It Has Happened to All Of Us: How Do We Get Back on Track?

It has happened to all of us. Kids, or not, our practice has been interrupted or stopped altogether. How do we get back on track? Or, how to we let it go? Sometimes these questions roll around in my brain for days. 

When my practice or routine gets stopped I feel like I’m failing. Which is also unhealthy (I’m working on it). So how do I let it go and get back to my day and eventually, get back to my practice.  

Here are a few ways to create a peaceful transition from your practice to your life. 

Childs pose: Spread your knees out towards the long edges of your mat. Bring your toes to touch and push your hips back into your heels. Let your head rest on the mat while you reach your arms out long in front of you. 

Puppy pose: Think child’s pose with your top body. Stack your hips over your knees and press the tops of your feet into the mat. Inhale deeply, on your exhale, release tension in your head and neck. 

Cat/Cow: Starting in a table top position, arch your back and pull your belly towards your spine. Exhale your breath, drop your belly and lift your gaze for cow pose. Take a deep inhale,  and repeats movements on the breath. Maybe keep your eyes closed through a couple rounds of these to engage in a strong mind/body connection. 

Pranayama (ocean breath): Constrict the back of your throat like you’re trying to fog up a mirror. Take even breaths. Maybe place one hand on your heart, one on your belly. 

Savasana (the death pose): Give your practice an actual death. Let it rest. Let it be done. It’s ok, death is part of every practice! You can always try again tomorrow. 

The world is full of so much information. So many hard truths and distractions. By practicing the death and return to your mat, you’re reminding yourself that you don’t give up when there’s an interruption-that you can do hard things! Get back to the work at hand. Get back to your practice. And remember, we don’t come to our mats purely for physical benefits. These skills can be cultivated into our daily lives and make it stronger and more mindful beings.