Any Time is a Good Time

Yoga does a body good.  Which is why the month of September is National Yoga Month (a national observance designated by the Department of Health & Human Services) designed to educate people about the health benefits of yoga and to inspire a healthy lifestyle.

Deep inside, we usually know what is good for us. However, sometimes we need a subtle reminder. National Yoga Month was dedicated precisely for that purpose of bringing attention to the important physical, mental and emotional benefits of practicing Yoga.

Every year we make New Year’s resolutions, but why not use the month of September as a re-start button before the holidays to set the intention of developing a healthy new habit?

Many people procrastinate and fail to take that first step because they suffer from lack of motivation, fear of failure or skill deficits where one feels they lack the skills necessary to complete the task so its only natural they avoid it. In most of these cases, the root of this indecision and procrastination is ignorance.  I don’t like to use this word, but it’s true.

Ignorance is a word used a lot during yoga teachings. In the sacred language of yoga, Sanskrit, ignorance is translated as “Avidya”.  Vidya means knowledge, and so A-vidya is the lack of knowledge. In this context we refer to not knowing what yoga can ultimately do for us and / or how to even do it. Well, that’s what Yoga centers are for. Surrender and let a qualified teacher guide you. Ask for studio referrals from friends, family and colleagues or go online and find a place that calls your attention and then just show up. My advice is don’t over think it, don’t wonder what, why, how and don’t ponder, dwell or hesitate. As I always tell my students, “some yoga is better than no yoga”.

However, just like with the Bingo, in Yoga, you have to be present to win. That is why we usually say, showing up is 50 percent of the work. It is many times the hardest part.

Happy National Yoga Month!