A Life Lesson from the Yoga Mat: Abhyāsa + Vairāgya

In yoga there is a sanskrit word and concept: abhyāsa. 

 

As with most sanskrit words, there are multiple translations, one of which is: steady, dedicated practice over time. 

 

Abhyāsa is the concept of putting in steady effort towards are goals - by putting in time, effort, and consistency. It's a reminder that anything we are working towards - whether it's spiritual enlightenment, a new yoga pose, a career trajectory, a relationship, anything else worthwhile to us - requires our , steady consistent effort over time. 

 

Read that again: consistent effort over time. There are three essential ingredients:

It may seem obvious, but abhyāsa reminds us that we cannot try something once and expect life-changing results, nor will we get the same “results” from sporadic sprint efforts that we will from steady endeavoring. 

 

As an example: we can't go to one yoga class and hope for yoga to have a meaningful impact on our lives. Truthfully, we can't just go to one yoga class a week and expect it to have revelatory effect on us. If you want true growth, stick to a steady schedule and show up no matter what in a steady manner (this implies showing up in an energetically sustainable way).

 

Abhyāsa is paired with a sister concept: vairāgya. This word translates to non-attachment - aka: the art of letting go.

 

This is so rich. Our effort must be paired with our non-attachment. We must consistency put forth our work, and then let go of the outcome. We practice this on our mats - show up and do the work, and be unattached to the outcome. 

 

Simple idea, but not easy.

 

How can we translate this into our lives? I know I personally struggle with two aspects of these concepts. I become very attached, and I also want immediate results 🙃 I want to see the impact of my efforts in short-time, and I want the results I want. Maybe you can relate? 

 

This is the practice. This is the lesson. Notice the attachments, notice the results we expect from inconsistent or short-term effort. Feel comforted by the fact that you are meant to put in steady, consistent work towards your goals. Don't let your mind take over with stories about not being where you are meant to be yet - it's all in its good timing.

 

 

You are doing great, and we can never truly know what is held for us in our future if we practice non-attachment and let it all unfold in its timing 🙏🏼