When I first thought of the NaYoPracMo concept, back in November, it was just a way for me to rededicate myself to my yoga practice after a month of slacking off. I’d been writing daily for at least two hours for National Novel Writing Month, and since there are only so many hours in a day, yoga had taken a backseat. NaYoPracMo was conceived for purely selfish reasons — I needed a jumpstart, a way to make myself commit to daily practice for a period of time.
I truly didn’t expect that anyone else would join me, but I was thrilled when people started chiming in and joining up. There is something so inspiring in taking part in a shared endeavor. I loved hearing about everyone’s successes and struggles. I loved hearing about the good practices and the challenging ones. I even enjoyed hearing about the times when practice didn’t happen because it just wasn’t possible that day — due to illness, travel, mental obstacles, or even early pregnancy!! — because not practicing is as much as part of the learning process as practicing is.
There were days, I’ll admit, when pure ego got me on the mat, because how could I NOT practice? It would have been like inviting everyone to a party, and then not showing up! Honestly, without NaYoPracMo, I don’t think that I would have had much of a practice in January; my back problem just seemed overwhelming at times. There were times I was in tears on the mat. But thanks to this commitment I was able to practice through it and learn ways to modify the yoga asanas so that I can practice without pain.
So what did I learn? I learned that some practice (even 10 minutes of gentle asanas and mindful breathing) is better than no practice. I learned that I’m in this for the long haul and if I want to keep practicing for the rest of my life, I have to find a way to make it work for me. I learned that I have to be flexible (pun intended) and not be attached to one notion of what a “practice” consists of. I learned that a day with yoga is infinitely better than a day with no yoga. Most of all, I confirmed what I’d always suspected — that there is a wonderful, vibrant community of yogis out there who are inspiring, caring, giving souls.
This is not the end of the party, my friends. I hope to keep up a daily, or nearly-daily, practice for, oh, the next 40 years or so. I would love to host another NaYoPracMo party in the next few months, but until then, keep your feet on the mat. Inhale. Exhale. Be grateful. I know I am.
Namaste, everyone.
