Vows are usually associated with marriages and unions, as partners promise to be committed to each other. A vow is a promise. A vow can be verbal or in writing. You make a promise to commit to a role or course. When was the last vow you made to yourself and others?
Consider your yoga practice, how it has changed over the years, and your relationship to your practice. How would you describe your connection to your yoga practice? What is your method of measuring your progress on the yoga path?
When I did this mental exercise, I thought about four aspects of my practice. asana pranayama dharana(concentration) and Dhyana (meditation). After realizing I was only focusing on specific aspects of yoga, I decided to expand my practice. It would help if you did the same.
What is a vow of yogic
Vrata, a Sanskrit term in the Vedas and Upanishads, means “vow, resolution, or devotion.” A vrata, then, is a thoughtful and deliberate commitment to personal action that is performed to improve the well-being of oneself or loved ones. A vrata can be a private practice involving prayer, chanting, or reading spiritual texts. It may also include yoga, meditation, or other methods.
How to Commit to Yoga
Commit that you will be able to (and want to) keep
I recognized the missing areas in my progress report and incorporated the niyamas (“do’s”) into my practice. I tried not to be intimidated by the amount of material to cover. There’s always something new to learn. My quest for growth began with one niyama, santosha.
My vow: I acknowledge that I still have much to learn and vow to practice Santosha whenever I face new challenges. Note: I use the word “lessons,” which is an optimistic way of saying “challenges.”
Practice your vows in specific ways
A vow is more abstract than a goal. Whereas a plan can be measured with a destination or checkpoint that’s clear and definitive, a promise is more abstract. It’s, therefore, essential to think of practical ways to show your commitment to yourself.
Take, for example, the vow that you will love your partner unconditionally “in sickness and health.” You could apply this by bringing tissues and tea to your partner when sick rather than covering them up with a blanket or running away.
When struggling with a difficult asana, I can practice self-compassion by using an encouraging phrase or word and smiling at each attempt.
How to stay accountable to your vow
Commit to a daily vow. Spend a few moments every day incorporating your vow.
Connect with your heart. Remind yourself of your intentions and how yoga can help move you forward.
Write down your vow. Place a piece of paper with your vow near your mat, or keep it in your pocket. Consider keeping a Yoga Journal.
Recite the vow. Say it during, before, and after practice or at specific points in the day.
Find someone to share your vow with! Make a partner for your vow. It is helpful to have someone keep an eye on you. You may inspire others to follow suit.
Wear a symbol that symbolizes your vow. Remind yourself of your commitment. Every time he complained, he would have to change his wrists. He was annoyed after a day, but it made him aware of his bad habit.
Teach the vow. Create a yoga class based on the vow. To focus on aparigraha (liberation from excess), sequence your class using hip and chest opening poses.
Benefit from the advantages
A personal promise that is clearly outlined can add mindfulness to your yoga practice as well as your daily actions, thoughts, and interactions. I can use my vow to express gratitude on and off the yoga mat during challenging times.