In May we looked at expanding our practice to all aspects of our life: internal and external, individual and collective, in an Integral way. This month we  look at Abhyasa or constant practice: 24/24 and 7/7

If we contain our practice to the studio or our yoga mat, and keep our life the way it is for the rest of the day, we will not be able to transform ourselves, to the best we will reduce the negative effects of our current habits and patterns. At Yogi-nomad we like to say that in the studio you train or learn, but practice is what happen outside, all the time! Yogis have been aware of the need of constant practice since immemorial time, they even developed techniques to practice during sleep like Dream Yoga for example, whereby we can bring full consciousness even during your dream.

But before we start with advanced techniques there are simple things we can do. Let's start first step by making a "map" of a standard day activities. Divide them between things we do at home, at the office/work, during transport, at the place of recreation or shopping etc. Each group can be subdivided into sub -group like at home you will have eating, sleeping, reading, caring for children, checking internet-emails...and if we are very determined in the exercise we can evaluate time spent for each.

Once the detail list is done, the second step is to evaluate for each activity sub group, which activity is enticing for our practice and which is counterproductive? For example, if we are stuck 60 minutes per day in the traffic or in public transport, is this helping us being quiet or rather stressed?

The third step is to look at what can be changed or modified. If the traffic or public transport is affecting us, may be we can try to cycle rather than drive, we can read an inspirational book in the subway or listen to our favorite Mantras with our iPod. Adapting every part of day with an intention of practice will increase your practice time tremendously and our life will quickly transform and improve. Awareness and dedication are good ways to deal with things that cannot be changed or adapted: they can always be observed or dedicated to the well being of others.

Next month we will see how to practice in action, speech and thoughts...

Thank you for all your support and energy!