to give up my attachment to other forms of exercise. I have found yoga to be a more complete, holistic and transformational way of exercising so that I do less of everything else. Once again this may not be an option for you and it is important to keep the activities that give you joy.

My final thought is simply this; ask yourself why do you have no time? What are you rushing towards or away from?

Donna Farhi in Bringing Yoga to Life, writes about the misperception that we do not have enough time. "The misperception that we do not have enough time is something that defines our Western culture." I would add to this quote that it not only defines but plagues our culture. I invite you to have the courage to step off the treadmill and include some natural pauses throughout your day.......stop and listen.......take time.......breathe........and maybe you will find that you do indeed have the time for practice after all.