Personalizing Your Yoga Practice for Growth and Social Justice
I wanted to share a few insights from a recent student conversation where we discussed how to best utilize the 100+ Tejal Yoga practices available to members. The thought process I outlined felt extremely accessible to layout however I know will take a bit of time and introspection to move through. I've shared the steps and inquiries with you below.
I know you're interested in practicing yoga through a social justice lens and practical ways to dismantle perfectionism. The time we're in is inviting us to not look away, to learn more and share more about what is unjust and harmful in the world and in our communities.
I hope this process brings you back to center and grounds you to keep doing good work and making good trouble by the re-design of your personal practice.
As you move through this exercise, I'd love to hear your insights and learn more about your unique approach to this process. You can share via email reply or anonymously here.
This process is framed around understanding and breaking down this very important question:
WHAT DO I NEED NOW?
On slowing down and rebuilding practice.
Start by asking yourself: How am I defining now?
Explore what timeframe feels relevant to you.
Questions to consider:
What is coming up for me in the next week or month, rest of the year, etc.?
Do I need practices for the end of Spring or for the next quarter or x number of months?
What period of life am I in or am I about to enter?
How am I feeling in my body, mind, spirit that needs support and care?
Next ask yourself this: Within that framing of now, what can I commit to on a regular basis?
Keep in mind, “consistent” and “regular” is defined only by you.
Questions to consider:
Where in my schedule can I devote time to build a habit of practice? How long per session?
Am I forcing myself to show up in a way that doesn’t feel possible or aligned at this time i.e. livestream vs. On-Demand?
How can I best re-design my expectations to intersect with my needs?
The final ask: What practices can I access within my timeframe and commitment level?
The practices are plentiful and ever-present, try to avoid overwhelming yourself when choosing a path.
Questions to consider:
What styles of practice meets my intentions and steers me away from further engraining patterns I wish to avoid?
I can always add more later on. Given that, what is the most accessible offering to start with?
I don’t need to figure this out alone, where can I go for warm, caring, communal support?
One way to go deeper: Mentorship
I offer resources and insights to help sift through what is complex and nuanced in your daily life by applying a yogic and intersectional lens in our conversations. My experience is not as a trained therapist, but as an experienced yoga teacher and social justice educator with background in processing difficult situations and catalyzing these experiences into stories and teachings that have impacted countless community members.
You can learn more about mentorship with me at tejalyoga.com
Right now, take a long breath and feel your feet on the ground. If possible, look out the window and watch a cloud, or a leaf moving with the natural rhythm of the breeze. Immerse yourself for a few moments. Come back when you're ready.
Warmly,
Tejal
How was this process and practice? Share via email reply or anonymously here.
Tejal Yoga offers accessible movement and continuing education in a warm environment. Our knowledgeable South Asian instructors are committed to the authentic and spiritual practice of yoga. Learn more at tejalyoga.com
