ATHA YOGA ANUSHASANAM - Yoga Sutra 1.1: "Now, the practice of yoga begins"
It's no coincidence that the very first word of the Yoga Sutras is now. Presence, awareness, being in the moment are the foundation of yoga. After all, it's the only moment that truly exists.
We spend so much time stuck in the past or thinking about the future, that we fail to appreciate what's going on right now. In our yoga practice, we might be thinking about how much tighter our hamstrings feel compared to last week. Or wishing you could get closer to your Crow pose. All the while, we're missing out on the accomplishments and experiences you're having right now. After all "Yoga isn't about touching your toes, it's about what you learn on the way down" (Jigar Gor) Ekhart Tolle's book "The Power of Now" speaks of the magic and freedom found from living in the present moment. He writes "Realise deeply that the present moment is all you have. Make NOW the primary focus of your life".
expectations vs. Reality
Oh, pesky expectations. The "thief of joy" - said Teddy Roosevelt. Expectations are one of the biggest barriers to embracing the now. In yoga, we might want our postures to look like the pictures we've seen on Instagram, and be disappointed when you realise your attempt at Splits are six inches off the floor. We might expect our inner experience to feel as lovely as it did last class, and be disappointed when you're just not feeling it. You might have expectations for the atmosphere of your yoga class, and be annoyed when there's drilling going on outside the studio, or the lighting is too bright.
All of these expectations lead to disappointment, instead of appreciating the movement, the breath and the moment in front of you for what it is. And this doesn't apply just to our practice. We often have expectations of how our work colleagues should respond to our latest project, or how our partners should be planning romantic surprises. These expectations are robbing us of the opportunity to experience the now, and take whatever lessons you need from the reality of the situation.
anchored, strong
Life can often feel like navigating unpredictable waters. Sometimes, everything's calm and crystal clear, and we can float effortlessly and joyfully through life. Other days, we’re caught in the fury of the storm—overwhelmed, fighting to keep your head above water, feeling untethered. Having the skills to bring yourself into the now is equipping yourself with an anchor.
It’s about building resilience and steadiness amidst the unpredictable waves of life. When we learn to stay anchored in the now, we can stop fighting the storm and ride the waves, knowing that they will pass. Whether the waves are raging or the water's still, being anchored to the moment helps us navigate life with more ease.
go with the flow
One of the concepts within the 8 limbs of yoga is Ishvara Pranidhana, which is to surrender.
This doesn’t mean giving up, it means accepting. Every moment for what it is. Every version of you for who you are right now.
Some days, you might feel strong and flexible. Other days, you might feel tight or tired. Instead of judging yourself, just be with whatever is present - do a double chaturaga push up, or take a child's pose. Then, take this lesson off your yoga mat and into your life. When we stop trying to force or control, we create space for things to unfold naturally.
F*CK IT!
If not now, when? We're always waiting for the right time, the right conditions. For the fear to go away. To be happy, to be skinny, to be successful. But while we're waiting.... we're not living.
Sometimes, you have to say "fuck it," and just go for it. Attempt the handstand. Wear the jeans. Start the business.
This is the essence of now—committing to the present, without overthinking. Seize the moment. Commit to each breath, each movement, and each transition. Step into the unknown with confidence. The time to start is now, not later. Now, is where yoga begins.
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