If you regularly read the blog or attend my classes, you know I like to share the latest research on how yoga and meditation positively influence our bodies and minds. So, if you are already feeling the benefits from taking a weekly class, why not start a personal home practice?

There are numerous benefits to practicing yoga daily– improve flexibility, mobility, strength, balance and sleep– to name only a few. But the benefits to how you show up in your daily life and in your relationships “off the mat” are tremendous.

Not convinced? Continue reading to learn how a daily yoga practice has transformed my life. 

In the Beginning 

My relationship with yoga began around 1988 just before the birth of my second child. I’d been introduced to yoga by a friend and found a weekly class at our local high school. Needless to say, I loved it! However, the peaceful, blissful feeling I felt walking out of class didn’t last long. Within a few hours I’d be back to my anxious, unhappy self.

Fast forwarding a few years, as an elementary school teacher I had the luxury of time off each summer. It was a time I looked forward to because I could take advantage of the daytime yoga classes being offered. Taking two or more classes a week made me feel even more wonderful. I noticed that that “post-practice” sense of wholeness and wellbeing lingered for more than a few hours.

Starting My Own Daily Practice 

Jumping ahead a few more years, in 2009 I decided to take my yoga practice one step further and enroll in a teacher training program.

To be perfectly honest, it was one of the most difficult (and wonderful) things I’ve ever done. As trainees, not only were we learning how to teach yoga, but we were also required to engage in svadhyaya, the yoga practice of deep introspection and self-study. Central to yogic path, teacher training required us to not only to study yogic texts, but also to apply yoga philosophy to our daily lives. This included starting a daily practice or sadhana.

I won’t kid you, getting into the habit of a daily practice wasn’t easy. But it didn’t take long for it to become a treasured part of my day. 

Rising about 30 minutes earlier than usual, I began my day by rolling out my mat and lighting a few candles. Then I’d practice some asanas and meditate. To finish, I’d read from an inspirational text and set an intention for the day ahead.

Quickly, my daily morning sadhana became the “glue” that held me together during what turned out to be a very challenging period in my personal life. Off my mat, I noticed I was more apt to take a breath and respond to a stressful situation rather than react. I also felt more ease in my body and I slept better. In the midst of a personal and professional storm of stressors, my daily practice served as a steady and dependable anchor.

My Evolving Sadhana

Although my daily sadhana looks very different now, it continues to serve me. Now my practice bookends my day. Most days, I still rise early to practice. Sometimes I journal and more recently, I’ve added walking meditation.

Then at the end of my day, usually before dinner, I take time on my mat (often in a couple of restorative poses) to release any accumulated tension and meditate. Even on the busiest of days or if I’m traveling or feeling exhausted, I prioritize sitting quietly, even if only for five minutes, and check in with myself.

But no matter how much time I devote, the discipline and consistency of practice continue to fill me with a sense of wellbeing in my mind and body. Daily practice not only loosens the stiffness and tightness in my body, but it also reminds me to look within so I can bring my practice “off my mat” and into my daily life and relationships.

Starting YOUR Own Daily Practice

Still not convinced you should start a daily practice? In truth, the “off the mat” benefits of a daily practice need to be experienced to full comprehend them. You’ll find lot of tips and strategies for developing your own daily yoga practice on my website, social media pages and YouTube channel to help you know what to do once you arrive on your mat.

So what are you waiting for? Look at your day and schedule in 5-10 minutes daily to get on your mat. As yoga and meditation teacher Rolf Gates famously said, “Yoga is not a work-out, it is a work-in.” It’s well worth the journey.

Be well! 

published 6/21/21; updated 6/6/24

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Wisdom Tree Yoga’s goal is to share the transformative benefits of yoga with real people living with real life challenges. We welcome students of all levels, offering a safe, supportive environment that is inclusive, accessible, compassionate, and joyful. Join us, follow us, stay in touch with us by clicking HERE.