How to give yourself enough energy before a yoga class and deeply commit to the present moment

Finding the energy and focus to practice yoga can sometimes be like climbing a mountain in the busyness of life. (Believe me, I've been through a similar situation myself where I felt lost.)

But for those who are deeply drawn to yoga's transformative power, stepping onto the mat is more than just a physical feat; it's a spiritual commitment to self-discovery, presence, and expansion.

 

Truly immersing oneself in this process - letting go of the daily routine and engaging wholeheartedly in the present moment - requires preparation, intention, and faith in one's ability to tap into the unlimited possibilities within.

 

In this slice, you'll learn how you can energize yourself and deepen your yoga practice...

 

Common struggles: Why is it hard to stay in the present?

 

Before we get into the solution, it's important to understand why being fully present during yoga can be so challenging. Some of the most common obstacles include:

1.Mental Overload: Endless to-do lists and unresolved issues at work, in relationships, or in personal growth can disrupt your focus.

 

2.Physical fatigue: An exhausting day or lack of sleep leaves little energy for mindfulness.

 

3. Inconsistent practice: Irregular practice often disrupts your ability to engage in the rhythm of yoga.

 

4. Self-doubt: Beliefs that you are "not good enough" for certain postures or spiritual depth can block the flow of energy.

 

Sound familiar? If so, you are not alone.

Even the most experienced yogis face these obstacles, but the beauty of yoga is the endless possibilities to start over with every breath.

 

 

Energizing yourself before class

 

Preparation is the key to gaining the energy and mental clarity necessary to fully practice yoga. Here are some practical tips:

1. Nourish your body with purpose

Before class, wisely nourish your body with food. Avoid heavy meals that can make you apathetic, but opt for a light snack that will give you sustained energy, such as a banana with almond butter or a small handful of nuts. Hydrate well, but not excessively to avoid discomfort.

 

 

2. Create a ritual before yoga

Transitioning from your daily routine to yoga requires intentionality. Develop a ritual to indicate to your mind that it's time to switch modes. It could include:

• a short walk outside to ground yourself.
• writing a few thoughts in a journal to get rid of lingering worries.
• listening to soothing music or guided meditation.

 

3. Breathing exercises to regain energy

Before you even step onto the mat, simple pranayama (breathing exercises) can awaken your body and mind. Try kapalabhati (glowing breath ) for a stimulating effect or nadi shodhana (alternate nostril breathing) to balance the energy channels.

 

 

Give full attention to the present moment

 

Once your energy is balanced, the next step is to stay deeply present during the practice. For most of us, this doesn't come naturally - it's a skill that grows with consistent effort and intention.

1. Set an intention for your practice

Before beginning a session, ask yourself the question: What do I want to cultivate today?

Whether it's peace, strength, or self-acceptance, your intention will become your guide and gently draw you back whenever your mind wanders.

Real-life example: a friend of mine was struggling with anxiety about looming work deadlines during her yoga practice. When she set the intention to "trust the process," she was able to relax and focus more and realized that when she finished the work, she would still be done - but her calm needed nurturing in the present moment.

 

 

2. Become aware of and release wandering thoughts

It is natural for thoughts to arise during exercise. The key is not to suppress them, but to observe them without judgment and gently guide the attention back to the breath, body, or teacher's voice.

 

 

3. Anchor yourself with sensory perception

Engage all your senses to anchor yourself in the present moment:

• feel the texture of the mat under your hands.
• feel the rhythm of your breath.
• tune into the sounds around you, whether it's soothing music or the instructor's instructions.

 

4. Accept the challenge

Some positions or moments in the exercise will test your patience or ego. This is where growth happens. Instead of getting defensive or berating yourself, approach these moments with curiosity and compassion for yourself.

Remember that every wobble and stretch is part of the journey.

 

 

Staying motivated: Yoga beyond the mat

 

Yoga is not limited to 60 or 90 minutes spent in the studio. When you bring its principles into your daily life, your motivation to return to the mat will increase exponentially.

1. Think about it - WHY?

Why did you start yoga in the first place? To improve your flexibility? To find inner peace? To connect spiritually?

Recognize your deeper reason for practicing even on busy days.

 

 

2. Celebrate... small victories matter

Whether it's holding a pose longer, feeling calm after a workout, or simply showing up on a tough day - acknowledge your progress. Celebrating these moments reinforces positive feedback.

 

 

3. Surround yourself with inspiration...it's empowering!

Connect with a community of like-minded exercisers. Share your challenges and triumphs. Reading books on yoga philosophy or attending seminars can also reignite your passion.

Real-life example: a friend of mine who is a yoga practitioner attended a retreat to deepen her understanding of the spiritual dimension of yoga. This experience infused her daily practice with newfound awe and enthusiasm, motivating her even during hectic weeks.

 

 

Faith in the process

 

The beauty of yoga is that it can meet you wherever you are - physically, emotionally, and spiritually. If you take the time to prepare, commit to the present moment, and stay motivated, you can unlock not only the physical benefits of yoga, but its potential to transform your entire way of being.

 

Remember, yoga is a journey, not a destination.

Trust in your ability to grow, evolve, and take each step with determination, love, and faith.

As you practice, remind yourself that the challenges on the mat mirror the challenges in life - both are opportunities to ascend to new dimensions.

 

So take a deep breath, unroll the mat, and step forward with energy, presence, and a heart full of possibility. The universe is in your favor...

 

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And how are you preparing for the next miracle on the mat? What are you doing to increase your commitment and energy?

Let me know your thoughts...